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- The lesser panda, also known as the red panda, is an endangered species with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild, with populations declining by 40% in the past 20 years.
- The lesser panda is threatened by illegal capture, habitat loss, and climate change. In particular, the decline in bamboo forests is a major threat to the lesser panda's survival.
- The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other organizations are working to protect lesser pandas through a variety of efforts, including habitat protection, tourism, and legal sanctions.
IUCN
When you think of pandas, you usually think of a white body with black legs, black eyes, and black ears. But here is the red panda,
Lesser Panda (Red Panda), which looks completely different from the panda we know. Lesser Panda has black legs and belly, red back, and
lives mainly in the forest trees. It is said that it maintains its balance well using its long tail even in tall trees. There are white
spots on the face, making it feel like a panda, but at first glance, it looks like a bear.
Lesser Panda, popular with people for its cuteness that is different from pandas. However, unfortunately, Lesser Panda is classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Being on the Red List of endangered species means that it is in a severe extinction crisis in the wild in a short period of time.
IUCN
Lesser Panda lives in Myanmar, India, Nepal, China, etc. It is estimated that there are less than 10,000 Lesser Pandas in the world. The
population of Lesser Panda has decreased sharply in the past 20 years. It is said that the population has decreased by 40%.
There are many reasons why the Lesser Panda is endangered. Like all endangered species, illegal hunting by humans is always a problem.
People who make clothes like hats from Lesser Panda’s fur hunt them, but they also get caught in traps set in the forest to catch other
animals.
Lesser Pandas eat birds, eggs, insects, etc., but as they are pandas, they also enjoy eating bamboo. However, the area of bamboo forests is getting smaller and smaller due to human development, so Lesser Pandas are losing their homes and food. The decrease in the area of bamboo forests threatens all pandas, including Lesser Pandas. Even if it is not direct human development, the decrease in habitat due to climate change is also a reason for the extinction crisis. As the climate crisis worsens, the rate of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and blizzards is also increasing. During this time, Lesser Panda’s habitat is severely damaged.
WWF
To protect Lesser Pandas that inhabit Nepal, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is working with yak herders in Nepal to protect Lesser Panda
habitats from human impact. WWF also plans Lesser Panda tourism. Tourism at an appropriate level that does not stress wild animals
can be a way to protect endangered species. In addition, there are legal sanctions to protect Lesser Pandas. Those who hunt or trade
Lesser Pandas can be sentenced to 10 years in prison or fined more than $1,000.
According to the IUCN, China has more than 40 protected areas to protect Lesser Pandas, and India, Myanmar, etc., have 20 protected areas. The non-profit organization “Red Panda Network” protects Lesser Pandas and their habitats. Red Panda Network collaborates with local communities to monitor the population of Lesser Pandas and conduct research. They are also conducting fundraising activities, so if you are interested, it would be good to look into it.
