International Red Panda Day (IRPD) is annually observed across the globe on the 3rd Saturday of September to create awareness about the importance of the conservation of Red Pandas and to promote and encourage people to save them.
International Red Panda Day (IRPD) 2022 was observed on 17th September 2022.
- The IRPD 2021 was observed on 18th September 2021.
- The IRPD 2023 will be observed on 16th September 2023.
Red Pandas are widely found in the forest mountains of Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.
Background:
IRPD was introduced in 2010 by the Red Panda Network (RPN), an organisation dedicated to the conservation of animals after a steep decline in its population.
- The first-ever International Red Panda Day was observed on 18th September 2010.
About Red Panda:
i. The Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens), also known as the lesser panda, is a small mammal (slightly larger than a domestic cat).
ii. They spend most of their time in trees and live alone most of the time. It has reddish-brown fur with a black belly and legs, white-lined ears & muzzle (nose) and a ringed tail.
iii. According to RPN, it is estimated that there are 10,000 red pandas left in the entire world, and as few as 2,500 red pandas left in the wild.
iv. Red Pandas are listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of Threatened Species and under Schedule, I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the red panda has the highest legal protection.
v. Red Pandas were found roughly 50 years before the giant pandas were discovered. For the past 20 years, the population of Red Pandas has declined by 50% in the world.
vi.The cause of deforestation and the degradation and fragmentation of the Red Panda habitat is because of rapid human population growth in the Eastern Himalayas.
IRPD Aim:
IRPD aims to spread awareness about the stunted population of these animals and the ways to protect their habitat.
Primary Threats to Red pandas:
- Habitat Loss.
- Livestock Herding.
- Free-roaming Dogs and Disease.
- Poaching & Illegal Trade.
- Bamboo Lifecycle.
- World Climate Change.
Ways to protect Red Pandas:
i. Red pandas are legally protected in India, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar.
Red Panda Network has become a world leader in efforts to protect red pandas and their habitat.
ii. WWF works with local communities to reduce human impact on the red panda’s habitat.
