RED PANDA CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN FOR NEPAL

Transcription

1 RED PANDA CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN FOR NEPAL A Draft Report Submitted by Prof. Karan Shah Dr. Tej Bahadur Thapa Submitted to WWF Nepal June 15,

2 Table of Contents Acronyms and Abbreviations Executive Summary iii iv 1. Introduction Status and Distribution of Red Panda Ecology and Behaviours Threats 3 2. Efforts and Achievements Conservation Policy Management Plans Human Resource Developments Field Implementations Institutional Strengthening 8 3. Challenges Monitoring Limited Resources Public Awareness Weak Incentive for the conservation Opportunities Red Panda as flagship species Experience and interest in Conservation Ecotourism Potentiality Conservation Action Plan Goal Objectives Logical Framework References 20 Figure 1. Potential habitat of red panda in Nepal 2 2

3 Acronyms and Abbreviations AP BZMC CBO CA CITES DDC DFO DNPWC GoN IUCN KU LACCoS LNP LNPBZSP MoV MFSC NA NGO NP NPWCA NTFP OVI PA Rs RPCA RPCC RPCZ SHL TU UC VDC WWF Action Plan Buffer Zone Management Committee Community Based Organization Conservation Area Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora District Development Committee District Forest officer Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Government of Nepal International Union for Conservation of Nature Kathmandu University Langtang Area Conservation Concern Society Langtang National Park Langtang National Park Buffer Zone Support Project Measurement of verification Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation Nepal Army Non-governmental organization National Park National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act Non timber Forest Product Objective Verification indicator Protected Areas Rupees Red panda Conservation Area Red Panda Conservation Committee Red Panda Conservation Zone Sacred Himalayan landscape Tribhuvan University User Committee Village Development Committee World Wildlife Fund 3

4 Executive Summary Nepal is renowned for its richness of natural resources and biodiversity, and will continue to have this reputation as long as conservation work continues to be supported and effectively carried out. Red pandas are important flagship species for conservation, and indicators of bamboo forest with low disturbance. Unfortunately, today red pandas are declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation and trapping in musk deer trap. The efforts to conserve red pandas in Nepal have so far been limited. In addition limited human and financial resources and low awareness of about biodiversity conservation in general and red panda specifically constrain effective conservation. Red panda population in Nepal is fragmented into 11 sub populations in six complexes. All 11 sub populations are threatening and small. The government of Nepal needs to strengthen conservation of threatened species in order to meet its commitments to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and to implement its own National Biodiversity Strategy; so conservation of flagship species like red pandas is particularly important. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a red panda conservation action plan for Nepal to be translated into effective actions on the ground and to support fundraising efforts. In recognising this need this Red Panda Conservation Action Plan for Nepal was prepared with the vision of conserving red panda and their habitats to be healthy and provide benefits to Nepali society in the future. Its goal is to protect red panda populations in the priority areas while improving their nationwide status. In order to meet this goal, eight specific objectives have been identified and are listed below: 1. to update information on the status and distribution of red panda and their habitat 2. to initiate in-depth study on red panda ecology and behaviour 3. to Identify and maintain key priority areas for red panda conservation outside the PAs. 4. to improve red panda habitat quality including food resources 5. to increase public support for red panda conservation 6. to build capacity in red panda conservation 4

5 7. to improve local people s livelihoods through site-based red panda conservation and ecotourism 8. to improve coordination/partnership between organisations on red panda conservation The action plan identifies priority activities to conserve red panda in the future. Each objective has a rationale and actions. The action plan focuses on the red panda species of particular global conservation significance due to their globally threatened status. This national red panda conservation action plan is focused on linking conservation activities with livelihood development activities of local people. Collaboration with other projects is encouraged. This action plan has been designed in a concise user-friendly way for use by local officials, without determining concrete scientific indicators due to the current lack of comprehensive data on red panda population. This action plan has duration of 5 years. 5

