Conserving Red Panda in Western Nepal – Phase II

Wild populations of red pandas have declined by nearly 50% over the past two decades as a result of habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation of forests, hunting and poaching. The species is now listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is included in Appendix I of the CITES convention, which prohibits its trade.

Fondation Segré has previously supported this project in 2018 and renewed its contribution in 2023 to further support the efforts of Red Panda Network (RPN) to save red pandas and their habitat. Through this grant, RPN aims to strengthen red panda conservation in western Nepal through reducing poaching activities and illegal trade, community awareness and restoring degraded habitats.

Priority actions implemented include:

• Institutionalise and strengthen the wildlife crime control bureau.
• Conduct camera trapping survey. Camera traps will be set up in 22 Community Forests to monitor red panda behavior and their habitat.
• Support 42 Community Forest User Groups and 60 Forest Guardians to intensify regular forest patrolling. RPN will provide field logistics to all the patrolling members.
• Support 20 eco-clubs for anti-poaching campaigns: Students and teachers from local eco-clubs will be supported to regularly conduct anti-poaching campaigns. It will include awareness activities targeting local forest users, officials from local municipalities, district line agencies, and the general public.
• Enhance partnerships with 7 Division Forest Offices (DFOs) and 8 existing local municipalities. The project will organise regular consultation and coordination meetings with the DFOs and related local municipalities for sharing, reviewing, and discussions on red panda conservation issues.

You can read more about our previous support to Red Panda Network for the first phase of the project HERE.