The primary cause of the red panda's endangered status is habitat destruction. The red panda inhabits a narrow, fragmented range of temperate forests in the Himalayas. These forests are being rapidly cleared for agriculture, logging, and other development projects.
For example, in Nepal, the red panda population declined ~50% between 1995 and 2015 due to deforestation. Deforestation not only reduces the red panda's habitat, but it also fragments it. Red pandas are arboreal animals and they often disperse by moving through tall trees.
Poaching and Hunting
Red pandas are also hunted and poached for their fur and meat. In some cultures, red panda fur is used to make hats, scarves, and other clothing items. Additionally, red pandas are sometimes hunted for their meat, which is said to be a delicacy in some parts of the world.
In fact, fur, meat, and body parts are in greater demand, thanks to traditional medicine and superstitions. According to conservationists, a belief that red panda blood can cure diseases also contributes to the animals' endangerment.
Retaliatory killings
Red pandas are occasionally killed by farmers in retaliation for perceived crop damage. Additionally, they compete with domestic livestock for food and are often killed as "pest" animals.
Climate change
Although not an immediate cause, scientists fear climate change will negatively affect the red panda and its habitat.
The main threat from climate change is a loss of habitat. According to the World Wildlife Federation, the red panda could lose 35–40% of its habitat by 2050 due to climate-induced changes.