Journal of Threatened
Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2026 | 18(6): 29079–29084
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10110.18.6.29079-29084
#10110 | Received 24 August 2025 | Final received 15 April 2026| Finally
accepted 03 May 2026
First photographic record of the
Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ailuridae)
in Yordi Rabe Supse
Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Yomto Mayi
1 ,
Shantabala Devi Gurumayum
2 & Salvador Lyngdoh 3
¹,2 Zoological Survey
of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Senki
valley, Itanagar, Papum
Pare, Arunachal Pradesh 791113, India.
1,3 Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.
1 yomtomayi56@gmail.com
(corresponding author), 2 santaguru@rediffmail.com, 3 salvador@wii.gov.in
Editor: Bhargavi Srinivasulu,
Zoo Outreach Organisation, Hyderabad, Telangana,
India. Date of publication: 26 June 2026 (online &
print)
Citation: Mayi, Y., S.D. Gurumayum & S.
Lyngdoh (2026). First photographic record
of the Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ailuridae)
in Yordi Rabe Supse
Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 18(6): 29079–29084. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10110.18.6.29079-29084
Copyright: © Mayi et al. 2026. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use,
reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium by providing
adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.
Funding: Eastern Himalayan Marbled Cat Project & Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation.
Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Author details: Yomto Mayi is a research scholar at the Zoological Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Itanagar. His research focuses on the biodiversity, ecology, and conservation of mammals in Arunachal Pradesh, with emphasis on camera-trap surveys and species distribution. Shantabala Devi Gurumayum is scientist-E and officer-in-charge at the Zoological Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Itanagar. Her research interests include taxonomy, biodiversity assessment, ecology and conservation of freshwater fishes and vertebrates of northeastern India. Salvador Lyngdoh is scientist-E at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. His research focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation biology, human–wildlife interactions, and the conservation of threatened mammals in the Himalayan and northeastern Indian landscapes.
Author contribution: YM conceived the study, conducted field surveys, deployed and monitored camera traps, analysed the data, and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. SDG contributed to study design, data interpretation, manuscript review, and overall supervision. SL contributed to study conceptualization, data interpretation, manuscript review, and provided critical inputs that improved the final version of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, for providing the necessary research permissions and valuable field support. We extend heartfelt thanks to the field guides and frontline forest staff whose local knowledge greatly assisted the deployment of camera traps. We are thankful to The Habitats Trust (THT) for their logistical support in carrying out this study. We also acknowledge the continued encouragement and institutional support received from the director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, and the director, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun throughout the duration of the research.
Abstract: The Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus fulgens, an
endangered species of the eastern Himalaya, is threatened by habitat loss,
fragmentation, and limited ecological data across parts of its range. In
Arunachal Pradesh, despite extensive suitable habitat, confirmed records from
several protected areas remain scarce. Here we present the first
confirmed photographic evidence of the Red Panda Ailurus
fulgens from the Yordi
Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary (YRSWS) using camera
traps. The species was recorded at elevations of 2,409 m and 2,848 m in high
altitude temperate forest habitats characterized by dense multi-layered
vegetation with a moist understory, providing important field-based
confirmation of the species’ presence in a previously undocumented area. These
records highlight the conservation significance of YRSWS and emphasize the need
for further systematic monitoring and strengthened protection of its habitats
in central Arunachal Pradesh.
Keywords: Biodiversity documentation,
camera trapping, Eastern Himalaya, Forest connectivity, Mammalian conservation,
Protected area, Range extension, Species occurrence, Temperate forest, Wildlife
monitoring.
Introduction
The Red Panda Ailurus
fulgens, an elusive species found in the eastern
Himalaya and southwestern China, is currently listed as ‘Endangered’ on the
IUCN Red List due to a continued decline in its habitat quality, population
size and geographic range (Glatston et al. 2015). It
primarily inhabits temperate forests with dense bamboo at elevations ranging
between 2,200–4,800 m. Red Pandas feed primarily on bamboo (Choudhury 2001).
