Are red pandas endangered？
Yes, the red panda is currently considered an endangered animal.
How many red pandas are left？
According to the search results, the red panda is listed as a world-class endangered species and is a national second level protected animal. Scientists estimate that the number of wild red pandas worldwide may be less than 10000. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) also adjusted its endangered status from "vulnerable" to "endangered" in 2015, indicating that the survival situation of red pandas is more severe than that of giant pandas. Therefore, red pandas urgently need people's attention and protection.
Why are red pandas endangered？
1. Habitat is extensively damaged
Due to human activities such as deforestation, mining, coal mining, and overgrazing, a large number of forests have been directly destroyed, greatly reducing the living environment for red pandas.
2. Over-hunting
Red pandas have smooth fur and are good fur beasts. In addition, their own defense ability is poor, and they only climb trees for refuge in emergency situations, making them easy to be caught by hunters. This is all the trouble caused by cuteness, but what's wrong with cute and harmless little pandas? Is cuteness just an excuse for humans to hunt and hunt pandas indiscriminately?
3. According to calculations, the current population of wild red pandas in the world may be less than 10000, and China, as the main distribution area of red pandas, although accounting for half of the population, has decreased by at least 40% compared to the past few decades.
At its root, insufficient protection and low illegal costs are the main reasons. Giant pandas enjoy "national treasure level" treatment in China, and hunting one is considered a particularly serious offense and will be severely punished. In China, the red panda is a second level protected animal, with much lower punishment and protection compared to the giant panda. Cases of illegal hunting and smuggling of red pandas occur frequently.
4. Protection level
Red pandas were included in Appendix I, Appendix II, and Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2019. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) also adjusted the endangered status of red pandas from "vulnerable" to "endangered" in 2015 and included them in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN). In 2015, Ver3.1- Endangered (EN). Red pandas have been included in the second level of China's National Key Protected Wildlife List, February 5, 2021 edition.