News:According to a TRAFFIC report,the Wildlife Trade of Red Panda has reduced significantly across India, Bhutan and Nepal.It has recommended cooperation through the use of multi-government platforms like SAWEN (South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network).
Facts:
About Red Panda:
- The Red Panda(Ailurus fulgens) is a mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.
- In India,it is found in Sikkim, western Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling district of West Bengal and parts of Meghalaya.It is also the state animal of Sikkim.
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Threats: a) Habitat loss and fragmentation b) Hunting for meat and Trade c) Natural disasters among others.
Additional information:
About South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network(SAWEN):
- It is an intergovernmental wildlife law enforcement support body of South Asian countries namely – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- It was launched in 2011 with its Secretariat based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Aim:To work as a strong regional body for combating wildlife crimes by attempting common goals and approaches for combating illegal trade in the region.
About TRAFFIC:
- TRAFFIC is a Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network established in 1976 jointly by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- It is a leading non-governmental organisation working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
- It is headquartered in Cambridge,United Kingdom.
