The Red Panda Network

Background

The Red Panda Network (RPN) established the world’s first community-based monitoring programme of red pandas and their habitat through empowering, educating and engaging local communities in red panda conservation, along with providing livelihood incentives.

One of the key initiatives contributing to the success is the Forest Guardian (FG) programme. FGs are on-the-ground partners, who are paid to monitor and protect red panda habitat and support red panda conservation through multiple activities, such as monitoring red panda populations and habitat, generating population estimates, identifying threats and developing threat mitigation strategies. They are also involved in carrying out anti-poaching patrolling and work as panda trackers during eco-trips. Perhaps the most important role these FGs have is within their own communities. Each FG works within his or her respective village to build awareness of the importance of red pandas in the local ecosystem.

Currently there are 126 professional FGs who are invested in sustainable development and red panda conservation. In 2024, support for 25 FGs is provided by European Zoo red panda holders.

Achievements and Objectives

The Red Panda Network (RPN) established the world’s first community-based monitoring programme for red pandas and their habitat through empowering, educating and engaging Nepalese local communities in red panda conservation, along with providing livelihood incentives.

One of the key initiatives contributing to the success of the programme is the Forest Guardian (FG) programme. Forest Guardians are on-the-ground partners, who are employed to monitor and protect red panda habitat and support red panda conservation through multiple activities, such as monitoring red panda populations and habitat, generating population estimates, identifying threats and developing threat mitigation strategies. They are also involved in carrying out anti-poaching patrolling and work as panda trackers during eco-trips. Each Forest Guardian also works within their respective village to build awareness of the importance of red pandas to the local ecosystem.

In 2024, Colchester Zoological Society gave a contribution of £214.92 to help sponsor a Forest Guardian. Currently there are 126 professional Forest Guardians and, in 2024, the red panda holders in European Zoos provided support for 25 of these.

The funds are used for capacity and skill-building training, supporting children and siblings with education scholarships, installing solar systems, and providing guardians with field gear and monitoring equipment.

All forest guardians receive training on community-based red panda monitoring and anti-poaching patrolling, which includes training on camera trap handling, installation and data management, to enable them to monitor and establish red panda monitoring blocks.

This support benefits not only the red pandas, but provides employment and development within the local community, giving them a sense of pride in protecting this endangered species, with income generated from sustainable means.