At least 45 red pandas have been found in Rara National Park. The endangered arboreal (tree living) mammals were spotted in Nijar, Bulbule Chuchumare, Mili and Chhahare areas of the park, said Chandrajang Hamal, a researcher.

Hamal was part of the research team studying the life and habitat of the red panda in the park. The research was supported by the National Trust of Nature Conservation and the Red Panda Network.

Officiating Conservation Officer Laxmi Narayan Shah said there are an estimated 100 red pandas in the park. A formal count has not been conducted till date.

Red pandas have also been spotted in the remote Gaam village in Rolpa district. Locals reported the presence of red pandas in the forest near the village after a villager captured the animal and brought it to the village.

A team from the District Police Office and the District Forest Office visited the village and retrieved the captured animal.

Chief District Officer Mitra Lal Sharma said they will release the animal to its habitat after conducting an health examination.

Red pandas are found in subtropical and temperate forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, northern Myanmar and southwestern China.