Journal of Animal Diversity

Journal of Animal Diversity

Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens) at risk: how tribal hunting fuels poaching and threatens survival

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors
Mary Gaduk 1
Aamer Sohel Khan 2
1 A.V.C College (Autonomous) Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India
2 School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide
10.22034/JAD.2024.6.3.6
Abstract
Hunting represents a significant threat to wildlife conservation efforts. Arunachal Pradesh is inhabited by various tribes that pursue hunting activities due to their cultural and traditional importance, which is also upheld by legal protections. However, understanding hunting practices remains limited, presenting considerable challenges to conservation initiatives. Aside from the targeted species, these hunting methods occasionally result in the unintended capture of threatened species. This report delineates an incident involving a red panda that was likely
inadvertently ensnared in one of the traps established by local hunters within the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. The local community is barred from hunting red pandas due to their endangered status; therefore, such actions may be classified as poaching. This case and its implications for the endangered red panda population are examined herein. 
Keywords
Ailurus fulgens
poaching
snare
tribe

Subjects

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Journal of Animal Diversity
Volume 6, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Cover photo: The Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse Platacanthomys lasiurus Blyth, 1859 (Rodentia: Platacanthomyidae), from Suryamudi, Kottiyur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kannur district., Kerala, India. Photo by Dr. Md. Jafer Palot, 23 March 2021.
Summer 2024
Pages 66-69