World Red Panda Day was observed in Nepal by organizing various programs and events raising awareness and concerns about conservation of the endangered species.

According to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), there are about 400 red pandas available in Nepal.

Out of the two species, Ailurus fulgens is found in Nepal.

While some pandas are found in Nepal's Langtang National Park, Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park, Manaslu Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park and Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, over 75 percent of potential red panda habitat falls outside protected areas in Nepal, according to WWF report.

Special programs were also held in Taplejung district in Eastern Nepal where five panda deaths were reported this year.

Causes of the death were not revealed. However, the species are always in great threat due to poachers who kill the animal for their skin.

Likewise, human encroachment in their habitat area is also another cause for their extinction.

Talking to Xinhua, Damber Bista, coordinator at Red Panda Network informed that special programs would be implemented in the region for better conservation of the species.

Until the programs are implemented, tourists will be restricted into the conservation area, Bista informed.