The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has recently launched a significant programme aimed at reintroducing 20 Red Pandas into the wild over the course of five years. This program is aimed at revitalizing the population of these endangered mammals in Singalila National Park, West Bengal’s highest protected area.
About Red Pandas
Red and Giant Pandas are the only two panda species in the world. Notably, the Red Panda is the state animal of Sikkim. These creatures tend to be shy, solitary, and arboreal, serving as an indicator species for ecological changes. Both Himalayan and Chinese Red Panda subspecies call India their home. The Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh demarcates the habitats of these two phylogenetic species. Their habitats also span across forests of Nepal, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, and southern China. Unfortunately, their population has been dwindling, even in the protected areas like Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks in West Bengal.
Protection Status of Red Pandas
Red Pandas are currently classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, listed in Appendix I of CITES, and scheduled under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Comparatively, Giant Pandas are categorised as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List but also listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Red Panda Release Programme
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, one of the country’s highest-altitude zoos, is leading an ambitious endeavour to reintroduce 20 Red Pandas into the wild over a span of five years. This park, located in Darjeeling, has experienced considerable success with the captive breeding of these furry mammals. The chosen location for their release is Singalila National Park—West Bengal’s tallest protected area—situated at the Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district. Initially a wildlife sanctuary, it gained national park status in 1992.
Conservation Efforts for Red Panda in India
Securing the red panda’s habitat is primary in India’s conservation efforts. WWF-India collaborates with local communities to innovate in energy solutions aimed at reducing the dependence on fuelwood. Over 200 individuals in Sikkim have been trained in bio-briquette manufacturing. Furthermore, local communities are engaged in alternative livelihood activities that not only benefit them but also support conservation initiatives. For example, in Arunachal Pradesh, community-based tourism provides locals with supplemental income from tourists visiting to see the red pandas. To address the threat of habitat degradation and fragmentation, WWF-India works with local communities to decrease their forest dependency and actively involves them in conservation measures. A collaborative initiative with the Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) has resulted in a programme that sterilises feral dogs, helping control their ever-growing population around critical wildlife spaces.