The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a species with a controversial taxonomic history, since, at some point in its history, it was grouped in the Procyonidae family, which includes raccoons, coatis and relatives; and he was also considered a member of the Ursids. However, it is currently included in the Ailuridae family, where only this species is.
In recent years, two subspecies of red pandas have been considered. Although some proposals already suggested that they were different species, a recent study[1] confirms the existence of genetic differences, thus recognizing the Himalayan red panda (A. fulgens) and the Chinese red panda (A. styani). But beyond the taxonomic advances of this mammal, it is at critical risk of subsistence and in this article on our site we want to explain why the red panda is in danger of extinction
Major threats to the red panda
The red panda is native to Asia, specifically it has had a distribution range in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar and Nepal. However, since 2015, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared it with a decreasing population trend and included in the category "endangered".
A series of reasons have been considered to justify the inclusion of the red panda in the mentioned state, which are the following:
- Estimates suggest that the red panda population has had a decline of around 50% over the last 18 years, and more alarmingly it is still that this fact may intensify in the coming years.
- There are no real quantifications of population decline throughout the entire distribution range.
- Their food source, which is 98% based on bamboo plants, is seriously affected, so they do not have enough areas to feed.
- The rates of deforestation and environmental degradation increase considerably in the forests where the animal lives.
- These mammals have been found to be highly susceptible to Canine Distemper, a fatal disease. This happens due to the introduction of unvaccinated domestic animals, such as dogs, which in certain cases infect red pandas with distemper, ending with fatal results for the latter.
- In disturbed habitats there is high mortality of newborn and young red pandas.
- The loss, degradation and fragmentation of the red panda's habitat due to human actions, without a doubt, generate a negative impact about its population.
- The growth of human groups in their distribution range alters the natural dynamics of these animals.
- Climate change and its consequent increase in natural disasters are disturbing the red panda population.
- The illegal trade, coupled with border problems that facilitate the extraction of animals irregularly, mean that the number of specimens in the wild decreases notably.
- The growth of the logging industry not only exploits these ecosystems, but also facilitates access to red panda areas by increasing road construction.
- There has been an increase, mainly due to the Chinese market, in the consumption of meat and skins of red pandas. In addition to your purchase as a pet. All of these totally inappropriate actions.
To the threats to which the red panda bear is exposed, we must add the inappropriate or null application of the legal system to protect this animal, as well as the absence of participation by political actors. The lack of funding and human resources for the development of conservation programs do not help prevent the extinction of this extraordinary animal.
How many red pandas are left in the world?
Studies have been lacking to really quantify how many red pandas remain in their natural habitats and, on the other hand, the IUCN states that, in the reported data, there are few concordances. However, certain numbers are expressed by region, and although some date from the last 20 years, some can be mentioned. For example, in Nepal it is estimated that there are between 317 and 582 individuals, however, the population is declining and is highly fragmented. In the case of India, in some regions there are only between 2,600 and 6,400 km2 of forest relatively suitable for the development of red pandas. Thus, for 2010, in the state of Sikkim between 225 and 370 individuals were estimated, while, for the same year, in West Bengal between 55 and 60 animals were reported.
Unlike the previous cases, in Bhutan the red panda has had a greater distribution, but there are no exact data. However, road development is notorious, which, as we know, ends up affecting the species. Something similar occurs in Myanmar, where in certain localities this animal could continue to be present, but in others logging and hunting have put significant pressure on it.
On the other hand, in China an increase in the reforestation of areas was reported for 2011, but these did not represent a really suitable habitat for red pandas. In addition, its population in the 20th century decreased in the country by approximately 40%. By 1999, between 3,000 and 7,000 individuals were estimated in this Asian region.
It is reported in certain news outlets that there are between 2,500 and 10,000 red pandas currently, however, there is no support from specialized sources in this regard.
Red Panda Conservation Plans
Various conservation plans have been developed for the red panda. In principle, we can refer to the fact that it is included in various laws and treaties, such as: Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Annex I of the Law of Wild Life Wild of India, 1972. It is considered as one of the most protected species in India, in addition, it has legal protection in Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar.
On the other hand, in the countries where this animal lives protected areas have been established which are legislated, but in certain cases the ecosystems of them do not escape the affectation of human actions.
There is also a global plan where zoos dedicated to the study and conservation of species participate to develop actions and management plans in order to recover and maintain viable populations of red pandas. Additionally, plans are promoted for the protection of habitat loss of the populations, as well as the design and implementation of campaigns through different means that seek to educate and raise awareness about the need to protect the red panda.
Despite the above, it is necessary that the institutions establish more rigorous plans that truly help restore the population of the red panda bear. If you are also concerned that the red panda is in danger of extinction, in this other article we explain what you can do as a citizen: "How to help animals in danger of extinction?"
