An ‘Endangered’ Red Panda has been spotted near a tree plantation site in Gnathang, Sikkim by team Grow-Trees.com, a social enterprise that plants trees for individuals and corporates to commemorate special occasions.

The team encountered the Red Panda, near their plantation sites on the outskirts of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. Classified as ‘Endangered’ and receiving the highest legal protection under the IUCN Red List and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the Red Panda holds great cultural significance as a symbol of Sikkim.

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At the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, however, it is hard to come across this elusive creature due to its dwindling numbers. Conservation efforts led by WWF India in the eastern Himalayan region have been ongoing since 2005 to protect this unique indicator species as its well-being also reflects the health of the forest ecosystem.

Since 2010, tree plantation initiatives, particularly the ‘Trees for Ecotourism’ projects led by Grow-Trees.com have improved forest health and habitats across India. And it is this sustained work that has resulted in an unexpected encounter with a Red Panda near a lush Grow-Trees.com plantation site.

This discovery also reinforces the commitment of the environmental enterprise to support more tree plantation projects to rehabilitate and enable rare species like the Red Panda to reclaim their natural habitats.