In Brooklyn, N.Y. on November 7th, 2013 there was four red panda cubs debuting at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo. Two cubs are at the Himalayan Highlands at the Bronx Zoo and two are at Discovery Trail at the Prospect Park Zoo.
WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) has a successful history breeding red pandas at the Bronx, Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in accredited zoos.
WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) has a successful history breeding red pandas at the Bronx, Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in accredited zoos.
WWF - World Wildlife Fund
“Our work in the Himalayas ensures the well-being of people and species through the conservation of entire ecosystem processes.”
Jon Miceler WWF Managing Director, Eastern Himalayas
WWF have been working in Nepal for 20 years, and their offices have grown overtime with more workers than ever. They help restore and protect the natural landscapes across the Eastern Himalayas. Their goal is to help species prosper as communities surrounding them can maintain and improve life also. They work with the governments of Bhutan, India, and Nepal and communities to protect forests, habitats, and freshwater sources.
Jon Miceler WWF Managing Director, Eastern Himalayas
WWF have been working in Nepal for 20 years, and their offices have grown overtime with more workers than ever. They help restore and protect the natural landscapes across the Eastern Himalayas. Their goal is to help species prosper as communities surrounding them can maintain and improve life also. They work with the governments of Bhutan, India, and Nepal and communities to protect forests, habitats, and freshwater sources.
Progress
MONITORING RED PANDAS
Monitoring red pandas and their habitat helps researchers to better understand their species. In 2011, WWF estimated 300 red pandas are held in the Indian state of Sikkim.
CREATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS
WWF works with herders near the potential red panda habitats in Nepal. They work towards reducing the human impact on the red panda's fragile habitat.
Other community initiatives to stop the hunting and capture of red pandas for income include:
Monitoring red pandas and their habitat helps researchers to better understand their species. In 2011, WWF estimated 300 red pandas are held in the Indian state of Sikkim.
CREATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS
WWF works with herders near the potential red panda habitats in Nepal. They work towards reducing the human impact on the red panda's fragile habitat.
Other community initiatives to stop the hunting and capture of red pandas for income include:
- Making yak dung briquettes. These provide an alternative way to generate income and can be used for fuel instead of cutting down red panda habitat for wood.
- Creating tourism packages. Attracting tourists provides an alternative method for generating income.
Laws and Treaties
- Any person found guilty of killing, buying or selling red pandas faces a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to ten years in jail.
- The red panda is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, and listed on Appendix I of CITES treaty. -See more at: http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Two+arrested+with+red+panda+hide+&NewsID=356872#sthash.3v1k8Cwg.dpuf
- Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972
- It is also legally protected in Bhutan, China (where it is classed as a category II species under the Wild Animal Protection Law)
- The species is protected in Myanmar by the Wildlife Act of 1994 and is found mostly in protected areas.