Dear Editor,
Kudos to the Arunachal Pradesh Government and CM Pema Khandu for developing a comprehensive plan and strategy for conservation of the majestic mammal, the Red pandas in the state! I am glad to know that additional support for the conservation of several other endangered and critically endangered wildlife species of this picturesque state has also been placed on the table and is on the pipeline. Such an initiative by the state deserves special mention and warranties huge appreciation at a time when global wildlife across our planet is facing huge threats of extermination due to relentless poaching, habitat destruction, over exploitation, trafficking of wildlife and wildlife body parts. Different Red panda species and sub species are distributed across the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, India, China and Myanmar. If these countries could work together work under a Joint Conservation Initiative (JCI) for an international conservation program, the Red panda conservation would be meaningful as this endangered mammal is believed to have less than 10,000 individuals left in the wild due to poaching, habitat destruction and habitat fragmentation. I would humbly request to request the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Honorable CM Mr. Pema Khandu to further expand and coordinate, cooperate and communicate (3Cs) with the Government of India and include the Governments of West Bengal and Sikkim in this initiative too. Both these states (WB and Sikkim) have long history in Red panda captive breeding program and conservation initiative. Arunachal Pradesh will benefit by taking joint action in conserving this majestic mammalian species across all her range in India.
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Canada