Figure 2.1 - Red Panda Classification (Kuczmarski 2007)
Red Pandas are considered a vulnerable species because its population is estimated less than 10,000 of mature individuals that survive. The rate of the population has been declining more than 10% over the next 3 generations (30 years)(Wang, 2014) . Due to its isolated nature and the rigorous terrain Red Panda inhabits, it is very hard to estimate the exact population number (Ramnaraign, 2012) . Mostly due to a habitat loss influenced by humans, Red panda populations are decreasing(World Wildlife Fund, 2014).
Figure 2.2: Red Panda Population Over the Years (Ramnaraign, 2012)
According to the book by Angela R. Glatston, Red Panda: Biology and Conservation of the First Panda, if the trend of deforestation continues, the numbers of the red panda population may drop to as low as 1000-3000 individuals (in the wild) in the next twenty five years. However, the number of Red Pandas that are protected by zoos may influence this number by showing a growth of the panda’s population in the next few years. (Glatston, 2010)
According to the book by Angela R. Glatston, Red Panda: Biology and Conservation of the First Panda, if the trend of deforestation continues, the numbers of the red panda population may drop to as low as 1000-3000 individuals (in the wild) in the next twenty five years. However, the number of Red Pandas that are protected by zoos may influence this number by showing a growth of the panda’s population in the next few years. (Glatston, 2010)
Figure 2.3 - World Population Between 1994-2014
(Wang, 2014)
(San Diego Zoo Global, 2011)
(Nowak, 2006)
(Wang, 2014)
(San Diego Zoo Global, 2011)
(Nowak, 2006)
Figure 2.4 - Number of Red Pandas in the Indian Zoo Population (Glatston, 2010)
Figure 2.5 - Number of red pandas in regional populations a) Europe b) USA c) New Zealand/Australia (Glatston, 2010)
Figure 2.6 - Changes in the population of a) number of wild-caught and captive-born individuals b) the number of males and femals in a population (Glatston, 2010)
Pathology Findings
Figures 2.7 & 2.8 - Ages of Death (Glatston, 2010)
Average age at death for red panda cubs that died before 30 days of age
The first 10 days of survival are influenced by (Glatston, 2010):
· Predators
· Starvation (availability of food source)
· Traumatic injuries (bite wounds)
The first 10 days of survival are influenced by (Glatston, 2010):
· Predators
· Starvation (availability of food source)
· Traumatic injuries (bite wounds)
Limiting Factors
In China and Nepal bamboo forests are being cut down to free the area for the agriculture use and used to produce firewood or buildings.
Red pandas are illegally hunted to be sold to zoos or killed for the skin which could be used in cultural ceremonies(A-z animals, 2008).
Red pandas are illegally hunted to be sold to zoos or killed for the skin which could be used in cultural ceremonies(A-z animals, 2008).
2.9 - Limiting Factors for red pandas
(WWF, 2014)
(Wang, 2014)
(San Diego Zoo Global, 2011)
(WWF, 2014)
(Wang, 2014)
(San Diego Zoo Global, 2011)