The development of the Red panda Ailurus fulgens EEP: from a failing captive population to a stable population that provides effective support to in situ conservation

Abstract

The Red panda Ailurus fulgens is an Endangered small carnivore that occurs in Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and the People's Republic of China. Wild populations of Red pandas have declined by 50% over the last three generations as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting and poaching. In 1979 an international studbook was established for the species to monitor the demographically small and unstable population in human care. At that time the breeding results were poor. In 1985 a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was initiated and from then onwards the Red panda population started to grow as improved breeding techniques were utilized. As at 31 December 2019 there were 407 Red pandas: 177.228.2 (♂♂.♀♀.??) in the EEP housed at 182 institutions. The EEP developed in stages over four decades, from a small population of Red pandas with low breeding success and high mortality, to a popular breeding programme with high breeding success and direct links to in situ conservation. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as mean kinship and genetic diversity, climate change and its effects on juvenile mortality, and the welfare of individuals housed in long-term bachelor groups. These issues are highlighted to encourage future research into the conservation of this species with some indications given of what zoos can do to find solutions to the mostpressing challenges.

Introduction: Conservation of Small Carnivores

“…However, it is rarely implemented with small carnivores. Linking ex situ breeding programmes with in situ conservation projects – for example, Binturong (Bourgeois et al ., 2020), Giant otter (Schikora, 2020) and Red panda (Kappelhof & Weerman, 2020) as discussed in this volume – is a good start that can be built upon. Integrating the work of TAGs more closely with that of the IUCN Specialist Groups, and developing combined strategies for education and ‘species marketing’ as well as for in situ and ex situ conservation, are all fundamental to success.…”

“…From these data it would appear that, if historic captive‐breeding efforts had been sustained, 17–26% of small carnivore species in zoos could form viable populations. Remarkable progress has been made in breeding species ex situ since 1995 – for example, with the Red panda Ailurus fulgens (Kappelhof & Weerman, 2020), European mink Mustela lutreola (Harrington et al ., 2014) and Black‐footed ferrets Mustela nigripes (Santymire et al ., 2014; Willcox, 2020) – so conservation breeding for small carnivores should no longer present a problem and more species could be successfully maintained in zoos and aquariums.…”

“…Many species are obscure and little studied, often because of their size, and elusive and nocturnal habits. Zoo studies, such as those on behaviour, not only help us to understand housing requirements and the impact of visitors, but also provide a basis to our understanding of their behaviour in the wild (Amaral & Rosas, 2020; Bourgeois et al ., 2020; Kappelhof & Weerman, 2020; Loberg et al ., 2020; Rossi et al ., 2020; Schikora, 2020; Willcox et al ., 2020). Early studies on otters in captivity by the author (N.D.) provided a knowledge base and facilitated later studies in the wild (Duplaix, 1980).…”

Status, Distribution, and Threats of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens Cuvier, 1825) in Nepal

“…With only 10,000 mature individuals surviving, the Red panda is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and it is chiefly threatened by forest loss as a consequence of the pressure from a growing population (Dorji et al, 2012). A European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was launched in 1985, and as a result of improved breeding practices, the Red pandas' population start to rise in the world (Kappelhof and Weerman, 2020). The Red panda's territory is threatened by the collapse and disruption of their habitat (Pradhan et al, 2001b;Wei et al, 1999;.…”

Conservation status, ex situ priorities and emerging threats to small carnivores

“…Although Red panda conservation has benefited from a successful marrying of in situ and ex situ activities (see Kappelhof & Weerman, 2020), it is still very threatened in the wild. Major threats are habitat loss and degradation, wildlife disease, and potentially the illegal trade in pelts and pets (Glatston et al ., 2015).…”