6 1. INTRODUCTION Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is an arboreal mammal occupying a highly specialized niche in the Eastern Himalayas. The red panda is an endemic species of the eastern Himalayas, and with the exception of a small isolated tropical forest population in India, the species is confined to temperate conifer forest and adjacent broadleaf forest (Choudhary 2001) where it specialises on a diet of bamboo (Reid et al. 1991, Wei et al. 1999). Its distribution ranges from western Nepal into India, Bhutan, and northern Myanmar through to the Minshan Mountains and upper Min Valley of Sichuan Province in south-central China (Wei et al. 1999, Choudhary 2001, Dorji et al,). Because of a reliance on mature conifer forest with a complex understory, coupled with a broad distribution across the eastern Himalayas, the red panda has been proposed as a suitable indicator species for monitoring the integrity of the Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf and Conifer Eco-region (Williams 2003). Red pandas are charismatic mammals making them an ideal flagship species for harnessing public support for prudent natural resource management in the Eastern Himalayas (Dorji et al in press, Yonzon and Hunter 1991). However, the red panda is vulnerable to extinction through habitat loss and fragmentation, which restricts the availability of mature den trees and prolific bamboo undergrowth (Yonzon and Hunter 1991, Glastston 1994, Wei et al. 1999, Pradhan et al. 2001, Williams 2003, Han and Hu 2004, Choudhary 2001). Clear information on the status, distribution and, particularly, threats to red panda is crucial to preparing the national red panda conservation action plan. The most comprehensive assessment to date of the status and distribution of the species is preliminary report of Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) population and habitat viability assessment (Jnawali & 2011). That report recognises that while there are gaps in information on the status of red pandas in Nepal, enough is known to prioritise areas and activities for immediate effective conservation action; and indeed, enough is known to highlight how urgent such action is for some of the species. 1.1 Status and Distribution In Nepal, Ailurus fulgens fulgens has patchy distribution with separate populations in altitudinal range of 2,500 m- 4,000 m in temperate and sub-alpine area (). Occurrence of red pandas has been confirmed in eight protected areas: Khangchenjunga Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park, Annapurna Conservation Area, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and 6

7 Rara National Park (Yonzon 1989, Jackson 1990, Yonzon et al. 1991, Yonzon & Hunter 1991a, 1991b, Karki 1999, Karki & Jendrzejewski 2000, Shrestha & Ale 2001, Mahato 2003, 2004, Sharma & Kandel 2007, Sharma 2008) and in the forest of Ilam in eastern Nepal (Williams 2004). Figure 1. Potential habitat of red panda in Nepal Based on habitat suitability index, the red panda population in Nepal was estimated at 314 individuals (Yonzon et al. 1997). The population and habitat viability assessment showed that the presence of 11 sub population in Nepal in six complexes (viz. Kanchenjunga-Illam, Sagarmatha- Makalu, Langtang-Gaurishankar, Annapurna-Manaslu, Dhorpatan-Rara and Apinampa-Khaptad) extending from east to the western most part of the country. 1.2 Ecology and Behaviour Red panda are small arboreal carnivores which confined mainly to temperate conifer forest and adjacent broadleaf forest (Wang et al. 2008) with the exception of a small isolated tropical forest population in India (Choudhary 2001). Red panda specialises on a diet of 7

