Welcome

Conservation Breeding Program of Red Panda in Sikkim and

Darjeeling

Presented ByJagat Bahadur DebbarmaRange Forest OfficerDepartment of ForestsGovernment of Tripura

Red Panda : Biology, Distribution and Status

Role of Zoological Park’s in conservation of Red Panda

Conservation through Breeding Programs

Case Study

Conclusion

Flow of the Topic

Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens Biology: Smaller animal than giant Panda weighs 3 kgs

Mainly arboreal in natureGestation period - 131 days Requires 18 months to attain maturity

Distribution: Moutainous forests with bamboo under-storey Vegetation types - Temperate montane, Sub tropical & Tropical forests Distributed in mountainous band of Nepal, through North -East India, Bhutan

and in China.

Threats: Loss of habitat fragmentation Poaching for skins and for pet trade Predation

Status: Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act,1972 Vulnerable

Introduction

Red Panda - Ailurus fulgens

Global Range Map of Red Panda

Role of Zoological Park???

1. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, West Bengal

2. Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok, Sikkim

Status of captive Red Panda population in Indian Zoo as on 31st March,2009

Zoological Park

Male Female Total

PNHZP 10 3 13

HZP 7 1 8

Total 17 4 21

(Srivastav et al., 2009)

Important and valuable activity used to save species from extinction.

Effective management of captive population can leads to re-introduction of the species.

Conservation breeding programme in India is a joint venture of in-situ and ex-situ wildlife managers.

Chief wildlife wardens and protected area managers to identify the species

Conservation Breeding programmes

Animal: Identify the species for breeding programmes Identify the habitat of the species Conduct the census of the targeted species Analyse the habitat of the species Take correct measures to address the cause of decline of the

wild population Select the localized population

Zoo: 2 to 4 zoo’s in habitat range of targeted species should be

selected as coordinating and participatory zoo. 25 founder animals should be selected. Satellite facility or off display breeding facility should be

selected.

Steps for Conservation Breeding Programmes

Ex-situ conservation of red panda in PNHZP Darjeeling A planned conservation breeding project was initiated in 1990

Initially the park had 4 red pandas of wild origin in the stock

5 more red pandas were added at different times to continue planned breeding

Total enclosures -7

Total animals – 12(4:8)

By 2003, there were 22 red pandas in PNHZP

Population was therefore considered well enough to release two zoo born red panda into wild

Two females, SWEETY and MINI were selected to release

Case Study

Singalila National Park was selected for reintroduction to wild.

Preliminary investigation of Singalila NP were collected based on secondary information.

Floristic and faunal studies were conducted in red panda range.

Threats assessment was conducted.

Population census of red panda was conducted through direct and indirect methods.

Suitability and need for the red panda into national park was analysed.

Steps followed for Re-introduction

Contd…

Area of 5 ha in Gairbas range in Singalila National Park was selected for final release.

SWEETY and MINI, two selected female red pandas were radio collared for further monitoring.

They were kept in soft release for 7 months after that they released to wild.

Continuous monitoring on alternate days.

Mini was more mobile, travelled to Nepal side and poached.

Sweety mated with wild panda and gave birth to single cub.

Contd…

Steps followed for Re-introduction

Maintenance of records on feeding behavior is followed in prescribed format.

Regular information in captive stock sent to WII for genetic and demographic analysis.

Updates also sent to the International Stud Book Keeper, who facilitates exchange programme.

Analysis of genetic viability of the stock is done at CCMB Hyderabad.

Regular health checkup was conducted.

Population Management in Captivity

Present In-situ Studies

In 2002, Red Panda Census – 2 phases

Conduct meeting & train locals for census

Assess population number

Assess habitat

Further verification of population status by genetic analysis through fecal samples

Other existing animals in Red Panda habitat

Threat analysis

GIS mapping of National park

Outcome of Project

Help to understand behaviour, habit & habitat of species.

Gives baseline data for species management.

Helps in management of National Park.

Helps in study of vegetation communities, composition, species distribution, abundance & richness of park.

Assessment of anthropogenic impact & vegetation mapping of park.

Conserve flora & fauna of species habitat.

Conservation of Red Panda helps in conservation of biodiversity.

Conclusion

Red Panda – a charismatic animal Mountainous forests with bamboo under-storey Schedule-I of WPA,1972 Vulnerable

Threats: Loss of habitat fragmentation Poaching for skins and for pet trade Predation

Conservation Breeding Programs (CBP’s) mainly done byPadmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling,

West BengalHimalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok, Sikkim

CBP’s helps to save species from extinction and effective management of captive population can leads to re-introduction of the species.

Thank you…