STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF RED PANDA (AILURUS

FULGENS FULGENS) IN THE UPPER HILLS OF KARNALI

REGION, WESTERN NEPAL

MANISH POUDEL
2-2-47-8-2017 [TU Registration No.]

TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF FORESTRY
POKHARA CAMPUS
POKHARA

PROJECT PAPER SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
FORESTRY

September, 2022
 Status and Distribution of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) in the upper
hills of Karnali region, Western Nepal

Manish Poudel
2-2-47-8-2017 [TU Registration No.]
BSc. Forestry

Advisor
Nirjala Raut
Assistant Professor
Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus
Email: [email protected]

Co-advisor/Field Supervisor:
Dr. Suraj Sharma Kamal Raj Aryal
Assistant Professor Forest Research Officer
KAFCOL FRTC, Birendranagar, Surkhet
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Tribhuvan University
Institute of Forestry
Pokhara Campus
Pokhara

Project Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Forestry

September, 2022
© Manish Poudel
September, 2022
Email: [email protected]

Tribhuvan University
Institute of Forestry
Pokhara Campus
Hariyokharka, Pokhara-15, Kaski
Website: www.iofpc.edu.np
Poudel, M (2022) Status and Distribution of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) in the
upper hills of Karnali region, Western Nepal.
 Date: 12th September, 2022

Letter of Acceptance

The project paper attached hereto entitled “Status and Distribution of Red Panda (Ailurus
fulgens fulgens) in the upper hills of Karnali region, Western Nepal” submitted by Manish
Poudel in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Forestry is hereby accepted.

Advisor
Nirjala Raut
Assistant Professor
Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus
Email: [email protected]
Date: 2079/05/29

i
 Declaration

I, Manish Poudel, hereby declare that this project paper entitled “Status and Distribution of Red
Panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) in the upper hills of Karnali region, Western Nepal” is based on
primary work and all the sources of information used are duly acknowledged. This work has not
been submitted to any other university for any academic award.

…………………………
Manish Poudel
B. Sc. Forestry
Institute of Forestry
Pokhara Campus, Pokhara
Date:2079/05/29

ii
 Acknowledgement

This project paper is not only the outcome of a single man's effort but derived from direct and
indirect contribution and support from several individuals and institutions. First of all, I would like
to thank my advisor Mrs. Nirjala Raut whose guidance helped me to co-ordinate during my thesis
report writing.
I am deeply indebted to my field supervisor Dr. Suraj Sharma and Co-advisor Mr. Kamal Raj
Aryal for their constant guidance, strong support and invaluable suggestions throughout my study
period.
I am grateful to Forest Research and Training Center, Birendranagar, Surkhet, for providing me
financial support for my research.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Deepak Gautam who provided me valuable
suggestions and constructive comments in my report.
My cordial thanks go to Monika Poudel for her help during my field work.
My profound gratitude to Bam Bahadur Gurung for his help during my stay and visit at the study
area.
I am especially thankful to the people of Dolpa, Jumla and Mugu for their warm welcome,
overwhelming responses and cooperation shown during my field works.
I am very much indebted to the entire faculty members and staffs at the Institute of Forestry,
Pokhara Campus, for making my stay at the institute fruitful.
At last, I owe a debt of gratitude to my parents for their continuous encouragement in completing
this study.

Manish Poudel
12th September, 2022

iii
 Abstract

Red panda is endangered species and the research regarding its status and distribution is not evenly
conducted throughout Nepal. Due to the difficult terrains, the research activities on red panda in the mid-
western Nepal are very limited, so the reliable and sufficient information regarding status, distribution and
habitat use of red panda is lacking in the region. The species have been reported very few times by the local
people in the border areas of Dolpa, Mugu and Jumla district, which is adjacent to Shey- Phoksundo
National Park in the east and Rara National Park in the west. So, the status of red panda is quite unexplored
in this region. Therefore, this research study entitled “Status and distribution of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens
fulgens) in the upper hills of Karnali Region, Western Nepal” is intended to study the distribution and
occurrence of red panda in the corridor region of these two national parks and also investigate the threats
to this species. The study included the reconnaissance, key informants survey, interviews and consultation
for the most potential area and threats identification, opportunistic survey comprising the direct observation
and indirect sign count method for the presence and distribution, habitat assessment consisting vegetation
sampling and ocular estimation. The study revealed the presence of red panda in the forests of Chaurikot
and Jhyakot of Jagdulla and Riya and Luma of Patarasi. Household questionnaire survey (N=35) was
carried out to assess perceived threats to red panda in the area. A total of 4 pellets were detected between
the elevations of 2600m to 3350m, most of those in north and northeast facing slopes. Vegetation sampling
was carried out in 30 plots and Importance Value Index (IVI) was used to find the dominant vegetation in
the potential habitat. Most dominant tree species were found to be Quercus spp. (IVI=38.71), followed by
Pinus spp. (IVI=30.68) and Acer spp. (IVI=23.97). The major threats to red panda in the study area were
found to be forest fire (RTFSI=0.90), infrastructure development (RTFSI=0.62) and forest products
extraction (RTFSI=0.58). Community awareness, law enforcement and responsible consumption of forest
resources, particularly the bamboo species is necessary for sustained conservation of red panda in the study
area.

Keywords: Status, Distribution, Threats, Karnali region, Red Panda.

iv
 Table of Contents

Letter of Acceptance....................................................................................................................................... i
Declaration..................................................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................................................ iii
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... iv
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... v
List of Figure.................................................................................................................................................. vi
List of Table ................................................................................................................................................... vi
Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................................. viii
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Background .................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Rationale/Justification ................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Limitation ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2: Literature Review ......................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Taxonomy of Red Panda ................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Distribution and Status ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Habitat ................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.4 Behavior, diet and droppings............................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 3: Materials and Methods................................................................................................................ 9
3.1 Study Area .......................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Biodiversity................................................................................................................................10
3.1.2 Demography ..............................................................................................................................10
3.2 Data Collection .................................................................................................................................11
3.2.1 Primary Data .............................................................................................................................11
3.2.2 Secondary Data .........................................................................................................................12
3.3 Data Analysis....................................................................................................................................12
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion ...............................................................................................................15
4.1 Results ...............................................................................................................................................15
4.1.1 Distribution of Red Panda .......................................................................................................15

v
 4.1.2 Habitat Preference by Red Panda ...........................................................................................16
4.1.3 Floristic Preference ...................................................................................................................18
4.1.4 Socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents .................................................................21
4.1.5 Major Conservation Issues ......................................................................................................22
4.2 Discussions ........................................................................................................................................26
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations ...........................................................................................30
5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................30
5.2 Recommendation .............................................................................................................................31
References...................................................................................................................................................32
Appendices ..................................................................................................................................................35
1. Questionnaire .................................................................................................................................35
Annex I Questionnaire used for household survey .........................................................................35
Annex II Habitat Description Form .................................................................................................36
Annex III Presence/Absence Survey Form......................................................................................38
2. Photo Plates ....................................................................................................................................39

