Community-based conservation of red panda in Arunachal, India

Rimung Tasso

Habitat destruction coupled with hunting and feral dog attacks have become global concerns for red panda populations. Arunachal Pradesh harbours the largest number of red pandas in India but ironically, not much is known about them from within the eastern part of the state. The project aims to generate baseline information of red pandas in different conservation regimes: Mouling National Park and Monigong (a community-owned forest area). This project also aims to identify the level of threats in two study sites, specify a distribution range, and demarcate potential suitable habitats. The team will also focus on stewardship development among the local communities and their leaders for red pandas, thus giving rise to community-based conservation. Multiple stakeholders will be taken into consideration so that conservation efforts can be successful at local and policy levels.