The endangered tree-living animal, red panda, has been spotted in three local levels of Kalikot district, Karnali Province.

The red panda was spotted in Tilgupha Municipality, Mahawai Rural Municipality and Shubha Kalika Rural Municipality, according to representatives of government and non-government organizations.

District coordinator of the Human Rights Environment Development Center (HuRENDEC), Dilip Kumar Shahi, said that the endangered animals were spotted while monitoring the biodiversity at the protected forest of Rudubanchu in Tilgupha Municipality-10. 

"In view of the discovery of red panda, HuRENDEC Nepal has encouraged the locals not to destroy bamboo forests," he said, adding that the conservation efforts are launched effectively there.

Mayor of Tilgupha Municipality, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, said that the locals of Rurubancha area were working for the conservation of forest, especially the habitat of the endangered animals. Public awareness counts much for conservation of such wild animals, he added. 

Chair of Shuvakalika Rural Municipality, Govinda Prasad Acharya, said that the tree-living animal was also found in Haudi area of the local level. 

Red pandas chiefly live on bamboo leaves and shoots. Its habitat lies in the areas located from 2,200 meters to 4,000 meters above sea level. 

The conservationists, however, warn the red panda would be threatened if the forest fire, human encroachment and canine attacks are unchecked.