List of Figure

Figure 1: Presence of Red Panda (in red); Red Panda Conservation Action Plan, MOFE ............. 6
Figure 2: Potential red panda habitat and presence confirmed districts in Nepal (DNPWC &
DFSC, 2018) ................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 3: Map of Study Area .......................................................................................................... 9
Figure 4: Layout for vegetation survey ......................................................................................... 12
Figure 5: Distribution of Red Panda in the study area .................................................................. 16
Figure 6: Elevation wise distribution of red panda in the study area............................................ 17
Figure 7: Aspect wise distribution of Red Panda in the study area .............................................. 18

List of Table
Table 1: Details of the signs detected in transect survey .............................................................. 15
Table 2: Tree species recorded in the sample plots ...................................................................... 19

vi
Table 3: Shrub species recorded in the sample plots .................................................................... 19
Table 4: Herb species recorded in the sample plots ...................................................................... 20
Table 5: Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents .......................................................... 21
Table 6: Threat factor and severity index of Red Panda ............................................................... 22

vii
 Abbreviations

ACA Annapurna Conservation Area

BZ Buffer Zone
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
DDC District Development Committee
DFSC Department of Forest and Soil Conservation
DHR Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DNPWC Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation
GCA Gaurishankar Conservation Area
GIS Geographic Information System
GPS Global Positioning System
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
IVI Importance Value Index
KCA Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
LNP Langtang National Park
MBNP Makalu Barun National Park
NPWC National Park and Wildlife Conservation
NRDB National Recreation Database
PA Protected Area
RM Rural Municipality
RNP Rara National Park
RTFSI Relative Threat Factor Severity Index
SNP Sagarmatha National Park

viii
i
 Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

Red Panda is a threatened carnivore mammal species under family Ailuridae. Though the genus
Ailurus has only one species, it has two sub-species, Ailurus fulgens fulgens (the Indian Red Panda)
and the Ailurus fulgens styni (the Red Panda of China).
Panda are habitat specialists that prefer forest with ringal bamboo under-storey (Yonzon, 2000). It
is associated with the occurrence of temperate forest with bamboo thickets. Its habitat is
characterized by presence of mixed deciduous and coniferous forest (Chakraborty, 1999).
Though panda is a carnivore, it is adopted to bamboo feeding (Yonzon & Hunter, 1989). The bulk
of its food consists of leaves and shoots of ringal bamboo (Arundinaria spp) commonly known as
Jhapra. Smaller food items consist of blossoms, berries and small leaves etc. (Yonzon & Hunter,
1989). Red Panda is nocturnal in nature, and are more active at early morning and evening. It is
usually sedentary but may travel a linear distance of 1.75 km. (Yonzon & Hunter, 1989). It is more
active during January to mid-March because of its breeding season. The birth occurs during the
monsoon in the months of June to August. Its gestation period is between 120 to 160 days. Home
range size varies between 1.02 to 9.62 sq. km. (Choudhury, 2001). Male’s home range tends to
overlap.
Globally, it extends from the Eastern Nepal through Sikkim, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh in India,
up to the high mountains of Burma and in Sichuan and Yunan of Western China (Chakraborty,
1999). It is found in the temperate forests of Himalayas at altitude between 2200 to 4800 m (Dorji
et al., 2011). It is assumed that the existing population of red panda in the world is less than 10,000
with significant decline in the recent decades (Wang et al., 2008). The decline in population is
considered as the consequence of deterioration of its habitat components. In Nepal, the population

of red panda is estimated to be 317-582 spreading over an area of 592 km2 in 24 districts (Jnawali
et al., 2012).
The only species found in Nepal is the Indian Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens). It is commonly
known as "Habre" in Nepali. In Nepal, red pandas are distributed within a narrow elevation range
between 2500 and 4200 m in the northern part of the country and are confirmed to occur in eight
Protected Areas (PAs) including Langtang National Park and Buffer Zone (LNP and BZ) (Thapa,

2
2010), Kangchenjungha Conservation Area (KCA) (Mahato, 2003), Makalu Barun National Park
and Buffer Zone (MBNP and BZ) (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995), Sagarmatha National Park and
Buffer Zone (SNP and BZ) (Mahato, 2004), (Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) (Suwal &
Verheugt, 1995), Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) (Kandel, 2008), Rara National Park and
Buffer Zone (RNP and BZ) (Sharma, 2012) and Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) (Thapa,
2013). Beside this, some of the studies (DDC Jumla, 2007) (Bhatta et al., 2014) suggested the
presence of red panda outside the PAs in Nepal. In Karnali province, red panda has been reported
in all the districts except Dailekh and Surkhet. It is locally known as ‘Nautoto’ in the Karnali
province (DNPWC & DFSC, 2018).
Red panda is one of the many flagship species of Nepal and is enumerated as endangered in IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species and included in Appendix I of CITES. The Government of Nepal
has listed red panda under schedule I of NPWC Act 1973. The species is legally protected in the
country where it occurs, but it is heavily exposed to get extinct due to the fragmentation and
deterioration of its habitat. The exploitation of resources by the mankind is the major of all threats
to the conservation of red panda. Accidental killing, illegal poaching, diseases, attack by dogs,
climate change, habitat encroachment or land use conservation and resource competition are some
of the threats to the existence of red panda (NCD, 2019). The other threats include lack of
awareness, unsustainable developmental activities and transfer of diseases from livestock and dogs
(DNPWC & DFSC, 2018).
Despite being such an important species, it is not receiving much attention from the public and
stakeholders and very limited information on red panda is available in Nepal.

1.2 Objectives
General objective:

To explore the status and distribution of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) in the study area.
Specific objectives:

▪ To explore the possible distribution of Red Panda in the upper hills of Karnali Region.
▪ To find the habitat preferred by red panda.
▪ To determine its conservation issue.

3
 Research Questions
The above objectives shall answer the following research questions.
i. At what places are red panda found? What is the preferred geography and habitat?
ii. What are the potential perceived threats?
iii. What factors have shaped public perception towards the species conservation?

1.3 Rationale/Justification
Red panda is one of the key mountain species across Himalayan range countries with their presence
indicative of a healthy ecosystem (Wickramanayake et al., 2001). Red panda does not only occur
at distant places from human settlements, instead they are also reported to occur in the forest areas
in the proximity of human settlements (Bhattarai, 2019).The escalating magnitude of
anthropogenic activities has disrupted the integrity of ecosystem and its functions. Livestock
rearing, grazing, bamboo extraction, illegal settlements, infrastructure (including roads and electric
transmission lines), habitat fragmentation and uncontrolled forest fires have threatened the
ecosystem of red panda. The transhumance pastoralism practiced by the people is another issue in
conservation of wildlife including Red Panda. Even a single herd of chauri creates disturbance in
different forest areas during different seasons. This leads to habitat fragmentation in larger areas.
Lack of people awareness is another conservation issue in the study area. Conservation status
outside the protected areas is relatively poor with respect to the scenario inside the PA (Bista, et
al., 2010). It is therefore, necessary to closely examine the circumstances that could explain the
conservation issues and threats of red panda. So, this research has attempted to collect baseline
information on their distribution, prevailing threats and confirm the distribution of red panda in
the region between Rara and Shey Phoksundo national parks. Findings of this study may help in
making wise decisions and strategies for the persistence of this endangered species.

