Turning red… panda populations around!

They may be called red pandas, but did you know these adorable animals are more closely related to weasels and raccoons than the black and white bears they share a name with? They’re also much smaller, weighing about as much as a medium-sized dog!

Making their homes in the Himalayan mountains and the forests of southern China and Nepal, red pandas are secretive, mostly solitary creatures. They spend most of their days climbing through trees and feeding on delicious bamboo. In fact, they are such big fans of bamboo that their bodies are actually BUILT to eat it! They have what’s known as a false thumb, which is actually a bone in their wrist that is bigger than normal and functions like a bendable thumb – pretty handy for their bamboo buffet!

Despite living in such remote locations, the habitat the red panda relies on is under threat. Deforestation means there is less land available for the red panda to live in, and it also makes it harder for it to move safely from one patch of habitat to another. Combined with the continued threat of poaching, there are only an estimated 10,000 red pandas left in the wild. That’s why these Endangered animals need your help!

Earth Rangers is working with the International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC), the Youssef-Warren Foundation, and the Red Panda Network on a project that will help train and support local communities in conserving red panda populations and their forest habitat in Nepal. Since their habitat is so remote, conservation work would be almost impossible without the help of the people that share their homes with these amazing animals – like the Forest Guardians! These are a group of incredible people dedicated to working together to protect what’s left of Nepal’s red panda populations. From learning about these amazing animals and why it’s so important to protect them, to setting up monitoring programs and anti-poaching initiatives in forests across western Nepal, the Forest Guardians – and you! – are helping to give the red panda a safe place to call home for years to come!

Head to the Adoptions Section in the Earth Rangers App or visit the Earth Rangers Shop to get your Adoption Kit and help make a difference today!