Red Panda in Singalila National Park Travel Postcard

Singalila National Park, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas of West Bengal, India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and serves as a crucial sanctuary for the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens). The park's temperate forests, characterized by dense bamboo undergrowth and cool climates, provide an ideal habitat for these elusive creatures. Red pandas are primarily arboreal and nocturnal, making sightings rare but highly sought after by wildlife enthusiasts. The park's elevation, ranging from 2,100 to 3,600 meters, supports a diverse ecosystem that includes other species such as the Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, and various pheasant species . Conservation efforts in Singalila National Park have been bolstered by initiatives like the red panda reintroduction program. In 2004, two captive-bred red pandas, Sweety and Milli, were released into the wild as part of this program. While Milli tragically did not survive, Sweety adapted successfully and later gave birth to offspring, marking a significant achievement in red panda conservation . Recent population estimates indicate that approximately 35 to 40 red pandas inhabit the park, with ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts aimed at ensuring their continued survival