1.4 Limitation
• The timing of the study was bounded by the schedule of the Institute of Forestry.
Therefore, the study was conducted in an unfavorable season (rainy/windy season)
making the fieldwork much harder and time consuming.
• This research was conducted during the months of April and May. During that time most
of the signs may have been destroyed by the herds of livestock which have been taken to

4
 the higher elevation for grazing.
• Due to the large size of the valleys, the steep terrain and numerous cliffs, it was not
considered feasible to undertake monitoring of all suitable habitats. Thus, this report
highlighted on the basis of the representative sample areas (blocks) within the total
potential habitats of the red panda. Since the transect lines are located mostly in the human
trails, red panda is rarely seen but their signs are located.
• Many plant specimens collected were not identified because there were no flowers in those
plants due to the non-flowering season.
• Due to the limited time and resources, extensive field survey could not be conducted to
assess more core areas.
• This survey is preliminary work and does not incorporate detail status of red panda based
on the in-depth field study.

5
 Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Taxonomy of Red Panda

Taxonomy of red panda has been the subject of debate. It was originally placed in the family
Procyonidae because of its superficial similarities in teeth, round skull, ringed tail and other
morphological similarities with raccoons (Glatston, 1994). DNA hybridization studies of (Wayne
et al., 1989) also support the placement of red panda in Procyonidae. The family Procyonidae is
sub-divided into two sub-families: Procyoninae with New World procyonids which occur in
temperate and tropical areas of the Western Hemisphere; and Ailurinae with the single genus
Ailurus which is confined to the Old World (Nowak & Paradiso, 1983). Anatomical and
cytogenetic studies suggest that red panda is closely related to bears. It is considered close relative
of Ailuropoda (giant panda), which is also considered a bear. It has now been proposed to classify
red panda in its own separate family Ailuridae (Glatston, 1994) (Wilson & Reeder, 1993).

2.2 Distribution and Status

Red panda is considered to be one of the earth's living fossils as its ancestry can be traced back in
Europe during late Oligocene (Gundersen, 1976). Its ancestors were distributed in Eurasia and
North America (Glatston, 1994) but now this is distributed in the isolated high mountain ranges in
the Himalayan Mountain chains of Nepal, India, Tibet, Bhutan and Burma (Choudhury, 2001).
According to Choudhury, 2001 the western-most occurrence of Red Panda is Mugu district of
Nepal while easternmost occurrence in Minshan Mountains of south-central China.

Figure 1: Presence of Red Panda (in red); Red Panda Conservation Action Plan, MOFE

6
In Nepal, red pandas were reported to occur as west as Jumla and Mugu districts in the mid-sixties
(Yonzon & Hunter, 1989). There is very little information available regarding its population.
(Yonzon, 1989) estimated 912 km2 of total potential habitat area are available for red panda. He
has predicted that 314 individuals survive in Nepal with an ecological density of 1 individual per
2.9 km2.

Figure 2: Potential red panda habitat and presence confirmed districts in Nepal (DNPWC &
DFSC, 2018)

Red panda is placed under “Endangered” under NRDB threat category (BPP, 1995). It is legally
protected by the NPWC Act 1973 (HMG, 1977). It is placed in the Appendix I of CITES
(Chapagai & Dhakal, 2002). Its IUCN status is "Endangered" (Hilton & Taylor, 2000).

2.3 Habitat
Red panda is habitat specialist (Yonzon, 1991) that inhabits mountain forests with bamboo thickets
at elevation of 3000m and 4000 m (Yonzon, 2000). According to (Yonzon, 2000), the average
elevation of red panda distribution during the whole year is 3233 m +- 218 m with an altitudinal
range extending from 2800 to 3900m. In another study, it is found in the temperate forests of
Himalayas at altitude between 2200 to 4800 m (Dorji et al., 2011).

7
2.4 Behavior, diet and droppings
Red panda is a sedentary and solitary animal (Yonzon & Hunter, 1989). Sometimes, it is seen in a
pair or group of three is also observed. Red panda is found to travel a linear distance of 1.75 km
with high mobility in January and February, which is for breeding activity (Yonzon & Hunter,
1989). Though it is active all times of the day and night it is more active at dusk, dawn and during
the night (Yonzon & Hunter, 1989). Mating in red panda occurs from January to March. Cubs are
born during June and July with a litter size ranging from 1 to 4 young (Yonzon, 1989). They
become sexually mature at age of 18 months. Cub mortality is as high as 86 % (Yonzon , 1989).
The average life span of red panda is 8 to 10 years.
Though red panda is a carnivore, it is adopted to pure herbivore diet (Yonzon & Hunter, 1989).
Leaves and shoots of ringal bamboo consist major proportion of its diet. Bamboo constitutes up to
68.4% of annual diet of red panda followed by the berries of Sorbus cuspidata and Soubus
microphylla (Yonzon & Hunter, 1989). Other food items of red panda include Actinidia strigosa
and Rosa sericera (Pradhan et al., 2001).
The droppings of red panda are spindle-shaped, soft, moist and light green. The color depends on
their diet. Red panda usually leaves a cluster of 1-15 pellets at a feeding site in a single defecation
(Bista & Paudel, 2013). and will use the same site for defecation (latrine sites) where more than
100 pellets can accumulate (Yonzon & Hunter, 1989).

8
 Chapter 3: Materials and Methods

3.1 Study Area

The study area includes Jagdulla, Patarasi and Mugum Karmarong rural municipalities from
Karnali province. Jagdulla, the western part of Dolpa district, Patarasi, the northern east part of
Jumla district and Mugum Karmarong, the eastern part of Mugu district share boundaries with
each other. The study area is located between 29° 05' to 30° 00' N and 82° 15' to 83° 00' E. A road
runs from Surkhet to Tribeni of Rukum west, then after it is a walk to reach the study area.
Topographically, study area ranges from 1903m to 6853m. However, study is only done in the
regions outside national park area and below 3800m as the elevation beyond that doesn’t suit red
panda habitat. Jagdulla, Langu, Chaudahesi and Mugu Karnali were the major rivers in the area.
Rocks and perennial snow cover large area of the study area. Most of the vegetated land is under
forest, followed by shrub and grasslands. Due to the fragile geology, landslide makes significant
part of the area.

Figure 3: Map of Study Area

9
This area was chosen for the study because it shares its boundary with Shey-Phoksundo National
Park and Rara National Park and shares similar habitat conditions and geographic terrain like that
of national park which is pristine habitat of red panda.

3.1.1 Biodiversity
The study area is characterized by alpine, sub- alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common
plant species include Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana), Dhupi (Cedar spp.), Birch (Betula utilis),
Hemlock (Tsuga Dumosa), Fir (Abies spectabilis), Maple (Acer caesium), Okhar (Juglans regia),
Lauth Salla (Taxus bacatta), Poplar (Populus spp.), Oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) and Guraans
(Rhododendron spp.). Remote, inaccessible and least inhabited portion of the study area is also
habitat to wildlife species such as common leopard (Panthera pardus), jackal (Canis aureus), red
panda (Ailurus fulgens), musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), ghoral (Namorhedus goral), blue
sheep (Psedois nayaur) and Himalayan black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus). Though many species
of birds were also heard on course of field survey, no records of bird species were kept during the
field visit. Since, very few scientific studies have been carried out in this region, knowledge on
biodiversity and natural resources in this area have not been yet explored.

