Together for Red Panda Conservation in Dhaulagiri Region
Workshop Report | 2 November 2025 | Beni, Myagdi
Round Dhaulagiri Conservation Programme • BIOCOS Nepal • Supported by Toledo Zoo
Participants representing government agencies, security bodies, conservation organisations and local communities at the workshop in Beni.
Red pandas and their habitats in the Dhaulagiri region require coordinated conservation action. Field surveys conducted by BIOCOS Nepal have provided important information on red panda distribution, habitat and threats in Myagdi. The findings also showed the importance of connecting red panda habitats in Myagdi with the wider Dhorpatan landscape. Government agencies, local communities, security bodies, the tourism sector and conservation organisations all have an important role in protecting this landscape.
To share the research findings and build a common direction for future work, BIOCOS Nepal organised the “Together for the Red Panda Conservation Round Dhaulagiri” workshop on 2 November 2025 at the Division Forest Office in Beni, Myagdi. The workshop brought together 33 participants from 22 offices and organisations, including district and municipal authorities, the Division Forest Office, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, police and security agencies, tourism and agriculture offices, FECOFUN and community forest user groups from the red panda survey area.
The workshop opened with remarks by Mr Laxman Prasad Poudyal. Mr Pawan Rai then presented findings from field surveys, camera traps and direct observations. The presentation explained the known distribution and habitat use of red pandas in Myagdi and highlighted the need to maintain habitat connectivity towards Dhorpatan. Participants discussed long-term monitoring, community engagement and the use of scientific information in local conservation planning.
| Mr Pawan Rai presents research findings on red panda distribution and habitat in Myagdi. | Ms Larisha Gautam shares experience and opportunities for responsible red panda tourism. |
Ms Larisha Gautam presented red panda-based tourism as a possible tool for conservation and livelihood improvement, drawing on experience from Ilam in eastern Nepal. The session explored practical ideas such as identifying red panda hotspots, developing red panda-friendly homestays, training local nature guides and using conservation education to build awareness among visitors and communities.
Each presentation was followed by questions and open discussion. Participants stressed that timely information sharing and joint action are essential. They also raised concern about road construction and other infrastructure development in red panda habitats. Future development should therefore be guided by scientific assessment and include measures to reduce disturbance to red pandas and their habitat.
Mr Badri Prasad Tiwari, Chief District Officer of Myagdi, and Ms Dil Kumari Khatri of the District Coordination Committee provided remarks. Mr Bishnu Adhikari of the Division Forest Office delivered the closing remarks. Government representatives expressed their readiness to support coordination and the development of a five-year strategic plan for red panda conservation and responsible tourism in the region.
Participants listen to the research and tourism presentations and contribute to the discussion.
The workshop created a shared understanding of the current status of red pandas in Myagdi and the need for coordinated action across the wider Dhaulagiri–Dhorpatan landscape. Participants agreed that scientific research, community participation, habitat protection and responsible tourism should move forward together. The commitment to prepare a five-year strategic plan provides an important foundation for long-term monitoring, stronger collaboration and practical conservation action. BIOCOS Nepal will continue working with government agencies, community forest user groups and conservation partners to turn these discussions into action for red pandas, their habitats and the people who share this landscape.