8 bamboo (Reid et al. 1991, Wei et al. 1999). They are among the most charismatic of animals, and readily appeal to people due to their charming appearance. They never come into direct conflict with people, either as a physical threat or by damaging livelihood resources of local people, which is sometimes the case with some other animals of high conservation concern such as tigers, snow leopards, elephants and some macaque species. Therefore, red pandas can perform an outstanding role as a flagship species for overall biodiversity conservation in the Himalaya, because it is easier to garner support for their conservation from local communities and other stakeholders than for some other, more controversial, species. The red pandas are both nocturnal and crepuscular, sleeping on tree branches or in tree hollows during the day and increasing their activity in the late afternoon and early evening hours (). They are generally quiet except for some twittering, tweeting, and whistling communication sounds. Red pandas are territorial; adults are solitary except during mating season and are able to reproduce at around 18 months of age, and are fully mature at 2 3 years (Robers & Gittleman, 1984). The give birth of 1-4 cubs after about 135 days of gestation, and young are sexually mature at 18 month (Roberts & Gittleman 1984). High infant mortality has been recorded in captivity (Yinghong, 1994; Glatston & Leus, 2005). As a result of such low survival rate, red panda population is sensitive to natural and anthropogenic threats. Red pandas are territorial animals with a restricted home range. The sizes of home ranges vary considerably depending upon the habitat and quality of the forest. For example in Langtang National Park in Nepal, red pandas have home range and km 2 respectively (Yonzon & Hunter, 1991), while at Fengtongzhai nature reserve, Sichuan, China, female red panda have a home range of 2.02 and 2.66 km 2 (Yang et al. 2006). Density of red panda is also variable, in Langtang National Park, Nepal red panda density was estimated at 2.9 km -2 (Yonzon et al. 1991). 1.3 Threats Clear understanding of the threats to red pandas in different areas of the country is paramount for planning and developing this red panda action plan. It is also necessary to know the underlying causes of the threats and issues for this species and priority locations in order to strategically plan actions to address the issues most effectively. 8

9 Habitat loss and fragmentation, livestock grazing, poaching, poor conservation awareness and weak law enforcement all have severe impacts on wildlife in Nepal. While red pandas are affected by similar issues to other wildlife, a red panda action plan needs to address those threats of highest relevance to red pandas in order to deliver the most effective conservation outcomes, but still conscious of the context of broader national biodiversity conservation and sustainable development objectives. Successful conservation of red pandas in Nepal will largely depend upon addressing local threats at particular sites, so the threats at each site need to be analysed and appropriate action taken. What follows is a broad overview of the general threats to red pandas in Nepal, many of which is entangled and cannot necessarily be considered in isolation when practical steps need to be taken. In addition, apart from staffing and financing issues, limited interest by decision-makers for conservation of species such as red pandas needs to be addressed for effective conservation in Nepal. Habitat Loss and Degradation Like many other wildlife species, the red panda is threatened due to the transformation of the landscape by humans. Accelerated habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation due to anthropogenic activities are the main causes of decline in red panda populations and its habitat in Nepal. Annual human population growth at the rate of 2.1% and similar livestock growth in the mountain is the main cause of the deforestation of 1.2% in the Nepal Himalaya. Forest fires during the dry season, traditional transhumance system of livestock management, fire wood collection for domestic and tourism purpose, NTFP collection and shifting cultivation are important underlying causes for habitat degradation in the Himalayan region. Seasonal grazing of large number of livestock in high altitude forest threatened the Red Panda, especially when they move between fragmented habitats with their pet dogs which main cause for mortality are. Poaching Although deliberate poaching on red panda is minimal in Nepal, it has been found trapped in Musk Deer snares and in traps set for other species. In some cases, the poachers and cattle herders kill Red Pandas for fur and for making hats. Red panda furs seizure from Kanchenjunga Area and Kathmandu indicates its trade destined to China, where the beautiful, colorful fur of the panda is highly prized, and is considered a good luck charm. 9

10 Climate Change Climate change is more critical factors because it thought to be causing more frequent droughts, snow falls and floods resulting in shifting vegetation zone in the Himalayas. Given the red panda's narrow ecological niche, specifically primarily feeding upon a single food source (bamboo) and being highly specialized to take advantage of that food, changes in the environment that threaten bamboo also threaten red pandas. Weak Law Enforcement Law enforcement in some of the mountain PAs is very weak and even much weaker in conservation areas and outside of PAs compared to national parks. The inadequate staffing, poor commitment of staff and the unstable political situation in the country render enforcement very weak. Coordination and collaboration among local government bodies is very weak. Small Population Effects Small populations have a greater tendency toward extinction due to genetic variability, fluctuations in genetic and environmental factors or natural catastrophes. Developmental Issues Developmental activities negatively affect red panda survival. For example, the cheese factories established during 1980s in Langtang Valley were found very harmful to the conservation of red panda (Yonjon and Hunter, 1994). Construction of hotels, roads and hydropower and increasing number of tourist put pressures on forest resources. Inadequate Awareness Although the Red Panda is in the protected list in Nepal, but many people are not aware about its ecological role. Despite some awareness program conducted by PAs, there is general lack of awareness about the red panda conservation. 10

