Distribution and habitat attributes associated with the Himalayan red panda in the westernmost distribution range
Saroj Shrestha, Arjun Thapa, Damber Bista, Natasha M. Robinson, Ang Phuri Sherpa, Krishna Prasad Acharya, Shant Raj Jnawali, Sonam Tashi Lama, Sony Lama
Abstract
Abstract The Himalayan red panda ( Ailurus fulgens ), a recently confirmed distinct species in the red panda genus, is distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan, and south Tibet. Nepal represents the westernmost distribution of the Himalayan red panda. This study aims to determine important habitat features influencing the distribution of red panda and recommend possible habitat corridors. This manuscript described current potential habitat of 3,222 km 2 with the relative abundance of 3.34 signs/km in Nepal. Aspect, canopy cover, bamboo cover, and distance to water were the important habitat attributes. It suggested five potential corridors in western Nepal. Overall, the study has important implications for conservation of the Himalayan red panda in western distribution range.