Population Characteristics
The red panda species is heavily populated in Western China, the Himalayan Mountain Chain of Nepal, India, Bhutan and Myanmar (http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=19). Red pandas have a clumped distribution pattern due to their limitation in basic resources such as habitat/shelter and food. They may also exhibit a random distribution pattern due to being known as shy and because of few resources.
In one research study, a group of individuals tested the genetic diversity of the red panda. The genetic diversity of the red panda species was said to be considerably high even though their population has been decreasing due to human activity and an increasing population of their predators (http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/18/6/1070.full). Therefore, the population is not threatened with a loss of genetic diversity. By protecting the red panda's habitat and resources the population is expected to recover. Carrying capacity is the maximum number of animals that can survive in any given sustainable ecosystem. The carrying capacity may be affected by limiting factors which will reduce the red panda population. The total red panda population is estimated to be less than 10,000 mature individuals. The red pandas population and carrying capacity will depend on these limiting factors:
Population Densities/Populations: Nepal Rara: one red panda per 3 km² Langtang: one red panda per 2.09 km² Panchthar-Ilam-Tapeljung: one red panda per 5.5 km² Dhorpatan: no density estimates availible Bhotkola: 135 km² India Sikkim: 225-350 red pandas 650 km² West Bengal: approximately 55-60 red pandas China - approximately 3,000-7,000 red pandas live in China (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/714/0) |