Jumla locals join hands to conserve endangered red panda

JUMLA: People in Jumla district have come together to conserve red panda.

Local people and various organisations involving in conservation of the endangered animal including the Karnali Hatemalo Sewa Samaj, Jumla have coordinated with local levels—Sinja, Tatopani and Patarasi Rural Municipalities—for the same, said the Samaj executive director Tek Bahadur Raut.

As part of its conservation, awareness campaign has been launched for office bearers of local community forests, he said. He blamed increasing habitat destruction and poaching for its disappearance.

Local government should play an important role in conserving and curbing poaching of the animal, said red panda protector Dinesh Ghale. Attacks by domestic dogs have also put the animals at risk, he said.

Found in high mountainous area, the endangered animal lives eight to 10 years.

Poaching or keeping the animal for personal use is punishable for from 1 to 10 years in prison or is fined up to Rs 500,000 or both, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029.