Traditionally, Red Pandas have been classified into two subspecies, Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus
fulgens styani, which
differ subtly in morphology (e.g., pelage colouration
and skull characteristics) and geographic range. However, recent genomic
evidence suggests that the two subspecies may actually be two distinct
phylogenetic species: the Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus
fulgens and the Chinese Red Panda Ailurus styani (Hu
et al. 2020; Dalui et al. 2025). Further, genetic
evidence suggests that the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh separates
both the species, with Ailurus fulgens occurring west of the river and Ailurus styani
occurring to the east (Joshi et al. 2021). This highlights the importance of
implementing conservation strategies that are both region-specific and
transboundary in nature.
In India, the Himalayan Red Panda
is primarily distributed across Sikkim, northern West Bengal (including
Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts) and Arunachal
Pradesh (Bhutia et al. 2023). Of these, Arunachal
Pradesh is ecologically important, accounting for over 90% of the species’
estimated 12,500 km² potential habitat in India (Ghose
& Dutta 2010). Yet, the species’ actual area of occupancy within the
country is likely much lower due to fragmentation and patchy distribution
(Choudhury 2001). Despite its rich biodiversity, Arunachal Pradesh remains
under-explored, with confirmed records of red panda presence still limited.
Within Arunachal Pradesh,
photographic evidence has confirmed the presence of red pandas in select
locations including Karle Village, Shi-Yomi and Dirang
in West Kameng District (Megha
et al. 2021). More recently, sightings have also been confirmed in Namdapha National Park (Yomcha et
al. 2025). However, many lesser-known sanctuaries in the central part of the
state lack records, indicating the need for comprehensive field surveys.
Yordi Rabe Supse
Wildlife Sanctuary (YRSWS) spans the West Siang and Siang districts. Notified
in 2007, the Sanctuary remains unexplored due to its challenging terrain,
limited access and lack of ecological assessments. While reports suggest the
presence of several rare species, including the Tiger Panthera
tigris, the scientific literature on the
sanctuary is sparse (Ete 2014). Since YRSWS
lies on the western side of the Siang River, it falls within the predicted
range of the Himalayan Red Panda Ailurus fulgens—a species characterised
by lighter fur and more prominent tail rings compared to Ailurus
styani (Hu et al. 2020). However, despite this
expected distribution, no prior direct or photographic evidence has confirmed
its occurrence in this protected area. The present study, therefore, provides
the first photographic documentation of the species from this under-explored
and scientifically unreported landscape, highlighting the requirement for
systematic surveys and targeted conservation efforts in Arunachal Pradesh.
Study Area
The Yordi
Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the West
Siang and Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh (Image 1), is one of the most
remote and unexplored protected areas in the state. The name Yordi Rabe translates locally to “a distant and faraway hill,”
while Supse refers to one of the highest mountain
peaks within the sanctuary. The landscape is dominated by steep slopes, rugged
hills and gorges, with elevations ranging 771–3,929 m, as derived from the ALOS
PALSAR RTC DEM (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 2015).
The sanctuary spans a total area
of 397 km², located
between 94.367°–94.583° E and 28.133°–28.417° N (Ete 2014). It has also been recognised
as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) under criterion A1 (2004) with
the IBA code: IN-AR-27, as designated by BirdLife
International (2025).
Despite its ecological
significance, YRSWS remains poorly documented, with no scientific research
having been conducted to date. The region encompasses a diverse range of forest
types – tropical and semi-evergreen forests, subtropical broad-leaved forests,
and sub-temperate broad-leaved forests (MoEFCC
2016). This creates a rich mosaic of
habitats—from temperate forests and bamboo thickets to patches of subalpine
zones—providing a complex ecological environment.
