Summary:

On November 21, 2024, Nepal officially declared its first community-based red panda conservation area, called the Puwamajhuwa Community Red Panda Conservation Area. This important initiative, led by the Red Panda Network (RPN) in collaboration with local stakeholders, aims to protect red pandas and their habitat in a critical ecological corridor located in the biodiverse Himalayas.

Red pandas face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and overgrazing, with an estimated population of only 2,500 to 10,000 remaining in the wild. The new conservation area spans 116.21 hectares of temperate broadleaf forest and aims to maintain a safe habitat for red pandas while promoting coexistence with local communities.

The conservation area’s establishment is part of RPN’s long-term goals to create a continuous protected stretch of land connecting various conservation areas across Nepal and India. The initiative emphasizes a community-led approach, involving local residents in the management of the conservation area and aiming to foster sustainable development opportunities that benefit both wildlife and local livelihoods.

The Puwamajhuwa Community Red Panda Conservation Area is seen as a significant milestone for red panda conservation in Nepal, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting endangered species and their habitats. The local government and various organizations are committed to supporting the ongoing management and sustainability of this new conservation area.

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