11 2. EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 2.1 Conservation Policy All the conservation policies of Nepal emphasized the need of conservation of threatened species and their habitat as well as the socio-economic development and poverty reduction. Conservation of rare and endangered species like red panda is reflected in various conservation policies of Nepal National Conservation Strategy (1988): The NCS has timely emphasized the need to preserve rare or endangered species and protecting genetic diversity and/or essential life support system Master plan for the Forestry Sector (1988): The master plan for forestry sector has given priority on the ecosystem and genetic resource conservation program as one of the six primary components Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan (1993): NEPAP put much emphasis on preservation of endemic and endangered species and their habitats within Nepal Forestry Sector Policy (2000): The forestry sector policy focused on the need for conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems and genetic resources Nepal Biodiversity strategy (2002): Biological diversity must be protected as an important asset base for the poor and key to sustainable poverty reduction in Nepal. The strategy urges the extensive research on several endangered species including Red panda and specifically mentions the encroachment by domestic animals has threatened the existence of the red panda in Langtang National Park. Also the NBS stressed on a mixture of strategies to safeguard the rich and varied biological diversity and development and implementation of species conservation action plan Tenth Plan ( ): Tenth plan ( ) and subsequent Interim Plan explicitly mentioned the need to conserve the genetic resources and biological conservation program. 11

12 2.1.7 Interim Constitution of Nepal, Special protection of the environment and the rare wildlife are made in the Constitution of Nepal, The NPWC Act, 1973: NPWC Act 1973 has been a key instrument in protecting biodiversity within the protected areas system. The Act provides complete protection to 27 species of mammals including Red Panda, 9 species of birds and 3 species of reptiles. A penalty for any person committing an offence of killing or attempt of such act is punishable The red panda is enlisted under endangered category of IUCN red data list (IUCN, 2006) and in Appendix I under CITES Himalayan National Park Regulation, 2037 allows traditional use right to the local people for grazing, collecting fuel wood from dead, dying twigs and use of timber through permits. The grazing thus is allowed in traditional grazing areas that coincide with the habitat of red panda. Tourism is allowed into prescribed routes and special permission is required to enter red panda conservation area. 2.2 Management Plans Management plans of all the Protected Areas of Red Panda range in Nepal emphasized for the protection of all endangered species including Red Panda. First Management Plan of Langtang National Park ( ), prepared in 1977 by a team of experts from Durham University (DUHE, 1977), suggested the conservation of red panda through the establishment of conservation areas within LNP. In response to the plan DNPWC declared Red Panda Conservation Area (RPCA) in the Langtang National Park in 1990 with following regulatory means: Prohibition for collection of timber and fuel wood, entry of dongs with herders while passing through the area and use of fuel wood by the park staff and Nepal Army (NA) residing within this area, but research permissions are granted Red Panda Conservation Action Plan for Langtang National Park and Buffer Zone Nepal ( )- The goal of this site specific conservation action plan is to develop LNP as a prime red panda conservation area in the Sacred Himalayan Landscape (SHL) with a viable population and good habitat. To achieve this goal, five major objectives have been devised which include updating scientific information on red panda, habitat 12