Four major rivers, namely Yogong, Shichuk, Sikka, and Tagurshit flow through the Sanctuary. The Yogong and Shichuk rivers flow
into the Hirik, a tributary of the Yomgo/Siyom River, while the Sikka and Tagurshit
join the Subansiri River (Ete
2014).
The combination of dense canopy,
moist undergrowth, and river systems contributes to the high habitat complexity
and ecological integrity of the sanctuary.
Methods
As part of a systematic
ecological study on Mishmi Takin conducted in December 2024, we installed
motion-triggered camera traps at various suitable locations within the
sanctuary. These cameras were kept running continuously, day and night, until
their batteries were fully drained.
We used two models of Browning
Trail cameras. The first unit (TAL 1) was a 20-megapixel Dark OPS MAX HD PLUS,
set in photo mode with a 1-second picture delay. It had a motion detection
range of ~24 m (80 ft), with a fast trigger speed and a long-range IR flash.
The second unit (YRS 9) was a 24-megapixel Dark OPS PRO X 1080, set in both
photo and video mode. It was programmed to record 30-second videos with a
1-second capture delay, and both night exposure and motion detection were set
to ~27 m (90 ft) long range.
Each camera was mounted around 1
m above the ground, which is close to the shoulder height of adult takins (~1.5
m). We placed the cameras approximately 4 m from animal trails, as recommended
for large-bodied mammals, to capture full-body images without distortion or
overexposure (O’Connell et al. 2011; Rovero et al.
2013). Cameras were installed either facing straight across the trail or at a
20–30 ° angle to help reduce motion blur and improve detection accuracy. No
bait or attractants were used at any of the camera trap stations to avoid
altering animal movement patterns. TAL 1 was installed on 12 December 2024 and
remained active for 132 days, while YRS 9 operated from 08 September 2024 to 06
May 2025 (241 days).
We identified the species
captured by comparing visible morphological features from the camera trap
images with standard descriptions (Hu et al. 2020). We also considered
elevation and the known distribution of species to further confirm the
identification.
Results
The Himalayan Red Panda was
recorded from two separate camera trap stations, roughly 12 km apart in aerial
distance. These detections confirm the presence of the species in two different
forest ranges within the YRSWS.
The first record came from camera
unit TAL 1,where a single Himalayan Red Panda was
photographed on 14 December 2024 at 09.20 h (Image 2), just two days after
installation. The animal was photographed at an elevation of 2,848 m in a
dense, moss-covered temperate forest within the Liromoba
range on the western side of the sanctuary. The undergrowth consisted of ferns,
leaf litter and small bamboo patches, indicating an undisturbed habitat. Light
snowfall was occasionally observed, including on 07 March 2025, which left a
patchy snow cover. No signs of human activity were recorded throughout the
deployment period. The species detection occurred in broad daylight hours under
cold environment conditions.
The second detection came from
camera unit YRS 9 on 31 October 2024, at 1050 h (Image 3), shortly after a rain
event; there was still slow dripping water in the area. The animal was photographed at an elevation
of 2,409 m on a mountain ridge slope with tree roots and nearby rock cliffs,
within a temperate rainforest. This unit was programmed to capture both photos
and videos. The animal was recorded in both formats once. This site also
experienced minimal disturbance, with only two visits by the field guide during
the whole period.
The individuals photographed at
both sites exhibited characteristic light reddish-brown fur and distinct tail
rings, unique to the species. These elevation ranges (2,409–2,848 m) match
previous photographic evidence from Karle Village, Shi-Yomi District and other
parts of central and western Arunachal Pradesh (Megha
et al. 2021), suggesting a broader, but fragmented distribution of the species
across these higher temperate forest zones.
Discussion
Based on morphological
characteristics visible in the camera trap images—the lighter, reddish-brown
fur and distinct tail rings—the individuals closely resemble the Himalayan Red
Panda. These traits are consistent with features that distinguish it from the
Chinese Red Panda, which typically has darker fur and fainter tail rings (Hu et
al. 2020). However, such identification based solely on external morphology may
be prone to error and, therefore, requires confirmation through genetic
analysis for accurate subspecies delineation.
