International Red Panda Day – September 18, 2022, history, quotes FAQS
Every year, International Red Panda Day is celebrated on September 18 to spread awareness regarding yet another species that is near extinction. The day was launched by the Red Panda Network in 2010, and the first international red Panda day was celebrated in September that very year. Since then, the need to continue honoring the day has only increased due to global warming and climate change. Want to be a part of the cause? All you have to do is celebrate this international day and do all that you can to play a positive role in the conservation of the species.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY
Red Pandas are adorable creatures that reside in the Eastern Himalayas region of the world. This includes places like China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Unfortunately, like hundreds of other animals on Earth, this species also faces a threat of extinction soon.
Why, you ask? Because of mankind, of course! Humans have caused such environmental degradation that red pandas who reside in bamboo trees, don’t find any trees they can nest in. Other human activities that have threatened the survival of this species include poaching, habitat destruction, and trafficking. In fact, red panda fur is also trafficked to produce hats and clothing.
Due to these factors, red pandas are “legally protected in India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, and Myanmar” according to a report. Another report that focuses on the conservation of animals highlighted the problem of decreasing red pandas to be “poor conservation awareness and weak law enforcement.”
The Himalayas, where the red pandas mostly, reside also provides a weak law and order situation for the protection of the species, hence, the animal is often hunted. Most importantly, the Nepalese government doesn’t have sufficient funds to research how the species can be saved. This is why the IUCN Red List classifies red pandas as ‘endangered.’ One such organization that is constantly working for the red pandas includes WWF.
Need to find out more about the exquisite creature? Here is some information that might be of interest. Red pandas are not related to giant pandas at all and are as small as a house cat. According to the Red Panda Network, the animal helps to keep the ecosystem vibrant.
INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY TIMELINE
1853
The Great Discovery
Red pandas are discovered.
2008
The Red Flag
Red pandas become endangered.
2009
Sweet News
Researchers find out that red pandas like artificial sugar.
2013
New Arrivals
The red pandas arrive at Drusillas Park.
HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY
Spread the message
Spread the message about the extinction and importance of red pandas and how people can save them. The more, the merrier.
Donate to charities focused on conservation
While you speak about saving the species, also donate a certain amount to charities that are bent on creating an environment where red pandas can survive and breed.
Share on social media
Share information, posts, and news regarding red pandas on social media. The idea behind the day is to spread awareness regarding the species.
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT RED PANDAS
Carnivores that eat plants
Red pandas are carnivores that love bamboo shoots.
Breeding age
Females stop breeding after age 12.
Love for the cold
Red pandas are fond of snow.
They are mostly asleep
They spend 55% of their day sleeping.
Other names
Red pandas are also called bear-cat, firefox, and Himalayan raccoon.
WHY INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY IS IMPORTANT
It spreads information about red pandas
The day is essential since it provides knowledge and information regarding red pandas — a species that numerous people aren’t even aware of.
It talks about why they are near extinction
The day discusses why red pandas are near extinction and how they can be saved if we all put in an extra effort.
It discusses why they need to be saved
On this day, numerous organizations highlight the repercussions of a species going extinct from the planet and why red pandas must be saved.
How to celebrate International Red Panda Day
Celebrating this day can range from simply telling a friend to traveling to the place where the Red Panda is native. Try these ideas for celebrating International Red Panda Day:
Visit Red Pandas at a Local Zoo
Head to your local zoo and support those who are helping to save the lives of these lovable creatures and their habitats. But do be sure to keep your eyes peeled–these little guys can be a little bit hard to spot. Spending a lot of their time in trees, they are often difficult to see in their enclosures at the zoo.
Take a Red Panda Ecotrip
Join together a love of travel with a way to help these little animals. Red Panda Network offers Eco Trips, which allow participants to visit one of the most biodiverse places in the world and become educated on the needs to prevent forest exploitation. Enjoy a small group experience and local hospitality while participating in community-based conservation efforts. Plus, these trips will offer opportunities to see Red Pandas in the wild!
After the trip, come home and tell others about the plight of the Red Panda and become an advocate to help others see the need. It’s a win-win!
Make an impact for Red Pandas
Red Panda Network offers suggestions and facilitates ways humans can help these little creatures to survive and improve their situation. Whether giving a donation, holding a fundraising event, raising awareness or becoming a ‘panda guardian’, many options are available for doing a little bit to help out.
The network is regularly recruiting volunteers to become Red Panda Ambassadors, who are encouraged to get involved with the “panda-monium” that takes place around the love for these furry creatures. Join in on the action for International Red Panda Day!
INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY FAQS
What is a red panda’s natural habitat?
The natural habitat for red pandas includes areas like the Eastern Himalayas in places like China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
What eats red pandas?
Red pandas are eaten by predators such as the snow leopard and occasionally Martens.
Are red pandas rare?
Yes. There are less than 10,000 red pandas in the wild today.
