Why are Red Pandas endangered?
Photography by WorldWildlife
Red pandas are facing extinction mainly because of deforestation, which means that forests are being cleared and used for pasture, farming, and agriculture amongst other things (WWF; Nationalgeographic; Redpandanetwork; Heath & Platnick, 2008). Other factors that also contribute to their endangerment is that occassionally in order to find new habitats red pandas have to migrate to unfimiliar places. According to the World Wildlife website, "Red pandas are often killed when they get caught in traps meant for other animals such as wild pigs and deer. They are also poached for their distinctive pelts in China and Myanmar. Red panda fur caps or hats have been found for sale in Bhutan". The selling of these items has become illegal and can carry heavy fines as well (WWF). Therefore, precautions like these can contribute to their safety. Their endangerment can be stopped by recognizing that our attempts to alter the earth is creating these problems for the red pandas. And by trying to find an alternative that will not bring harm to any wildlife that may inhabit the area we wish to use and may end up damaging.