3.1.2 Demography
According to Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Jagdulla, Patarasi and
Mugum Karmarong has an area of 83.3, 814.1 and 2,107 square kilometers respectively and the
total population of the rural municipalities are 2,273, 14,571 and 5,396 respectively as of 2011
Nepal census. Though Jagdulla has 6 wards, Patarasi has 7 and Mugum has 9 wards, study in all
the wards was not done either due to higher elevations that had no possible habitat for red panda
or the regions were inaccessible. Regions occupied by national park were also avoided during the
study.

There are 3,999 households altogether in three of these rural municipalities belonging to different
castes such as Chhetri (52.09%), Tamang (27.84%), Dalits (13.35%), Magar (1.39%) and others
(5.31%). Among 51.33% of literate people, most of them only have primary or non-formal
education. The largest population class of the region belongs to the age of 0-10 years children and
99.71% of the households depend upon fuelwood for fuel. (CBS, 2011)

10
3.2 Data Collection
3.2.1 Primary Data
Primary data was collected through following ways:
1. ESRI 2020 global land cover map downloaded from arcgis.com was used to identify potential
habitat of red panda. Potential habitat of red panda was obtained analysing the elevation between
2,000m to 4,000m from elevation map and forest lands from land use map.
2. Conservation issues and threats to biodiversity, particularly concerning to the survival and
existence of red panda were identified from deliberate consultation with the focal groups. Three
informal group discussions were carried out which included tourism entrepreneurs, teachers and
peoples' representatives. This have helped to assess the potential threats and challenges to red
panda from the perspective of local community. A total of 11 threats to red panda were identified
during field observation and from group discussions with local stakeholders and key informant
interviews. To assess the conservation threats, 35 households were randomly chosen and
interviewed with the help of semi-structured questionnaire. Respondents were asked to rank the
threats during questionnaire survey.
4. The anthropogenic pressure on the habitat was assessed through the study of sign of livestock
grazing and forest products collection signs from the area.
5. Field Survey: This method included preliminary survey and direct transect count. People were
interviewed to identify potential habitats of Red Panda in the study area. Pictures of red panda,
their pellets and preferred food were shown to local people to get basic information regarding the
familiarity of local people on red panda. Then the systematic sampling was done on an altitudinal
basis in the potential area so identified. The identified potential areas were surveyed for red panda
droppings to confirm its presence in that area. The search for droppings were done with the help
of local assistant in possible range. The panda’s droppings can be easily identified on the site by
their shape. The forest area that was confirmed for the presence of red panda through its droppings
was surveyed for habitat assessment. The measurement of other parameters such as slope, aspect,
elevation, ground coverage and crown coverage were also recorded from the same point. The detail
vegetation survey was carried out according to Schemnitz, 1980 in order to determine the floral
composition of the habitat. Quadrate of size 10m*10m for trees (plants above 3m height and 50
cm DBH except ringal bamboo), 4m*4m for shrubs (woody plants below 3m height and ringal
bamboo) and 1m*1m for herbaceous layer (plants up to 1 m height) were used in habitat plots. In

11
each plot, species of trees, shrubs and herbs, their frequency and morphological measurements
were also recorded. In the total 30 plots taken for habitat assessment inside the study area, 11 tree
species, 12 shrub species and 14 herb species were recorded.
10m*10m

4m*4m

1*1m
Figure 4: Layout for vegetation survey (Schemnitz, 1980)

Human trails and cattle migratory routes were followed as transects because of difficulties in
establishing straight line transects due to steep and complicated terrain. Total five transects were
used, no direct or indirect signs were detected in two of those transect line surveys. The highest
frequency of indirect signs (N=2) was observed in Chanchu-Jhyakot Forest area in 8.4km long
transect. Not a single red panda (direct sign) was observed anywhere during the study period.
Throughout the transect lines, ocular analysis of the species was also done.
3.2.2 Secondary Data
Information on the study area, demography and geography was obtained from the published profile
of the rural municipalities. The publications of national parks were also studied to get insights into
the nature of the study area. Literatures on red panda and related researches were referred to
develop objectives and generate ideas on the research issue. Research reports from campus library
and published articles were also used as a secondary data source.

3.3 Data Analysis

The data collected in the field are used to calculate species richness, density, relative frequency,
relative density, basal area and relative dominance of trees using the following relations (Smith,
1980) (Shrestha & Ghimire, 1996).

Density and Relative Density

12
 Total number of individuals of species A
Density of species A =
Total number of plots sampled × Area of plot
Total individuals of species A
Relative density of species A =
Total individuals of all species

Frequency and Relative frequency:

No of plots in which species A occurs
Frequency of species A = × 100
Total number of plots sampled
Frequency value of species A
Relative frequency of species A = × 100
Total frequency value of all species

Relative dominance:
Total basal area of species A
Relative dominance of species A = × 100
Total basal area of all species
Basal area of a species is a sum total of basal area of all trees of a species which was calculated
using the following relation:
Basal area =  (d/2) 2 Where, d = diameter at breast height

Importance value index (IVI):

IVI is obtained by the summation of relative density, relative frequency, and relative dominance
(Dinerstein, 1979).
𝐼𝑉𝐼 = Relative density + relative frequency + relative dominance

Threat assessment:
Relative Threat Factor Severity Index (RTFSI) is used to analyze the (Kiringe et al., 2007). RTFSI
used to prioritize the threat factors could simply be defined by,
Sum of all the scores for that particular threat factor
Mean score of each threat factor =
Total number of respondents

Mean score for a particular threat factor

RTFSI =
The maximum possible score

13
The threats are said to be severe if a particular threat obtains highest value for RTFSI and vice-
versa.
Habitat Preference Mapping
GPS points of the sites where signs of red panda were found was used to prepare the distribution
map. QGIS 3.1 was used to develop elevation, aspect and slope-wise distribution map.

14
 Chapter 4: Results and Discussion

4.1 Results
4.1.1 Distribution of Red Panda
Presence of red panda (locally known as “Nautoto”) was confirmed in two rural municipalities
(Jagdulla and Patarasi) from the field survey. All of the indirect signs detected in the field survey
were the pellets of red panda. Of the 4 pellets, 3 were found on the forest floor whereas only 1 was
found on the fallen log. The following table presents the geographic locations of the signs detected
in the transect survey.
Table 1: Details of the signs detected in transect survey
RM Substrate X-Coordinate Y-Coordinate Elevation Slope Aspect
(Degrees)
Jagdulla Forest floor 29.129288 82.532168 3169m 31 170 SE

Jagdulla Fallen log 29.131979 82.546444 2954m 16 46 NE

Patarasi Forest floor 29.37225 82.17673 3346m 28 51 NE

Patarasi Forest floor 29.304255 82.295308 2605m 23 25 N

Beside this, one indirect sign of red panda was detected in Mudkechula rural municipality of Dolpa
district alongside Jagdulla river. Occasionally red pandas were also observed by local resident and
herders in Guthichaur rural municipality of Jumla district.
The red panda defecated at a particular site considered as latrine site, consisting of two or more
droppings (pellets group) above the older one; however, the single dropping encountered in a plot
was considered as the defecation site. In the studied plots, percentage of defecation site (75%) was
higher than that of latrine site (25%). Single defecation site consisted of 7 to 18 pellets. However,
average number of pellets per dropping in defecation site was 12. The number of pellets in the
latrine sites could not be counted, due to higher number of broken and decayed pellets.

