Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park recently started a program to introduce 20 red pandas to Singalila National Park in about five years.
Singalila National Park
- Singalila National Park is a highly protected area located on the Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
- It is the highest point in the state.
- The park was initially a wildlife sanctuary. In 1992 it was converted into a national park.
- In 1994, it was declared a major wild habitat for the red panda.
Pangolin and Red panda
Pangolins and red pandas are among the most trafficked animals worldwide. Both animals are typical mammals and are endemic to the eastern Himalayas. They are threatened by a number of geographic and socioeconomic factors, resulting in illegal wildlife trafficking. Its illegal trade is increasing at an alarming rate.
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Number of species in Singalila National Park
The numbers of red pandas and pangolins are not officially available. However, as per reports, the number of wild red pandas in Singalila National Park and Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong is between 40-45.
Red Panda
Two species of pandas are found around the world, namely the giant panda and the red panda. The red panda is the state animal of Sikkim. They are shy, solitary and arboreal animals. They are also considered as an indicator species for ecological change. In India, there are two subspecies of panda, the Himalayan red panda and the Chinese red panda. The red panda is endemic to the forests of India, Bhutan, Nepal, northern Myanmar and southern China.
IUCN Status
The red panda is classified in the “endangered” category of the IUCN Red List and Appendix I of CITES. They are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. On the other hand, giant pandas are ‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List and Appendix I species in CITES.
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Number of Red Pandas
According to an estimate, there are 5,000-6,000 species of red pandas in India. According to an IUCN assessment in 2015, the global population has decreased by 50% in the past 18 year
Conservation Breeding Program
In 1994 a conservation breeding program was started in Singalila National Park to protect the red panda. By 2003, 22 red pandas had been introduced. In 2004, 2 more female red pandas were introduced. In 2019, 4 Pandas were released. Despite this initiative, the number of red pandas in Singalila National Park is not increasing.
What are the Reasons for the Decline in Population?
Cross-border poaching activity has increased over time, as has increased demand for smuggled animals due to the illegal pet trade and private resorts. Red panda skins are used to make hats in China.
In addition, roads and other infrastructure inside the park have been financed by the Government of West Bengal, to generate revenue from tourism. Huge influx of visitors and vehicles is pushing these animals away.
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