13 management, conservation awareness, policy improvements and partnership developments to conserve red pandas in LNP. The major activities include awareness program, sweeping operations, etc. 2.3 Human Resource Developments Ongoing small scale wildlife monitoring and patrolling activities being conducted by the park has provided opportunities to the park technicians to learn methods to measure the habitat parameters, quantification of human pressures, assessed the status of bamboo, identification of red panda signs and operate GPS. 2.4 Field Implementations Livestock grazing in and around red panda conservation area is regulated through the formation of Goth committees. Three committees, one each in Bharku, Thulo Syafru and Gumba Danda, had so far been formed. With supports from the NGO called Resources Himalaya, these committees are holding their regular meetings, resolving habitat management issues such as uprooting Berberis shrub for providing space to grass. Agriculture research centre (Charan), Langtang NP, district livestock office, Chandanbari Cheese factory and its milk collection centres are the primary actors which have had impact on field implementation of red panda conservation programs. 2.5 Institutional Strengthening Community based conservation have been ensured through buffer zone program in MBNP, SNP, LNP, DHR and RNP through and integrated conservation and develop program. Several grass root level conservation education and awareness programs have been launched by conservation organizations. Several grass local conservation organizations have come up to save red panda and other wildlife species. At the local level Langtang National some partnerships have been developed. For example, Langtang Area Conservation Concern Society (LACCOS), Community Based Anti-Poaching Unit and Herders Organizations have been working for creation awareness and against poaching of red panda. 13

14 3. CHALLENGES There are many challenges in research and conservation of red panda. 3.1 Monitoring Because of their remote habitat, inaccessible range, spooky behaviour, small size and low visibility, the red panda are relatively difficult to survey and monitor. No easy method to demonstration the success to protect red panda conservation. 3.2 Limited Resources Limited human resources and budget are major challenges to red panda conservation. Limited human resources not only mean number of man power involved in red panda conservation and research, but also technical competency and motivation of them and their access to a supportive working environment. About 62% of the potential habitats of red panda lie outside of the protected areas either in the national forest or community managed forest which lack sufficient man power. In addition, most of the red panda range protected areas lack sufficient man power. There are limited numbers of conservation professional with extensive knowledge and specific experiences of conservation in general. Protected area managers and rangers, foresters and community forest guards are the key personnel at the forefront of red panda conservation in Nepal. There needs to be sufficient personnel staffing with appropriate levels of training and skills to be able to conduct their work effectively. The Government s revenue in Nepal is presently too limited to allow sufficient budget allocation for conservation and managing protected areas and wildlife. At the same time, the private sector has not yet shown significant interest in investing in activities which can support red panda conservation such as ecotourism development. 3.3 Public Awareness In most parts of the range, the red panda habitat is affected by livestock husbandry (Chauri) and tourism that are the main livelihoods of local communities. The members of Goth committee and buffer zone user committees are aware that red panda is legally protected, but the information has not reached to the larger number of farmers and general users of the habitat yet. Herders and hotel entrepreneurs are not much familiar about red panda s ecological importance and benefits thus some of the herders hesitate to mention the presence of red panda as they have misconception that it would lead to the red panda conservation area designation which would regulate the grazing and construction of livestock corrals. Limited 14

15 awareness on the use of the food resources of lactating female red panda including mushroom and Jhapra shoots by local communities, herders and hotel entrepreneurs are causing food competition. 3.4 Weak Incentive for the conservation Several socio-economic factors lead to the destruction of the red panda habitat. Herders (Cattle grazers) seem to perceive higher profit if they use forests and meadows for grazing their livestock and the collection of timber, fuel wood and medicinal plant. On the other hand, economic or social incentives to preserve optimal habitats for red panda are not sufficient to overcome the above mentioned perceived benefits. The secondary benefits of eco-tourism and ecosystem value of red panda hardly overcome this and it needs to be upgraded. 15