The following map shows the distribution of red panda in the study area:

15
Figure 5: Distribution of Red Panda in the study area

4.1.2 Habitat Preference by Red Panda

4.1.2.1 Elevation
Study area is situated between 1903m to 6853m from mean sea level. Since the potential habitat
of red panda lies between 2,000m to 4,000 meters, transects followed to search for direct and
indirect evidences of presence of panda were between this range. No signs were detected below
2,600m and above 3,350m. However, it won't be justifiable to make predictions on absence of this
species beyond this range.
For the ease of graphic representation, we classified the elevation range between 1900m to 5900m with an
interval of 1000m. All signs of the red panda we encountered were found between the elevation ranges of
1900m to 3900m.

16
Figure 6: Elevation wise distribution of red panda in the study area

4.1.2.2 Slope
Red panda signs were observed between the slopes of 16° to 31°. Red panda mostly prefers steep
slope and moderately prefers steep escarpment/cliff; randomly use moderate slope and avoids the
gentle slope. However, red panda completely avoids very gentle slope (Anbalagan & Singh, 2001).

Number of red panda pellets in different slope gradients

3
No. of red panda pellets

0
< 10° 10° - 20° 20° - 30° 30° - 40° > 40°

Red panda signs

17
4.1.2.3 Water Source
Red panda signs were found at the distance of 25m to 400 m far from the nearest water sources in
the study area. The species mostly preferred the distance of less than 100m (N=3) from the water
sources. Though one sign of the species at Patarasi RM was about 400m far from nearest water
source, it avoided the distance greater than 400 m from nearest water sources.

4.1.2.4 Aspect
Red panda signs were observed in 3 aspects within the study area, most preferably on northeast
facing slope (N=2), followed by north and southeast facing slope (each face containing 1 sign,
N=1). No signs were obtained on west facing slopes.

Figure 7: Aspect wise distribution of Red Panda in the study area

4.1.3 Floristic Preference

Vegetation Analysis:

18
4.1.3.1 Trees
Trees were examined in 30 plots each of dimension 10m*10m. Eleven species of trees were identified
in the sample plots chosen for vegetation survey. Of the eleven species, highest value for IVI was
obtained for Quercus semecarpifolia (IVI=38.71), followed by Pinus wallichiana and Acer
species, with the value of IVI 30.68 and 23.97 respectively.
The following table presents the calculated table for IVI for each species of tree:
Table 2: Tree species recorded in the sample plots

S. Tree Species Local Relative Relative Relative Important

N. name Density Frequency dominance Value Index
(IVI)
1. Pinus wallichiana Gobre 0.13157 16.66 13.89 30.68
sallo
2. Cedrus deodara Dhupi 0.09210 8.33 9.77 18.19
3. Abies spectabilis Gobrya 0.05263 5.55 5.55 11.15
4. Betula utilis Bhuje 0.11842 11.10 11.54 22.75
5. Juglans regia Okhar 0.05263 5.55 4.74 10.34
6. Populus ciliata Chinar 0.09210 8.33 7.62 16.04
7. Taxus wallichiana Lauth 0.02631 2.77 3.30 6.09
sallo
8. Quercus Khasru 0.17105 19.44 19.10 38.71
semecarpifolia
9. Tsuga dumosa Thigo 0.09210 8.33 9.67 18.09
10 Rhododendron Guraans 0.03947 2.77 2.09 4.89
11 Acer spp. Paalau 0.13157 11.10 12.74 23.97
4.1.3.2Shrubs
Bamboo and different woody plants below 3m height were considered to be shrubs and recorded
in the same 30 plots in 4m*4m rectangular grid. Seedlings and saplings of tree species were not
considered as shrubs. A total of 12 species were recorded in the sample plots. Not all of those were
identifiable.
Table 3: Shrub species recorded in the sample plots

19
 S.N. Shrub species Local name No. of plots
1. Rhododendron spp. Gurans 6
2. Drepanostachym spp. Nigalo 23
3. Juniper species Dhupi 11
4. Jasminum humile Kali Sanguto 5
5. Elaegnus parviflora Autumn olive (Gunyalo) 8
6. Berberis aristata Chutro 2
7. Danphe bholua Lokta 4
8. Cotoneaster affinis Raisya 2
9. Coriaria nepalensis Machaino 1
10. Ribes himalense Pangro 2
11. Unidentified 1 Pitaielo 3
12. Unidentified 2 N/A 2

4.1.3.3 Herbs
Herbaceous plants were also observed in same 30 plots, each 1m*1m in area. A total of 14 species
of herbs were recorded in the area which are mentioned below in the table.

Table 4: Herb species recorded in the sample plots

S.N. Herb Species Local name No. of plots

1. Urtia dioica Sisnu 9
2. Dryopteris Unyu 17
3. Asparagus filicinus Kudilo 3
4. Artimisia dubia Titepaati 6
5. Polygonatum spp. Khiraunle 4
6. Rubus spp. Ainselu 7
7. Fragaria spp. Bhui kaafal 3
8. Galium asperifolium chittu 5
9. Swertia chirata Chiraityo 1
10. Cirsium verutum Thakailo 2

20
 11. Moss Jhyau 6
12. Unidentified 1 Kudilo 2
13. Unidentified 2 N/A 5
14. Unidentified 3 N/A 1

4.1.4 Socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents

Within the study area, we interviewed a total of 35 respondents to know about their perception on
red panda. The following table represents the demographic characteristics of the respondents
interviewed:

Table 5: Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents

Variables Number of %
respondents (35)
Gender
Male 21 60
Female 14 40
Occupation
Agriculture 15 42.85
Wage labor 4 11.42
Service 4 11.42
Business 3 8.5
Foreign employment 5 14.28
Seasonally employed 2 5.70
None 2 5.70
Age
Youth (16-30) 8 22.85
Adult (30-60) 16 45.71
Elderly (60+) 11 31.42
Ethnicity
Brahmin 3 8.57

21
 Chhetri 18 51.42
Janajati 9 25.71
Dalit 5 14.28
Religion
Hinduism 26 74.28
Buddhism 8 22.85
None 1 2.85
Literacy
Primary 19 54.30
Secondary 8 22.85
University 2 5.71
None 6 17.14
About legal status of
red panda
Aware 23 65.71
Not aware 11 31.42

Forest products
collection
Daily 8 22.85
Few days in a week 17 48.57
Few days in a month 6 17.14
Never 4 11.42

4.1.5 Major Conservation Issues

Several conservation issues were identified within the study area from discussions with local people and
literatures reviewed. Based on the public opinion, the major threat to red panda in the area was found to be
forest fire followed by infrastructure development and bamboo extraction. Threat factor and severity index
of Red Panda is presented in the table below:

