Distribution and Conservation Status of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

Abstract

A survey of Red Panda was carried out in three blocks namely Barse, Fagune andSurtibang of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) to establish baseline information ofthis species from March-May, 2007. The distribution of Red Panda was assessedthrough informal discussions with local people, herders and reserve staff followed bythe dropping survey. Vegetation analysis was done by using square quadrats of 10×10m 2 for trees and 4×4 m 2 for shrubs to determine Important Value Index. The study revealed the clumped type distribution pattern of Red Panda which wasaffected by different factors like presence of Arundinaria spp., north facing slope,water source availability, habitat condition, human activities, and livestock grazing.Altogether four Red Pandas were noticed and were identical in morphologicalcharacters. A correlation analysis of combined data on the distribution of Panda faecalpellets with elevation up to certain limit showed positive correlation. In the range of3,200 to 3,500 m, the droppings of the Red Panda were more common than above orbelow the range whereAbies, Rhododendron, BetulaandArundinariawere dominant.Red Panda most prefer northwest facing slope in the range 30 0 –40 0 during the studyperiod. A chi-square test performed showed that slope aspect differs with thedistribution pattern of Red Panda. Because of the violence and insurgency, themanagement offices and check posts were transferred to the urban area. Illegal felling,looping, hunting, poaching and over exploitation were common during the studyperiod. About 160 traps were collected and hand over to the Reserve officials.Occasional death of Red Panda was also recorded in Dharkharka of Barse block.Summer huts for livestock was one of the main threats for the conservation of RedPanda in DHR. Key Words:-Red Panda, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Distribution, Conservationthreats,Livestock grazing, Poaching.