In a notable step towards wildlife conservation, the state forest department has launched a comprehensive census of the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in the mountain forests of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
This vital population survey — the first in seven years — is set to commence in May. It aims to assess the current status of this elusive Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Darjeeling, globally renowned for its red panda conservation efforts, is home to one of India's premier red panda breeding facilities. The Darjeeling Zoo’s Red Panda Conservation and Breeding Centre has earned international acclaim, securing a top-three ranking at the 79th Annual Conference of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums held at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia.
To enhance the genetic diversity of the captive red panda population, breeding pairs have been introduced from countries such as Germany, Netherlands and Australia. The sustained efforts in conservation breeding are complemented by successful reintroduction programs, with 12 red pandas already released into the wild from the Topkedara Red Panda Breeding Centre.
State forest minister Birbaha Hansda highlighted the global recognition of Darjeeling’s conservation model, saying, “Darjeeling has become a beacon in red panda conservation. The state government, under the leadership of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, remains committed to preserving endangered species like the red panda. This census is essential to evaluate their current population and habitat viability.”
Bhaskar JV, chief wildlife officer of North Bengal, confirmed that preparatory measures for the census have been underway since early May. The survey will employ a combination of direct sightings and advanced non-invasive methods such as DNA analysis derived from fecal and urine samples.
“Subject to favorable weather conditions, the census will encompass elevations ranging from 600 to 7,500 feet—spanning the dense forests of Neora Valley to the alpine terrains of Singalila National Sanctuary,” he said.
The red panda, known for its shy and solitary behavior, thrives in the high-altitude temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas. Apart from West Bengal’s protected areas, its range extends across Sikkim and into neighboring Nepal. Its specialised habitat requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes make it particularly vulnerable to threats such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation and climate change.
According to the 2019 census, the Neora Valley Sanctuary hosted 35 individuals, while 31 red pandas were recorded in Singalila. With the species classified as endangered by the IUCN and included in India’s Schedule I of protected fauna since 2003, this renewed census marks a crucial moment in ensuring the species’ long-term survival.
As the forest department embarks on this vital ecological initiative, conservationists hope that the findings will guide policy decisions, reinforce habitat protection measures, and promote continued international collaboration for the survival of the red panda in the wild.
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