Table 6: Threat factor and severity index of Red Panda

22
S.N. Threats Total Score Mean Relative threat Rank
of threat Score factor severity
factors index (RTFSI)
1. Climate Change 64 2.46 0.49 5th
2. Deforestation 51 1.96 0.39 6th
3. Forest land encroachment 33 1.27 0.25 10th
4. Forest Fire 117 4.50 0.90 1st
5. Forest products and bamboo 75 2.88 0.58 3rd
extraction
6. Infrastructure development 81 3.12 0.62 2nd
7. Invasive species 42 1.62 0.32 7th
8. Livestock herding and grazing 70 2.69 0.54 4th
9. Nonsense killing 29 1.12 0.22 11th
10. Poaching and Trade 34 1.31 0.26 9th
11. Others: Weak legal enforcement and 40 1.54 0.31 8th
institutional mechanisms, poor
awareness
The issues, challenges and risk imposed by the potential threats are briefly discussed below:

1. Forest Fire
Forest fire is demonstrated as the major challenge in the study area through field observation
and demographic survey. Since western Nepal receives less precipitation than Eastern Nepal
and moreover places at higher elevations receive less rainfall, study area is relatively drier.
This dryness creates necessary condition to set up fire from natural causes like thunder and
other anthropogenic means, such as rubbing of falling stones. Besides, forest fire was used by
people to create openings for new agricultural land and to stimulate regeneration of mushroom
and other edible species. Fire was also used to grow new vegetative shoots for livestock and
suppress the growth of thorny and unpalatable species like, Rubus and Berberis species. Since,
this research had several limitations, we were unable to trace any creature killed or damaged
by the fire. However, a lot of burnt trees were observed. Total mean score of threat factor for
fire was 4.50 (RTFSI=0.790), which was the highest among 11 factors identified.

23
2. Infrastructure development:
Another significant threat reported by local respondents was infrastructure development.
Because of motorable road tracks being excavated to connect the areas of human settlements
and old trails being widened due to the increasing number of livestock’s movement, there is
significant impact of infrastructure development in the natural habitats. Felling of trees for
timber and poles for building house and goth has also disturbed the availability of red panda.
Establishment of electric poles has also disturbed the natural habitat. Total mean threat factor
given by respondents was 3.12 (RTFSI=0.62).
3. Forest products extraction:
People collect firewood and ringal bamboo for domestic purpose. Large amount of firewood
is required to make rooms warm in cold season and for cooking purposes. Timber is harvested
to make furniture and for pole fencing. Ringal bamboo is used to make different items such as
baskets, pipes for drinking tomba etc. The people of Buddhist religion cut poles of Abies
spectabilies to hang up the flags which is replaced every year. People collect non-timber forest
products such as Danphe bholua, Urtia dioica, Rubus species, mushrooms, etc. from forests
and pasturelands. These practices have some level of impact in the habitat of Red Panda. Total
mean threat factor given by respondents was 2.88 (RTFSI=0.58).
4. Livestock herding and grazing:
Livestock rearing was very common among the people living in the red panda range. Grazing
was extensive in the red panda habitat. Herds of Cow, sheep, yak and chauris were grazed in
the core altitudinal range of red panda (3000 ± 218 m). Red panda is a very shy animal and
livestock creates disturbance in mating activities. The transhumance pastoralism practiced by
the people is another issue in conservation of wildlife including red panda. Even a single herd
of chauri creates disturbance in different forest areas during different seasons. This leads to
habitat fragmentation in larger areas. Mean score of threat factors for this category was found
to be 2.69 (RTFSI=0.54).
5. Climate change:
With the total mean threat factor 2.46 (RTFSI=0.49), climate change was the fifth major threat
reported by local residents. Although prolonged rainfall or monsoon season helps in creating
a denser growth of forest and bamboos; excessive snowfall, severe droughts and prolonged
winds leads to destruction of potential habitats of red panda. Massive landslide at different

24
places within the study area was due to the impacts of climate change that has cause a
tremendous disturbance in the red panda habitat.
6. Deforestation:
With the total mean threat factor 1.96 (RTFSI=0.39), deforestation was identified as a potential
threat to red panda from the group discussions. Contrary to the researchers' expectation, this
was ranked as weaker threat factor from the questionnaire survey. Since larger portion of the
study area involves steep terrains, it is not easy to cut down and collect the cut pieces of woods
for furniture uses. Also, due to the reduced dependency on forests for fuel food and fodder (as
many youths are leaving the villages), there is not severe deforestation and reduction of forest
areas in recent decades. However, many people staying in the area still cut tree parts for various
purposes to fulfill their needs, this has caused impacts on this shy species.
7. Invasive species:
Though, invasion of unwanted weeds in forest areas and pasturelands may result in decreased
food availability to wildlife, this threat was not considered serious and severe by the
respondents. Total mean threat factor given by respondents was 1.62 (RTFSI=0.32).
8. Others (Poaching and trade, forest encroachment, nonsense killing, weak legal
enforcement and poor awareness)
Although no incidents of poaching of red panda are recorded in the past few years inside the
study area, some villagers place nets and traps in the forest areas to catch wild birds which
makes small mammals like red panda more vulnerable to get trapped.
However, forest encroachment was prevalent inside study area. At lower altitudes, slash and
burn practice was common, in which they cultivated makai and kodo. In red panda habitat,
people put fire on bamboo thickets to make space for making grazing land for their livestock
and for cultivating potato, the only food crop cultivated in that range. Firing of ringal bamboo
is dangerous because it destroys its mother stock.
Killing without intent was ranked as the weakest threat factor from the questionnaire survey
with the total mean score of 1.12 (RTFSI=0.22). Decades ago, red panda used to be killed by
people without realizing its ecological value or without ill intentions to trade and make profit
from it. However, no such persons have ever been identified in public knowledge and official
records today.

25
 Due to the geographical remoteness to the area and weak transportation and communication
facilities and country’s political instability, study area is far away from the observation of
legitimate government authorities that caused a great challenge to conduct regular patrolling,
wildlife monitoring and wildlife survey activities. Also, the population density of the study
area is very low, that has caused huge availability of space and resources with no conflicts in
their usage. So, the government mechanisms have accorded low priority to the area. This
allows people with criminal intent to involve in crimes related to wildlife. People of this region
are still not fully aware about the legal status of wildlife. Due to the low level of awareness,
people’s participation in wildlife conservation is not adequate.

4.2 Discussions
Inside the study area, not all the sites had good distribution of red panda. Presence of signs at
Jagdulla and Patarasi RM have helped in the identification of habitat within these areas. The
forest of Jagdulla and Patarasi RM possessed equal number of sign evidences but Jagdulla had
less searching effort in comparison to Patarasi. This was due to the more availability of Abies
and Quercus species. Mugum Karmarong had no signs to prove the existence of red panda.

