The Red Panda is listed as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN Endangered Species List, which means numbers are declining rapidly. It shares habitat with endangered snow leopard in Nepal. Red Panda skins are still being poached and sold in the capital, Kathmandu. Photo Wikipedia.
The Himalayan Times (from Kathmandu, Nepal) wrote in its editorial today that the story of a local man apprehended this week trying to sell three Red Panda skins in Kathmandu, “highlights how poaching of such an endangered animal is on the rise..and points to the laxity of conservation attempts. It is not only Red Panda that is facing threats from poachers but other animals like snow leopard, tigers, rhinoceros, black bears and such are constantly being targeted for their skins, bones and body organs which fetch a heavy price. The financial lure has made many people go for wildlife fully armed while the law enforcement agency has a tough time dealing with them.
With the political instability continuing in the country, the maintenance of law and order has become a problem on the one hand, while on the other hand poaching has increased. This does not augur well for the conservation of the flora and fauna of the country. At this pace, many of the endangered animals and birds will become extinct soon.” Story here.
The Red Panda shares snow leopard habitat in the high mountains of the Himalayas. The editorial is a timely call on government agencies in Nepal to act before time runs out for its endangered species like snow leopards and red Panda.
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