Red panda is enlisted in the endangered category of the IUCN Red List of threatened species in the world. In the context of Nepal, among the 27 endangered protected mammals, red panda is considered one of the most valuable species. This shy, cryptic and elusive animal is also included in the Appendix – I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The numbers of red pandas in Nepal (Ailurus fulgens), endangered mammal species, are increasing due to safer habitats in hill districts of Karnali, conservationists say.

According to a recent study conducted by the Red Panda Network in Jumla, many red pandas were spotted in the forests of Tatopani, Sinja, Hima, Kanakasundari and Patarasi Rural Municipality, and Chandannath Municipality.

Red pandas in Nepal, known as Habre in Nepali, Red panda is one of the rare animal species inhabiting the temperate forests with abundance of bamboo, in Nepal, India, Bhutan, northern Myanmar and south-western China. The estimated number of red panda is less than 10,000 in the world and around 1,000 in Nepal. According to the Red Panda Network, red pandas are found in 23 districts in the country. Source of this article is Kathmandu Post