Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (EWS) recently captured a red panda.
About Red Panda
Scientific Name: Ailurus fulgens
The red panda is a rare and endangered mammal known for its vibrant red and white fur. It's often called the "firefox."
Habitat: These elusive creatures are native to the eastern Himalayas, inhabiting forests in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. They prefer living in dense forests with bamboo, thriving at altitudes between 2,200 to 4,800 meters.
Population: With a global population of less than 10,000 individuals, the red panda faces a serious threat of extinction.
Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the red panda receives the highest legal protection.
State Animal of Sikkim: The red panda holds the title of the state animal of Sikkim, where an annual Red Panda Festival is hosted to raise awareness about their conservation.
Fact Box: Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Situated in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled in the Himalayan foothills.
Surroundings: It connects with the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary to the northeast and the Pakhui Tiger Reserve across the Kameng river to the east. It's also part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve.
Birding Paradise: Eaglenest is renowned as a top birding destination, offering a rich variety and abundance of bird species. It's particularly famous for its accessibility to birdwatchers.
In 1995, Eaglenest became the site where the Bugun liocichla, a type of passerine bird, was first discovered. It was observed and described again in 2006.