DOLPA, May 9: The elected representatives of Dolpa have undergone training for the conservation of the endangered red panda. 

The training was organized by Dunai-based NGO - Mahila Dalit Jati Uthan Manch - with the technical and financial assistance from the Red Panda Network (RPN), Kathmandu. The training was organized with the aim of making the people's representatives aware about the importance of conservation of red panda and its habitat.

Speaking at the program, Saroj Shrestha, of RPN stressed on the need of finding out more about the existence and habitat of panda and protecting them from smuggling and poaching.

He also said that conserving the endangered species is equally beneficial for the promotion of tourism, maintaining ecosystem and will also be helpful for research.

Reportedly, there are some 10,000 red pandas in Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar and India. Though there is no exact data, the population of red panda is estimated to be around 500 across Nepal. It has been learnt that they exist in an area of 251 square kilometers in the forest of Mudkechula and Jagdula rural municipalities of Dolpa.

Chandra Bahadur Shahi, chairperson of the NGO, said conservation of red panda will play a pivotal role in tourism promotion. 

He expressed that awareness among the elected representatives will bring down the incidents of smuggling and poaching of red panda.

 
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• Dolpa
 
• training
 
• conservation