Why are red pandas endangered?
Red pandas are an incredible species, being the first panda ever to be discovered, they really are a pioneer for their kind. Also known as the 'firefox', these beautiful creatures live out their days in the forests from western Nepal all the way to northern Myanmar. Adorable as they are and intelligent as they might be, the sad truth is that these cute, little animals are under threat. Sadly, the Red Pandas are endangered due to habitat loss, and it's of no fault but our own, that this is the case. By chopping down the trees in the red panda's natural habitat, we are slowly destroying what these animals call home. Not only this, but dog attacks are all but too common, and poaching has made an appearance on numerous occasions. Overall we are hunting, poaching, relocating, disturbing and chopping this species into extinction.
There are many different threats involved in killing the red pandas and decreasing the number drastically, but there is one major threat- Habitat destruction. In eastern Nepal there are six negative management practices that threatens the survival of red pandas.
Cash Crops are crops that are grown to make a profit. As agriculture has intensified over the past 15 years, it have created a need for more land. Land that used to lay fallow is now used for purposes such as tea or cardamom fields. Not only that but the fields are also sprayed with insecticides to ensure proper yields but it damages the red pandas and even intoxicating them.
TIMBER |
Small bamboo called Malingo is the red pandas main food source. Another effect is the over use of firewood. Even though people do have the money to pay for the firewood privileges, the diaries in the villages are known to cut more than allowed.
HUNTING |
The timber is a preferred material for home construction meaning that bamboos are cut just to build homes. Even rich families can afford to buy timber from community forests, which is killing the red pandas habitat.
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Illegal hunting is another factor threatening their species. They are sometimes killed for their fluffy fur, which many people use to make hats and clothing.
Rimbick, an Indian village was once the hub for the international red panda trade and 47 red pandas were sold in one year to stock the zoos of the world(according to the locals). |