Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

A survey was carried out in three blocks namely Barse, Fagune and Surtibang of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in March-May, 2007 to establish baseline information about Red Panda. The distribution of Red Panda was assessed through informal discussions with local people, herders and reserve staff followed by the dropping survey. Vegetation analysis was done by using square quadrats of 1010 sq. m for trees and 44 sq. m for shrubs to determine Important Value Index. The study revealed the clumped type distribution pattern of Red Panda which was affected by different factors like presence of Arundinaria spp., north facing slope, water source availability, habitat condition, human activities, and livestock grazing. 4 Red Pandas were seen and were identical in morphological characters. Distribution of Red Panda mostly occurred in the altitudinal range of 3200-3500 m where Abies, Rhododendron, Betula and Arundinaria were dominant. Red Panda mostly preferred northwest facing slopes. Illegal felling, looping, hunting, poaching and over exploitation were major threats to red panda The text in the book reveals the distribution and conservation status of Red Panda in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.