Droppings were found from 2600m altitude up to 3350 m altitude. This was similar to the
finding of (Yonzon, 1997) in LNP where it was found between 3000 and 4000m and (Pradhan
et al., 2001) in the Singhalila National Park Darjeeling, India where it was found between 2600
and 3600 m.
As Red panda spends reasonable time feeding on the bamboo, all of the droppings were found
in bamboo habitat with all on the ground or fallen logs. As high as 75% of pellet groups were
found on forest floor followed by fallen logs with 25%, may be due to unavailability of Abies
trees, which was not reported in many areas. Encounter of the most droppings on the ground
and the fewer on trees in the habitat indicated the unavailability of enough trees for red panda
in the study area. This may also be one of the reasons for the lower presence of red panda in
the study area. (Pradhan et al., 2001) suggested that the higher use of forest floor was probably
because the red panda was seeking bamboo shoots on the forest floors. Besides, pellet groups
mostly found on the forest floor, paths on ridges and slopes, could be a mode of communication
between the species. The defecation substrate differs seasonally (Roberts & Gittleman, 1984)

26
with the requirement of nutritious food, e.g., during the growth season of bamboo shoots,
defecations occurred on the forest floor. Most signs observed during the study were old.
On all the study sites, conifers were the largest trees and other broad-leaved trees were smaller
in girth and height. In the study area, habitat of red panda was dominated by Quercus
semecarpifolia, Pinus wallichiana and Acer spp. Out of eleven tree species recorded in the
study area, red panda preferred Acer species and Quercus semecarpifolia where as it randomly
used Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis and Taxus spp. and avoided Tsuga dumosa, Juglans regia,
Populus spp., Cedar spp. and Pinus wallichiana. Higher IVI of avoided species was due to
their larger girth. The study was supported by the study conducted by (Panthi et al., 2012) who
reported that the red panda showed higher preference to Acer caesium, Abies spectabilis and
Quercus semecarpifolia. The preferred tree species in the study area might be used by red
panda for nesting, sleeping and sheltering. Similarly, 12 shrubs were recorded from the study
area. Elaeagnus parvifolia and Drepanostachyum spp. were present as understory in all the
sites where signs of red panda were found. Out of the 14 herbaceous plants found, Polygonatum
spp., Fragaria nubicola, A. aristata and Galium spp. was preferred by red panda.
Red panda mostly preferred the steep slopes followed by escarpments/cliffs (Anbalagan &
Singh, 2001). Similar to Singh, most of the pellet groups were recorded in the cliffs and steep
slope (N=3) whereas least in the gentle slope (N=1). This might be to avoid the competition
with the livestock; the very gentle and gentle slopes were mostly used by livestock for grazing
in the study area. The signs of red panda presence were recorded mostly in the north and
northeast facing slopes indicating these slopes are preferred slope of red panda. This might be
due to the presence of habitat requisites specifically food availability and low level of
disturbances for red panda. Our findings are similar to those of (Yonzon, 1989) on red panda’s
affinity towards north-facing slopes in LNP.
Although red panda is a carnivore, it is used to pure herbivore diet, primarily consisting of
leaves and shoots of bamboo species. Its other dietary includes berries, fruits, mushrooms,
acorns and lichens (Pradhan et al., 2001) (Yonzon, 1989). In addition, the annual diet of red
panda comprises leaves of ringal bamboo (68.4%), followed by ringal shoots (14.6%), fruits
of Sorbus cuspidata (9.23%), berries of Sorbus microphylla (6.15%) and mushroom (1.6%)
(Pradhan et al., 2001). The villagers and herders of the study area mentioned that red panda
mainly feeds on leaves and shoot of Drepanostachyum spp. (Ringal bamboo/Ningalo) and

27
partially on fruits of Rubus biflorus (Aainselu), Berberis aristata (Chutro), Elaeagnus
parvifolia (Gunyalo) and Fragaria nubicola (Bhui Kafal). Some of the herders of study area
mentioned that red panda used to kill and devour the newly born young of goat and sheep, but
this is doubtful and need further verification.
Though bamboo was detected in large amount throughout the study area, there is conflict on
this resource, since people collect it to make goth and for fire, and they destroy bamboo to
make grazing spaces for their livestock. Extraction of bamboo is one of the major threats to
red panda in this study. Ringal bamboo was recorded in 23 plots out of 30 plots studied. The
bamboo reached up to 8.5 m tall with the average height of 5 m. Average diameter recorded
was 1.7 cm. The number of the bamboo was calculated to be 17 stems per plot. The average
bamboo cover was estimated to be 44 %. There was highest bamboo cover of 70% and lowest
of 20%.
Distribution of pellet groups appeared positively associated with available water resources
(Sharma & Belant, 2009). Similarly, (Pradhan et al., 2001) mentioned the water availability as
the habitat requisite for red panda. Likewise, in study area too, most of pellets were distributed
within 100 m from water resources; as 75% of the evidences of the red panda within the study
area were at the distance of 100 m from the nearest water bodies, it further reflected the
importance of water in its preferred habitat sites.
Canopy coverage is the important habitat component in the red panda habitat and it prefers
forest with greater canopy cover (Pradhan et al., 2001) (Williams, 2004). In the study area, red
panda preferred dense crown coverage (40% - 80%). It was probably due to crown coverage
might be used for hiding, resting and thermoregulation; for the protection and maintaining
body temperature within narrow tolerable limit. (Panthi et al., 2012) also found that red panda
mostly preferred the crown coverage of 51% - 75%. Similarly, red panda preferred 30%-60%
ground coverage, however avoided the sites with the ground coverage less than 30%, probably
it used dense ground cover for hiding and movements. (Panthi et al., 2012) mentioned that red
panda preferred the moderate ground cover of (26% - 50%) while avoided low ground cover
(≤25%) followed by high ground cover (≥51% - 100%). (Roberts & Gittleman, 1984)
concluded that higher number of old trees with denser canopy cover as an indicator of the
suitable habitat for red panda as they prefer to make their nest in the old tree trunks and to rest
on its large branches under canopy cover. Though the sites of signs had required coverages,

28
most of the area in the study region had no or very less crown and ground coverage, which
might be another reason for the lower availability of red panda in the region.
Regarding the other wildlife, beside the signs of red panda within the study area, one pellet
group of ghoral was found at the high altitude of forests in Patarasi. One pellet group of red
pandas was found at the Mudkechula RM. No sign of Himalayan tahr was noticed though it
was found to share habitat with red panda in LNP (Karki, 2009). Management activities
implemented for the conservation of red panda should also assure the conservation of the
animals sharing habitat with red panda.
Forest fire (RTFSI=0.90) was the most significant disturbance in red panda habitat within the
study area followed by infrastructure development (RTFSI=0.62) and bamboo extraction
(RTFSI=0.58). Patarasi had comparatively lower disturbances than other areas. This probably
was due to its distance from human settlement. Most of the human settlements were around
3000 m altitude and disturbances were intensive around the goths. This altitude is regarded as
the core altitude range of red panda. The livestock were grazed in the red panda habitat mostly
in the winter and early summer. This period overlaps with almost the whole of the mating
season of red panda. Red panda needs privacy for its reproductive activities. But livestock was
creating disturbance during the mating period, which is an additional threat to survival, after
threat due to poor breeding performance followed by high cub mortality.
Anthropogenic activities like encroachment, deforestation, extensive livestock grazing, fuel
wood, herb collection; intentional forest fire etc. are the main causes for the fragmentation of
red panda habitat (Sharma & Belant, 2009). Similar to this finding, the respondents inside the
study area perceived that forest fire, infrastructure development and bamboo extraction are the
most severe threats to Red Panda. They viewed forest encroachment and nonsense killing as
the least severe threat. This may be due to emigration of people from village and reduced
dependency upon forest for fueling purposes. Less dependency in forest resources results in
accumulation of debris in forest areas which could damage red panda and its habitat. Similarly,
the remoteness of the area could create a conducive environment for people with criminal
intent.

