Singalila National Park introduce Red Pandas

Highlights:

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park recently launched a programme to introduce 20 Red Pandas in around five years to the Singalila National Park.

Details Analysis:

Singalila National Park is a highly protected area, located at the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
It is the highest altitude in the state.
This park was a wildlife sanctuary initially.
It was converted into a National Park in 1992.
In 1994, it was declared a major wild habitat for red pandas.
Pangolins and red pandas are among the most trafficked animals worldwide.
Both the animals are distinctive mammals and are endemic to the eastern Himalayas.
They are threatened due to several geographic and socioeconomic factors, resulting into illegal wildlife trafficking.
Its illegal trade is rising at an alarming rate.
Red Pandas are categorized in �Endangered� category of IUCN Red list and Appendix I of CITES.
They are protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
On the other hand, Giant Pandas are Vulnerable in IUCN Red List and Appendix I species in CITES.
As per estimate, there are 5,000-6,000 species of red pandas in India.
As per IUCN assessment in 2015, global populations have reduced by 50% in last 18 years.