© Saroj Panth.

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) is an endangered species of Nepal. The detail status of the species is unknown; therefore, this study aims to investigate red panda ecology in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve of Nepal. The project will be carried to understand its distribution and population estimation in the reserve. Occupancy modeling will be used to investigate the population density and distribution modelling and ground truth GPS points and GIS will be used to prepare distribution map.

Similarly the project will help to raise conservation education in the local level to motivate locals to conserve this species in natural habitat and to conserve and limited use of main food of this species i.e. bamboo. Local awareness program will be helpful to provide the knowledge for in-situ conservation of this species. Information will be collected through informal discussion with local people and project on issues concerning red panda conservation. Disturbances in the habitat signs of grazing and felled tree stumps will also be recorded in the plots.

The project will give important information on population status and distribution of red panda. Distribution map of red panda will provide the valuable information on its distribution and potential habitat of this species. Population status of red panda will be base line data for managing the viable breeding population of this species in natural condition. These will very new information for the species from its distribution range, which will help to determine its heath condition and breeding capacity also.

Such information on red panda essential to manage its population in natural habitat and conservation education in local level is another important awareness raising activities to conserve its population. I believe this project will give new information on the species and provide important information to concern authorities for its management and further management planning of the species in the region.