The Red Panda is Endangered Because -

Red pandas are endangered for several reasons. One of the main reasons is deforestation. Red panda habitats, namely Himalayan forests, are being cut down at an alarming rate each year. Usually, these forests are cleared due to logging operations or to convert the forested area into farmland where crops can be grown and cattle can graze. Even when forests are only partially cut down, deforestation can still lead to massive population losses for red pandas. This is because the population of red pandas becomes fragmented, along with the forest. In other words, groups of red pandas which could usually meet (and mate) with each other instead are kept apart. This means that these separated groups can only mate with other red pandas nearby, leading to less genetic diversity.

Another reason is poaching. Their bright, reddish fur and striped tails make them prime targets for those who would sell their pelts for profit. In certain rural areas, hats made from red panda fur were traditionally worn as good luck tokens for special occasions. Some people insist on carrying on this tradition, despite it being illegal. Poachers also kill red pandas due to the mistaken belief that certain red panda body parts have medicinal properties.

Red pandas are also often killed when they get caught in traps meant for other animals such as wild pigs and deer. They are also threatened by the illegal pet trade.

These human actions have caused the wild population of red pandas to shrink to just around 10,000 individuals.