| Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) were studied in Langtang National Park from 1986-87. The 22.2 km;Droppings comprised 54-100% jhapra leaves. Chauri herds also grazed extensively in the study area throughout the monsoon. However, direct competition for jhapra leaves was probably not critical as the vertical distribution of feeding activity was different (t-test = 6.46, p ;Home range sizes varied from 1.4;Red pandas were active at all times of the day (56% overall) with major peaks at dusk and dawn and two minor peaks at mid-day and around mid-night. This extensive activity may be an adaptation to their low-quality diet of jhapra leaves.;If mortality levels of the red panda in the study area are characteristic of all isolated populations, the red panda is threatened with local extinction. Because intensive chauri grazing is associated with cheese production, a lower production of more expensive cheese may save Langtang's red pandas from extinction and also allow subsistence farmers to exploit resources without destroying the environment. |
