International Red Panda Day 2023: History, Significance, Theme

International Red Panda Day is an annual celebration of red pandas, observed on the third Saturday of September. This day spreads awareness about the red panda species and the dangers that they face. International Red Panda Day was established by the Red Panda Network in 2010 to raise the alarm regarding the decreasing population of this species.

Red pandas are also known as the first pandas because they were founded around 50 years before the black and white pandas. We have shared more information about International Red Panda Day, its theme, its history, and its significance below.

International Red Panda Day 2023

The population of the red panda has steadily declined over the last few decades. Red pandas were initially found in southwest China and the eastern Himalayas. International Red Panda Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of September to raise awareness about the declining population of the red panda.

The primary cause of the extinction of the red panda is poaching, habitat loss, etc. International Red Panda Day is an attempt to start a conversation about the conservation of the red panda. Here is a brief overview of this day:

International Red Panda Day Theme 2023

The theme of International Red Panda Day revolves around red panda conservation. No official theme is set by any organization. The events that take place on the day all focus on the theme “save red pandas from extinction.” Red Panda Day is about spreading awareness regarding the dangers that red pandas face and demanding suitable action from the leaders.

History of Red Panda Day

The organization responsible for establishing International Red Panda Day is the Red Panda Network. The day was established in 2010 after it was noted that the population of red pandas had steadily been declining over the last few decades. The first International Red Panda Day was celebrated on 18th September 2010.

Red Panda Day attracts the attention of global organizations and leaders on the problem of the perpetually decreasing red panda population. Hence, it is important to observe this day and spread the word about it everywhere.

About Red Panda Network:

The Red Panda Network is a non-profit organization headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, that established International Red Panda Day. The organization has actively been working to protect red pandas. Here’s how:

• One of the ways they achieve this is by involving local groups to establish lush wildlife corridors for the safe habitat of endangered wild animals like red pandas.
• The organization trains “forest guardians” to raise awareness and empathy for the red panda.
• They involve villagers in building safe habitats for wildlife.
• Red Panda Network encourages donating to the cause and fundraising for the same.
• The organization also spreads awareness through ecotourism and generates positive influence through social media campaigns.

Significance of International Red Panda Day

Red Panda Day was founded by the Red Panda Network to spread public awareness about and gather support for the endangered red panda species. Since 2010, International Red Panda Day (IRPD) has been celebrated every year on the third Saturday of September worldwide. Here is why this day is so significant to observe -

• Red panda is the first of all panda species and it was discovered around half a century before the black and white panda.
• This amazing panda species that once was found in abundance is now on the verge of extinction.
• International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species has already listed red pandas as an endangered species.
• In the last few decades, the population of red pandas dropped by around 50%.

Red Panda Day: Threats Faced By Red Pandas

International Red Panda Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the decreasing population of red pandas. It is estimated that there are only 2,500 to 10,000 red pandas surviving today in the world. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species announced red panda as an endangered species.

The main threat faced by the red panda is loss of habitation. This can be caused by many factors, such as deforestation, illegal poaching, etc. Red pandas are also legally protected in India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. International Red Panda Day is a great occasion to spread the word about the conservation of this unique species.

International Red Panda Day: Facts about Red Pandas

• Red pandas are also known as red bearcat or lesser pandas.
• They are genetically similar to raccoons and skunks and are unrelated to giant pandas and bears.
• Red Pandas can live up to 23 years and weigh only about 5-9 kgs.
• Female red pandas can reproduce till the age of 12 years.
• Red pandas are classified as a carnivorous species but they mostly eat bamboo shoots and mushrooms.
• Red pandas can sleep more than twelve hours of the day. They usually like to forage for food through the night.
• Head bobbing and tail arching is the mode of communication for red pandas.
• Red pandas don't usually interact with other pandas for reasons other than breeding.

FAQs on International Red Panda Day

Q1. When is International Red Panda Day celebrated?

International Red Panda Day is an annual occasion observed on the third Saturday of September. This day was established by the Red Panda Network in 2010 to raise awareness regarding the declining population of red pandas. Red Panda Day has been celebrated every year since the third Saturday of September 2010.

Q2. Why do we celebrate International Red Panda Day?

Red Panda Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the decreasing population of red pandas in the world. These unique pandas are usually found in the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. International Red Panda Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday in September.

Q3. When was the first International Red Panda Day celebrated?

The first International Red Panda Day was celebrated in September 2010 after it was established by the Red Panda Network in the same year. This day was founded by the Red Panda Network to generate awareness about the importance of the conservation of this panda species.

Q4. How to celebrate International Red Panda Day?

On International Red Panda Day, people visit the zoo to learn more about red pandas, donate to the cause, and raise awareness about this day in any way they can. You can also participate in celebrating International Red Panda Day by sharing about the day on social media.

Q5. How many red pandas are left in the world?

It is estimated that there are only 2,500 to 10,000 red pandas left in the world. Red pandas were declared an endangered species by th International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. International Red Panda Day is celebrated every year to advocate for the conservation of this species.