Endangered Red Panda Spotted in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality

Myagdi Correspondent, Myagdi, Dec.12: Red Panda has been found in Bancharedanda forest at Muna, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-3.

The government has listed the Red Panda as an endangered species. This animal is found at altitudes from 2,000 metres to 4,800 meters above sea level.

A team comprising employees and office-bearers of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality spotted the Red Panda at an altitude of 3,100 meters while returning from Muna Malika

Tejindra Pun, an employee at the rural municipality, clicked a photo and recorded a video of the wild animal, shared them with the forest officials, and made it public. 

Pun said that the Red Panda has been found for the first time in the forest of the erstwhile Muna Village Development Committee.  

Chairperson of the Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality Prem Prasad Pun said that the animal spotted in Bancharedanda forest looked like a baby Red Panda and the locals were informed about it to ensure further protection.

He said, " It is said that Red panda was observed in other areas of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality. We will make plans to form  We plan to conduct a campaign from the community level to protect it from poaching." 

He said that the red panda, a rare wild animal in the world with a shy nature, seems to be enjoying watching passersby.

With assistance from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the financial support of the Hariyo Ban Programme, The Red Panda Network and Himali Conservation Forum carried out a search campaign in 2073 BS.

Badri Baral, a researcher associated with the Red Panda Network, said although the habitat ofthe  Red Panda was found in the Dhaulagiri region before this, the animal was not directly observed.