16 4. OPPORTUNIES IN RED PANDA CONSERVATION 4.1 Red Panda as flagship species Red Panda are attractive animals. They do not come into conflict with local people and are appealing, to the extent that in some areas villagers voluntarily try to protect their local red panda populations. Red panda protection in the wild, particularly in non protected areas is only likely to work through concerted efforts and collaboration at the local level. Raising awareness and involving local stakeholders in protecting red panda is less challenging than other less immediately charismatic animals or animals which are perceived locally as troublesome. Red pandas can thus serve as flagship species and a starting point to raise awareness for biodiversity conservation and developing cooperation and understanding with local stakeholders. As flagship species they can also serve to raise funds from outside sources. 4.2 Experience and interest in Conservation There is already experience in red panda research, protection and awareness raising from LNP and, which can serve as models for red panda conservation at other locations. The red panda experience in Ilam district has developed a successful approach to tourism that appears to be protecting the local red panda population and generates revenues that support patrolling and livelihoods of local communities. Universities and research institutions that have the interests and some capacities to conduct research domestically. 4.3 Ecotourism Potentiality Red pandas are one of the most appealing wildlife species to observe in the wild. They therefore offer great opportunities for ecotourism, which can provide incomes for local communities and for protected area management. However, tourism projects in ecologically sensitive areas need careful planning and management to avoid degrading the very resources which are attracting visitors. Visitors need management and any infrastructure that is developed should be minimal and sensitive to the local surroundings. Additionally, planning red panda-based tourism activities should be done in consideration of other local biodiversity values. The red panda experience in Ilam can serve as a good model for red panda-based tourism. 16

17 5. RED PANDA CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN FOR NEPAL This section defines the vision, objectives and key actions for conservation of red pandas in Nepal for five years from 2013 to Priority actions are identified for red panda as well as each objective of the national action plan. Detailed activities of the action plan for achieving the goals and objectives set are presented. 5.1 The vision to conserve red panda and their habitats to be healthy and provide benefits to Nepali society in the future. This plan has been updated with the lesson learnt from the implementation of site based red panda conservation action plan for Langtang National Park Goals of Red Panda Conservation Action Plan Red panda populations in the priority areas have been fully protected and their nationwide status is improving. 5.3 Objectives Red pandas are flagship species for biodiversity conservation and their presence can support socio-economic development (e.g. ecotourism). Therefore, in order to ensure that red panda population in Nepal can continue to survive and this action plan identified eight objectives to meet the overall goal of the action plan: OBJECTIVE 1. Information on the status and distribution of red panda and their habitat The status and distribution of red panda is poorly known in Nepal. Recent field surveys have confirmed the presence of this species in Rara NP, Dhorpatan HR and other areas, but nothing is known about its real population size. Even methodology for efficient monitoring of red panda population is not available. The population noticed high mortality rates. Of the estimated red pandas potential habitats, 62% lies outside of PAs, therefore determining status of red pandas and their habitat outside the protected areas will remain crucial for long- term conservation. 17

18 Output 1. Status of red pandas and their habitat Activities 1. Based on the studies, field reports, sight records, local interviews and ecological modelling define potential red panda range. 2. Conduct red panda presence absence survey at all six complex 3. Using occupancy surveys in potential habitat determine status of red pandas, their habitat and important covariates (for example distribution of bamboos, water, threats, etc) that affect red panda distribution. 4. Collect geographic coordinates for all red panda evidence to map red panda distribution. 5. Determine red panda distribution in Nepal field data and GIS. 6. Identify sensitive, critical and bottleneck areas of red panda habitats. Output 2. Population status of red panda determined Activities 1. Develop standard survey and monitoring protocol for red panda population status. 2. Initiate population surveys and periodic monitoring in important red panda habitat. 3. Estimate numbers of viable populations of red pandas in Nepal. Output 3. Habitat status of red panda evaluated Activities 1. Evaluate habitat quality of red panda in all potential habitats. 2. Assess availability food resources and shelter condition. 3. Identify invasive species of Jhapra and its shelter species. 4. Identify anthropogenic threat to red panda population. OBJECTIVE 2. Initiate in-depth Study on Red Panda Ecology and Behaviour Rationale A long term study on red panda ecology has been done more than 2 decades ago and few scattered research mainly on status, distribution and diets of red panda have been done in Nepal. Therefore, new researches needed to update our knowledge on red panda ecology. 18

