Kathmandu
In a bid to conserve the critically endangered Red Panda, locals have declared Langtang National Park as Restricted zone until mid-august as the time from mid-June till mid- August is considered the mammal's breeding season.

Red Panda starts mating after it reaches three years of age and gives birth after a gestation period of 112 to 158 days. There are just 2,500 Red Pandas living in the world today. And Langtang National Park itself is home to 150 of them. Although the area will be reopened to visitors after the two months, no visitors will be allowed in the Red Panda zone as they are easily intimidated by noise.

"Just protecting wildlife from harm does not help their conservation. So, efforts should also be made to protect their habitat," said Nwang Finjo Tamang, head of Nadanche Poaching and Hunting Control Group. The group has made the habitat of Red Panda at Gupchetpakha a restricted area and has asked the villagers not enter that region. "Collection of firewood from that area has also been restricted for the next two months," Tamang said.

Although concerns were raised after the April 25 quake about the safety of Red Panda, a field survey was conducted and the restriction imposed immediately. The group has made the habitat of Red Panda at Gupchetpakha a restricted area and has asked the villagers not enter that region. "Collection of firewood from that area has also been restricted for the next two months," Tamang said.

With a scientific name of Ailurus fulgens, Red Pandas are locally known as Habre and Panda. They are found at an altitude ranging from 800 to 3,610 meters. As wildfires, hunting and poaching have declined in the conservation area, the population of Red Panda has increased significantly. With a lifespan of 8-10 years and body length of 1 meter, this shy animal is found in Nepal, India, China, Burma and Bhutan only.