29
 Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Conclusion
This study was carried out in the potential habitats of Red Panda in Jagdulla, Patarasi and
Mugum Karmarong rural municipalities, which constitutes the upper hills of Karnali region.
The pellets were the only evidence to defend the presence of red panda in the area. A total of
four indirect signs i.e., pellets were detected from the survey. The study revealed the presence
of red panda in the forests of Chaurikot & Jhyakot of Jagdulla of Dolpa and in the forests of
Luma and Riya of Patarasi of Jumla respectively. Through this study, no trace of red panda
could be found in the forests of Mugum Karmarong. The evidences (pellet groups) of red panda
found distributed from the elevation of 2605m to 3346m. Evidences of red panda were found
in the bamboo dominated forests along with the tree species of Acer species and Quercus
semecarpifolia, shrub species of Elaeagnus parvifolia, Drepanostachyum spp. and Jasminum
humile, and herbaceous of Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Artimisia dubia, Fragaria nubicola and
Galium asperifolium. Though the trees of Pinus, Cedar, Betula, Tsuga and Populus were also
found widespread in the study area, pellets were not found in the regions dominated by these
trees. Red panda mostly preferred the habitat on the north facing steep slopes associated with
water availability (at distance ≤100 m). Similarly, the pellets of red panda were present in the
habitat with crown coverage 40% - 100% and 30% - 60% ground cover. Moreover, forest floor
(75%) was mostly preferred to use by red panda for defecation. The major threat to the survival
and existence of red panda was found to be forest fire, infrastructure development and forest
product extraction. Likewise, grazing, climatic hazards and deforestation were other major
factors that entails threat to red panda. No incidents of poaching and killing of red panda were
recorded in the past few years, making it a minor threat to the species.
However, contrary to (Yonzon, 1989), the presence of evidences in the study area was not
satisfactory. With the least searching effort, two signs were found in the Jagdulla whereas it
took a long searching effort to encounter the same number of signs in the Patarasi region. In
the overall areas, trees of Quercus, Abies and Acer species were outnumbered by the trees of
Pinus, Cedar, Populus, Juglans and Tsuga species, that might cause lower presence of red
panda in the study area. Similarly, crown coverage was mostly too low in most of the sites
which don’t favor red panda. Sparse ground coverage and dry slopes may be the other reasons
for the lower availability of the species. Adjacency of the study area with mountains of higher

30
 elevations and several threat factors are also responsible for lower evidences of red panda
within the study area.

5.2 Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study, following recommendations are made for the conservation
of red panda in the study area:
• Livestock grazing must be strictly restricted in the potential habitat area of red panda.
• Infrastructure developments, mainly widening of trails and establishment of electric
poles should be avoided in the potential habitat of red panda as much as possible.
• Invasive plant species should be identified and removed before it disturbs the potential
habitat of red panda.
• Forest fires need to be controlled promptly after it occurs. The loads of debris that could
be potential fuel should be manually removed or safely burnt before forest fire turns
disastrous.
• Regular patrolling of the forest area should be done by forest user groups and
government officials to continue the success of eradicating poaching and killing of red
panda.
• Conservation awareness about the legal status of red panda is crucial to make local
communities conscious and responsible towards environment. This also encourage
people to protect forest and forest resources and discourage people to consume
Arundinaria species voraciously. This helps ensuring abundant availability of food for
red panda.

31
 References

Anbalagan, R., & Singh, B. (2001). ) Landslide Hazard and Risk Mapping in the Himalaya. A
Paper in Landslide Ha- zard Mitigation in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Kathmandu,
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 Appendices
1. Questionnaire

Annex I Questionnaire used for household survey

Date: ….…… Respondent No: ……………... Tole/District: ……….

Name of respondent: ………………………………. Gender: ……….

Education: None/Non-formal/Primary/Secondary/University level

1. What is your source of income?

Agriculture Wage Business Foreign Service Seasonally

labor employment employed
2. How frequent do you go to forest to collect forest needs?

Daily Few days in a week Few days in a month Never

3. What types of animals have you seen in the forest area?

………………………………………………………..

4. Do you know about red panda? 1. Yes 2 No

5. If yes, have you ever seen a red panda or it’s facets while in the forest? 1. Yes 2. No
6. If yes, how many times? ………………… Where ……………...?
7. What was it doing at the moment? …………………………………….
8. Did it notice you? If yes, how did it respond? …………………………….
9. Are you aware of its legal status? 1. Yes 2. No
10. In which trees have you seen it mostly? ……………………..
11. What do you do when you see a live red panda?

Do nothing Try to capture Throw stones Wait for it to pass

12. Has the panda ever tried to harm you unnecessarily? 1. Yes 2. No
13. Based on your observation, is the number of red pandas in your nearby forest decreasing
or increasing?

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 Decreasing constant Increasing
14. What threats do you think are prevailing to the creature?

……………………………………………………………………….

15. How would you rank the severity in case of the following threat factors?

Threats Severity rank

1 2 3 4 5
Climate Change
Deforestation
Feral dogs
Forest Fire
Forest products and bamboo extraction
Infrastructure development
Invasive species
Livestock herding and grazing
Nonsense killing
Poaching and Trade
Others: Weak legal enforcement and
institutional mechanisms, poor awareness

Annex II Habitat Description Form

Plot No.: GPS:
Investigator: ……………. Date: …………. Time: ……………….
Elevation: …………… Slope: ………… Aspect: …………...
Tallest bamboo: ……………...
Average bamboo height: ………………
Average DBH of bamboo: ………………...
Bamboo cover: ………………….
No of Bamboo (in 4m  4m): ………………….
Tree inventory: (10m  10 m)

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 SN Species DBH Height Remarks

Shrubs: (4m  4m)

SN Species Frequency Disturbance Remarks

Herbs: (1m  1m)

SN Species No / cover Disturbance Remarks

Threats and Disturbance

Grazing by livestock: (specify the species) …………………………

No. of cattle dung (in the plot): ………………….
Human disturbance:
Presence of trails: Y/N
Looping of trees and shrubs: Y/N
Other products collection: Y/N If yes, what products? …………………..

Tree cut or stump: (Y/N) if yes,

SN Species Diameter Stump height

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Sign of Wildlife (in the plot):
SN Species Sign types Sign frequency

Annex III Presence/Absence Survey Form

Observer's name: …………………… Date: ……………………
Survey Area (forest name): …………………….
RM: ……………………... Ward No. ……………
Description of location: …………………
No of people involved in search for sign: …………
Dropping Survey
SN X coordinate Y coordinate Substrate Habitat type Time Altitude

In the case of sighting:

GPS location: ………………
No. of animals: …………….
Activity: …………………
Time of sighting: …………….
Position of sighting: …………………
If on tree,
On which species: …………………
At height: ……………….

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 2. Photo Plates

Study area at Jagdulla- 04 Questionnaire survey at group discussion

Potential habitat of red panda Red Panda indirect signs (Pellets)

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Cattle dungs inside study area with local guide Bam Bahadur Gurung

Measuring DBH of tree Search of red panda signs

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