Density and habitat selection of Endangered red panda in Imawbum National Park, Kachin State, Northern Myanmar

Abstract

Abstract Imawbum National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting habitat of the Endangered red panda. The National Park is part of the Northern Forest Complex in Kachin State, Myanmar, in the Eastern Himalayan Region. Forest degradation and habitat loss resulting from illegal logging is the primary threat to red pandas in the area. Assessments of the species’ density and habitat status in Imawbum National Park have been hampered by inadequate data and the difficult and rugged terrain that is present. In this study, we estimate red panda density using a spatial presence-absence model and predicted the area and type of suitable habitat, using an infinite weight logistic regression model. Red panda density was estimated as 58 animals/100 km2 in our study area, with the predicted area of suitable habitat being1373 km2 inside and 633 km2 outside the park. Elevation and snow cover both positively influenced the probabilities of occurrence and detection, respectively. These results highlight the significance of Imawbum National Park as an important area of habitat red panda and the need to protect and conserve both the national park and the surrounding areas effectively to ensure the species’ long-term survival.