Status, distribution and conservation of red panda Ailurus Fulgens in Bhutan

Abstract Red panda Ailurus fulgens is a threatened mammalian species endemic to the eastern Himalayas. In Bhutan, the red panda is distributed across the country’s temperate forests, covering 19 of the 20 districts within an elevation range of 1500–4300 m, with potential habitat of 10,971.2 km2, which is 28.57% of the total country area. The country’s Forests and Nature Conservation Act 1995 strictly protects the species by listing the red panda under Schedule I and cultural values build reverence and protection to the species by local communities. Yet, conservation actions and research are limited and anthropogenic threats are on the rise which makes the red panda vulnerable in its natural habitat. Mitigating the threats, enhancing awareness education and building scientific knowledge on the red panda through research will help strengthen the conservation of the red panda in Bhutan.