Since the sanctuary is located
west of the Siang River, it falls within the expected range of the Himalayan
Red Panda. Genetic studies indicate that the Siang River serves as a barrier
between the two distinct species (Joshi et al. 2021). Photographic records
provide evidence from a remote, under-surveyed protected area in Arunachal
Pradesh, offering vital support for species distribution models that often
overestimate actual occupancy. Recent studies, such as those by Megha et al. (2021), have helped fill the gap by confirming
the presence of red pandas in previously unconfirmed areas and highlighting the
importance of intact temperate forests with bamboo cover and minimal human
impact. Within this wider conservation framework, our records from YRSWS fill
an important spatial gap in the species’ known distribution. The occurrence of
red panda in this landscape suggests habitat continuity and indicates that
YRSWS may act as a corridor linking populations in western Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang, West Kameng, Shi-Yomi)
with those in central regions such as Mouling
National Park.
However, infrastructure projects,
including roads and hydropower, pose growing threats by fragmenting forest
habitats and creating barriers to movement (Srivastava & Dutta 2010). For
example, the third package of the Taliha–Tato stretch
of NH-913 (Frontier Highway), covering km 87.13 to km 121.541, has been
approved by the MoRTH (2024), highlighting the
increasing developmental pressure in northern part of YRSWS. Such linear
infrastructures may disrupt forest connectivity between the sanctuary and
adjoining high-elevation forests extending towards southern Tibet, potentially
affecting wildlife movement and habitat continuity. Maintaining forest
connectivity is crucial for reducing the risks of inbreeding and local
extinction, a trend already observed in parts of the Khangchendzonga
landscape (Ghose & Dutta 2010). Other recent
field efforts have reported red pandas in non-protected and community-managed
landscapes, such as Karle Village and Shi-Yomi (Megha
et al. 2021), highlighting the complementary role of local leadership. The
conservation project led by Rimung Tasso in Mouling National Park and Monigong
demonstrates how grassroots level action can protect Red Panda habitats. The
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo’s breeding and biobanking program, and its
contribution to successful Red Panda releases in Singalila
National Park highlight the importance of integrating ex situ conservation with
habitat-based recovery (MoEFCC 2024). Together, these
efforts illustrate the value of strengthening local conservation models and
expanding systematic surveys in lesser-known sanctuaries, such as Yordi Rabe Supse. The two
detections in this study, despite being only 12 km apart, provide baseline
evidence of Himalayan Red Panda presence across distinct forest ranges and emphasise the need for ongoing monitoring in Arunachal’s
fragile mountain ecosystems.
Conclusion
The first photographic record of
the Himalayan Red Panda in Yordi Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary adds significant new information
on the species’ distribution in Arunachal Pradesh. This record, from one of the
region’s most remote and under-surveyed protected areas, highlights the vital
role of intact high-altitude temperate forests as refuges for this endangered
species. The finding supports existing evidence that much of Arunachal’s
mountain habitats remain unexplored yet ecologically important. Strengthening
systematic surveys and expanding community-led conservation models, which have
already shown promise in other parts of the state, will be critical to securing
the long-term survival of the red panda in India’s eastern Himalaya. Future
research should prioritise landscape-level
monitoring, participatory habitat management, and the integration of camera
trapping with genetic validation to better understand population connectivity
across central Arunachal Pradesh.
Ethical Standards
All fieldwork was carried out
with prior approval from the Department of Environment and Forests, Government
of Arunachal Pradesh (Permit No. CWL/Gen/996/2023/Pt-II/191-93). The study
employed non-invasive camera trap methods and did not involve any direct
handling of wildlife. The authors affirm that all relevant institutional and
national ethical guidelines for wildlife research were followed.
For images
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