The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a small, tree-dwelling mammal that is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They are about the size of a house cat, with reddish-brown fur, a long, bushy tail, and a distinctive masked face. They are also known as the "firefox" or "lesser panda."
Red pandas are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation, as well as poaching for their fur and body parts. In Nepal, their range includes the eastern and central Himalayas, including the Langtang National Park, Makalu-Barun National Park, and the Sagarmatha National Park.
The red panda is an important species for Nepal, not only because of its ecological role as a seed disperser and indicator of forest health but also because it is an important cultural symbol. Red pandas are featured prominently in traditional Nepali art, literature, and folklore, and are considered to be a source of good fortune and prosperity.
To protect red pandas and their habitat, Nepal has established several protected areas, including the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area, Langtang National Park and Buffer Zone, and the Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone. These protected areas provide habitat for red pandas and other endangered species and also support sustainable livelihoods for local communities through eco-tourism.
In conclusion, red pandas are an important and endangered species in Nepal, and the country has taken steps to protect them through the establishment of protected areas and other conservation measures.