19 Output 1. Comprehensive information on the ecology and behaviour is gathered along with adequate human resource development as considerable in-country expertises are produced to strengthen the long-term conservation of the red pandas. Activities 1. Continue research on other aspect of the red panda ecology such as behaviour, home range, resource requirements and dispersal. 2. Identify and conduct in depth studies in some key areas of red panda outside the PAs. 3. Conduct dietary survey and analysis in all red panda habitat complex. 4. Evaluate threats and mortality of red panda. 5. Collaborate with Universities and research organisations on red panda research. OBJECTIVE 3. Identify and maintain key priority areas for red panda conservation outside the PAs. Rationale While livestock grazing are predominant threat, habitat disturbance and destruction impact the stability of red panda populations in many areas, especially by increasing the levels of stocking and grazing. Land use planning has not been well implemented in any areas. Output- Key priorities areas for red pandas throughout Nepal are secured through management intervention. Activities 1. Identify key red panda habitats and recommend potentials of integrated management 2. Determine criteria to detect changes in these key areas for habitat quality and availability for monitoring purpose. 3. Include details of red panda conservation programs including survey and monitoring in the 5- year management plan of PAs wherever they occur. 4. In consultation with the Department of forest, recommend and prescribe management intervention for key areas outside PAs, through DDC (district Development Committee) in their periodic plan. 5. Provide institutional support to Buffer Zone management within each protected areas and those VDCs (Village Development Committee) outside protected areas where red panda occur. 19

20 6. Update the status of the red panda through regular monitoring of all key areas. OBJECTIVE 4. Improve Red Panda Habitat Quality including Food Resources Rationale Habitat management and intervention for the conservation of red pandas should largely relate with Chauri grazing patters. Pasture improvement and stable herd size will come, only when optimal benefits shared to locals through their participation. Scarcity of water in the pastureland and inaccessible roads as well as invasion of thorny and unpalatable species in the pastureland near the red panda habitat, Chauri are facing pressures for food and creating disturbances in the red panda prime habitats. Output Red panda habitats are improved and people are benefited through alleviating red pandarelated conflicts. Activities 1. Through local community groups, organise herder s user groups to participate in pasture improvement program. 2. Provide technical assistance (such as availability of drinking water and waterhole) in alternative pastures where overlaps of livestock grazing and red pandas are much less. 3. Implement programs on rotational grazing, enclosures, and/or stall feeding. 4. Prepare rangeland management and forage development programs. 5. Rehabilitate degraded range areas and develops protection sites for forage species. 6. Regulate Chauri grazing and dog activities in red panda habitat. 7. Regulate human activities from red panda habitat. OBJECTIVE 5. Increase public support on red panda conservation Rationale Red pandas are charismatic and attractive animals that do not harm anyone. Awareness raising programs can play a significant role in red panda conservation, in particular by 20

21 encouraging local people to feel pride in the red panda populations nearby and want to protect them. Local people including herders and hoteliers are not fully aware of the importance for red panda; therefore awareness raising programs needs to be done for red panda conservation. Output 1. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of people towards red pandas Activities 1. Undertake surveys in order to plan awareness raising for the appropriate target groups. 2. Relevant local organisation should participate in designing appropriate awareness raising materials following advice provided from conservation specialists. Output 2. Local community outreach programs. Activities 1. Implement community outreach program at the local level through establishing eco-clubs, organization of conservation education campaign and workshop, interaction programs and media conferences. 2. Local level conservation organization should participate in designing appropriate awareness raising materials through advice provided by specialists. OBJECTIVE 6. Build Capacity in red panda conservation Rationale Long term survival of red panda in Nepal depends on the availability of expertise in research and conservation; therefore capacity building for young personnel in various fields of conservation and management should be sought. Having capable personnel who can plan and manage conservation projects is crucial to driving conservation activities to support red panda conservation. Capacity building for government officials who are conservation leaders is needed to guide conservation work for the country in the future. Activities 1. Train park staffs on red panda specific conservation education, park management and public relations. 2. Develop anti-poaching techniques. 21

