Red Panda

News:According to a  TRAFFIC report,the Wildlife Trade of Red Panda has reduced significantly across India, Bhutan and Nepal.It has recommended cooperation through the use of multi-government platforms like SAWEN (South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network).

Facts:

About Red Panda:

• The Red Panda(Ailurus fulgens) is a mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.
• In India,it is found in Sikkim, western Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling district of West Bengal and parts of Meghalaya.It is also the state animal of Sikkim.
• IUCN Red List: Endangered 
• Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I
• Threats: a) Habitat loss and fragmentation b) Hunting for meat and Trade c) Natural disasters among others.

Additional information:

About South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network(SAWEN):

• It is an intergovernmental wildlife law enforcement support body of South Asian countries namely – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• It was launched in 2011 with its Secretariat based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Aim:To work as a strong regional body for combating wildlife crimes by attempting common goals and approaches for combating illegal trade in the region.

About TRAFFIC:

• TRAFFIC is a Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network established in 1976 jointly by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• It is a leading non-governmental organisation working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• It is headquartered in Cambridge,United Kingdom.