PHUNGLING, Jan 31: Information on Red Panda is now being taught in schools with the objective of developing awareness to protect the endangered animal. The Red Panda Network, working to preserve Red Panda, has developed text books on environment conservation including Red Panda to be taught in the schools.
Currently, the subject is being taught in 28 schools in Taplejung, Panchthar and Ilam districts, home to Red Panda in Nepal. The initiative began with Grade 6 and 7 to promote awareness about environment protection and Red Pandas, said programme coordinator of Himali Protection Forum, Taplejung.
Ilam schools run classes on red panda
The textbook includes topics on environment, geography, humanitarian context of Taplejung, Ilam and Panchthar.
The three districts in eastern Nepal are home to around 200 Red Pandas, according to the latest count. The endangered species is found in 23 districts. It lives at an altitude of 1,800 to 4,800 meters. Apart from Nepal, Red Panda is also found in China, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorized Red Panda as a highly endangered animal in 1996. The number of Red Pandas continues to decline for various reasons around the world.
