26-2-16 A few weeks ago the Himalayan Times reported that a red panda was spotted in Dhading. The red panda is a rare and protected species. Only a few hundred of these animals live in the Himalayas. Experts in Nepal have confirmed the sighting.
Dhading
We think it’s very special that a red panda has recently been seen in Dhading,” says Ilse Sapkota. “Because Dhading is the area where we are very active! It remains a very rare animal, but it’s possible that we could come across a red panda during one of our treks! Our guides will certainly be on the lookout!”
Red panda
The red panda (Ailurus Fulgens) is also known as the lesser panda. They’re a bit like a raccoon. Their thick coats are a deep reddish-brown and they have ringed tails. The Nepali name for them is nigalya ponya, which translates to “eater of bamboo” as they live off of young bamboo shoots. Red pandas are most active during the night and twilight. They spend half of the daylight hours sleeping. The red panda’s habitat is the forested mountainous areas between 2,000 and 3,000 meters.