Genetic Monitoring of red pandas from Indian Himalayan Region: implications in conservation and management of free-ranging populations

Red pandas were poorly studied in India and the existing pool of knowledge was decades-old up until recent genetic studies. An in-depth analysis of the transboundary Kanchenjunga landscape described the genetic units of red pandas and their connectivity. New researches have shown the presence of both the (sub)species of red panda in Arunachal Pradesh, India. These findings raised questions on previous management techniques. It also hinted at the need for an improved landscape level-(sub)species-oriented conservation method without which the enigma of red panda speciation remains. These studies also help to critically evaluate the status of red pandas with respect to local communities where conservation basics are crucial for saving the species.