PANCHTHAR, Dec 28: Locals in Panchthar have formed a network of Community Forest Users' Group with an aim to effectively conserve endangered red panda in the district. 

The network comprises nine CFUGs in six VDCs best recognized for the existence of red panda.

Governmental and non-governmental organizations have also extended their support to the local Community Forest Users' Group to save the endangered fauna. 

At a recent meeting of the network, participants discussed on how to protect the endanger species from extinction. Devesh Mani Tripathi, chief of the District Forest Office, said that the issue of red panda is the issue hugely associated with humans. “It is very much important to conserve red pandas,” he said.

The conservation of red panda is already taking pace effectively in various places of the district like Syangthapu, Phailaicha, Sidin, Prangbung, Memeng and Ludup. Programs like community awareness and research and investigation are being conducted in various parts of the country. 

Various community forests have been recognized as the habitat of red pandas in the district. Works like guarding the forest and using mobile apps to protect them have already been in practice. 

“It is very much important to protect these species and the participation of local people is pivotal in the conservation effort. So we must work taking that in mind,” said Pema Lama, the co-coordinator of the Red Panda Protection Network.

 
• community forest users' group
 
• red panda