22 3. Equip park staffs, local conservation groups and species monitoring committees with field gears. 4. Train young students/researcher and park personnel on conservation threat assessments, participatory rural appraisal (PRA), conservation management planning and red panda survey and monitoring techniques. 5. Select young personnel from park for training on project planning and management. OBJECTIVE 7. Improve local people s livelihoods through site-based red panda conservation and eco-tourism Rationale The livelihoods of people living around red panda habitats depend heavily on local natural resources; therefore red panda conservation planning should include carefully targeted support for livelihood development that links the needs of local villagers to conservation. Ecotourism represents a means of directly tying increased incomes for local communities to the presence of the red panda population, as red pandas can be a major tourist attraction. This has already been demonstrated in Illam and LNP. Ecotourism projects should give high priority for the poor and people who fully participate in conservation. Output 1. Community based ecotourism developed Activities 1. Conduct a feasibility study on potential sites for gibbon-based ecotourism development. 2. Develop guidelines to design and operate community based ecotourism projects appropriate to red panda conservation. OBJECTIVE 8. Improve coordination/partnership between organisations on red panda conservation Rationale Preparing this red panda conservation action plan has already brought together a number of key stakeholders. To implement the action plan that collaboration needs to continue at the national level and, most importantly, be developed locally at all the priority sites to to fulfil its goal. 22

23 Output 1: Framework for conservation partners developed Activities 1. Identify potential partners in red panda conservation. 2. Analyze the importance and significance of red panda conservation partners. 3. Identify potential donors, leading implementing institutions, support agencies in red panda conservation. 4. Develop coordination and networking mechanism among the conservation partners. 23

24 5.4 Logical Framework Narrative Summary Objectively Verifiable Indicator (OVI) Means of Verification (MoV) Risks Goal: Red panda populations in the priority areas have been fully protected and their nationwide status is improving Purpose 1: update information on the status and distribution of red panda and their habitat Purpose 2: In-depth study on red panda ecology and behaviour Purpose 3: Identify and maintain key priority areas for red panda conservation outside the PAs 1. Number of approval for red panda research 2. Fund for red panda research 3. Research papers, reports and academic degree thesis on red panda increased 1. Number of approval for red panda research 2. Fund for red panda research 3. Research papers, reports and academic degree thesis on red panda increased 1. Number of key areas 2. Inventory reports Research reports, thesis Articles, reports, thesis Reports papers, research Purpose 4: Improve red panda habitat quality including food resources Purpose 5: Increased public support for red panda conservation Purpose 6: Build capacity in red panda conservation Purpose 7. Improve local people s livelihoods through site-based red panda conservation and ecotourism 1. Intensity of Chauri grazing inside red panda habitat decreased. 2. Numbers of breeding places and nests increased within the red panda natural habitat. 3. Removal of wood, fuel wood and NTFPs from red panda natural habitat closed. 1. Numbers of red panda eco club at school level increased. 2. Numbers of red panda conservation news in local newspaper increased. 3. Number of illegal activities in red panda habitat decreased. 4. Intelligence service by locals against the illegal activities increased and 5. Voluntary contribution of locals in conservation activities increased. 1. Number of trainings, research, monitoring programs 1. Ecotourism sites 2. Guidelines Population survey, habitat survey, Annual reports, Published conservation bulletin, leaflets, pamphlets, hording boards Training reports, research reports Field guidelines reports, Conservation policy of government continued. Support continued. Protected area research policy continued. Purpose 8: Improve coordination/partnership between organisations on red panda conservation 1. Conservation fund increased and 2. Conservation responsibility among the partners divided. 24

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