The Himalayan red panda
Ailurus fulgens F. Cuvier (family Ailuridae) is a carnivore that feeds mainly on bamboo leaves and shoots. Habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, and poaching are some of the major threats to the red panda population. In Bhutan,
Ailurus fulgens is reported from within and outside protected areas; however, only a few studies (distribution, threats, and habitat correlates) have been carried out, and much remains unknown about this species. Herein, we report information on the updated distribution, habitat use, and activity pattern from by-catch images of A. fulgens occurrence from both systematic camera traps set for a country-wide tiger Panthera tigris (Linnaeus) survey (۲۰۱۴–۲۰۱۵) and other surveys during ۲۰۱۵–۲۰۲۱ from different parks and forest divisions.
Ailurus fulgens was found to occur in ۱۹ out of ۲۰ districts in Bhutan. Regarding protected areas, they were found in eight out of eleven protected areas (Wangchuck Centennial, Jigme Dorji, Jigme Singye, Phrumsengla National Park, Bumdeling and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve, and Royal Botanical Park) and five out of eight biological corridors (connecting Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary to Jigme Singye National Park, Wangchuck Centennial National Park to Jigme Singye National Park, Phrumsengla National Park to Jigme Singye National Park, Phrumsengla National Park to Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary to Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary). The majority of A. fulgens were recorded in broadleaf forest followed by mixed conifer forest and were found to be distributed at elevations between ۱,۵۲۰–۴,۳۳۱ m (mean ۳,۱۳۱ m). Red pandas displayed higher use of habitats including cool broadleaf and mixed conifer forests. The activity pattern of A. fulgens showed that they were mostly diurnal, with peak activities taking place between ۱۰:۰۰–۱۱:۰۰ hours.