Jumla takes initiation to conserve endangered red panda

By Netra Shahi,Jumla, Dec. 3: Efforts to conserve the endangered red panda are gaining momentum in Jumla. Various conservation programmes have been initiated in potential habitats through collaborative efforts. 

The District Coordination Committee, District Forest Office, Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Services Expert Centre and local partner organisations have taken the lead in this mission.

Non-governmental organisations such as Karnali Development Hatemalo Sewa Samaj and Red Panda Network Nepal are working actively to identify habitats, protect red pandas and enhance the capacity of local communities. Over the past four years, these organisations have conducted research and surveys and have implemented conservation programmes in identified areas.

Gauri Nanda Acharya, the head of the District Coordination Committee, Jumla, stressed the need for collective efforts to support the work carried out by non-governmental organisations like Hatemalo Nepal. He said that the red panda conservation endeavours should also focus on the conservation of forests. Acharya pledged the committee's commitment to collaborate and coordinate future initiatives for this cause.

A meeting chaired by Acharya, under the District Project Advisory Committee, discussed ongoing efforts, challenges and issues in red panda conservation. 

During the meeting, Tek Bahadur Rawat, Executive Director of Karnali Development Hatemalo Sewa Samaj Nepal, highlighted ongoing conservation efforts in Tila Rural Municipality Ward Nos. 4 and 8, Sinja Rural Municipality Ward No. 2 and Patarasi Rural Municipality Ward No. 2.

Sharmila Shrestha, a research officer from the organisation, elaborated on activities including research, monitoring, education, housing management, sustainable livelihood and capacity-building initiatives. Monitoring in five forests across these wards revealed red panda droppings at 66 locations. She said that red pandas are shy animals found at altitudes of 2,200 to 4,400 metres above sea level. Globally, their population is estimated at 2,500, with Nepal hosting between 300 and 500 individuals, accounting for around 38 per cent of the global population.

Similarly, environmental awareness programmes are being conducted at Chulelgaun Secondary School, conservation boards have been formed in three municipalities and new blocks have been established for red panda research in Siddhibinayak Forest. Regular monitoring and conservation activities are also underway at Mahadev Dhuska Community Forest in Tila Rural Municipality-9.

Forest Officer Prakash Devkota of the Division Forest Office Jumla suggested planting trees in conservation areas to enhance habitats and prioritise afforestation in barren lands. He stressed the importance of protecting forest resources while addressing habitat challenges, particularly during snowfalls.

A few years ago, local youths spotted a red panda in Talichaur of Chandannath Rural Municipality-1 near Khalanga, the district headquarters. The District Forest Office suggested that heavy snowfall during the first week of January might have forced the red panda to descend to the village due to difficulties in finding food and shelter.