Decline
Estimated Population: Less than 10,000
There was a 40% decrease in red panda populations in China over the last 50 years, and populations in western Himalayan areas are considered to be lower.
There was a 40% decrease in red panda populations in China over the last 50 years, and populations in western Himalayan areas are considered to be lower.
Hunting
Red pandas are often killed when they get caught in traps meant for other animals such as wild pigs and deer. They are also poached for their distinctive pelts in China and Myanmar. Red panda fur caps or hats have been found for sale in Bhutan.
This number has decreased substantially in recent years thanks to organizations and laws. However, some poaching continues, and red pandas are often sold to private collectors at exorbitant prices. In some parts of Nepal and India, red pandas are kept as pets.
This number has decreased substantially in recent years thanks to organizations and laws. However, some poaching continues, and red pandas are often sold to private collectors at exorbitant prices. In some parts of Nepal and India, red pandas are kept as pets.
Reproduction
Red pandas have a long gestation period (roughly 135 days) for an animal that weighs only 11 pounds at maturity. (For mammals the gestation period is the time in which a fetus develops, beginning with fertilization and ending at birth). They also have small litters, producing about two cubs on average. Red pandas grow slowly, although their eating habits may look otherwise. They will reach adult size after 12 months and the young will become sexually mature at 18 months. As a result, they have slow reproduction rates therefore having a difficult time recovering from population declines. The red panda has a naturally low birth rate (usually single or twin births per year), and a high death rate in the wild.
Habitat clearings
Almost 50 percent of the red panda’s habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas. The loss of nesting trees and bamboo is causing a decline in red panda populations across much of their range because their forest home is being cleared. Red panda are declining over much of their range due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Forests are being destroyed for timer extraction and agricultural development. This results in the loss of bamboo and nesting trees that the species depends on for surviving.
Global warming effect on red pandas
Bamboo plants are highly sensitive to temperature change. If global climate change effects the panda's food source and there isn't bamboo for the panda's to eat, they'll loose their only food source. Red panda's have a poor digestive system and their diet relies on bamboo. Even if the bamboo were to survive in climate change, the chances the panda's have for getting sufficient nutrients from the plants is really low. The panda's would move to higher elevations as temperatures grow, and eventually, their habitats will be unlivable.