The Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung (PIT) corridor in Nepal is where it all began.

Since 2007, our community-based red panda conservation programs in this area have been educating and empowering local people to protect red pandas. It is where we are establishing the PIT Red Panda Protected Forest — the world's first protected area dedicated to red pandas!

The forests in the PIT corridor are critical to conservation because they have the densest population of red pandas in Nepal. The PIT corridor is also part of the Kangchenjunga Singhalila Complex, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.

Unfortunately, extreme poverty in the area is driving an increasing human population to depend heavily on the forest’s finite resources for survival. As forests are cleared for farmland and development and degraded by intensive grazing, the results have been disastrous for red pandas and other wildlife in the PIT Corridor. A recent rise in red panda poaching compounds this precious situation.

Globally, the situation doesn't look much better: the red panda population has declined by 50% in 20 years. Fewer than 10,000 remain in the wild, and the population might be as low as 2,500.

The future of the first panda is uncertain, but Red Panda Network (RPN) is teaming up with Scentbird and John Ball Zoo to protect and restore the PIT Corridor and save the last of the first panda! Thanks to Scentbird and John Ball Zoo’s generous support, all gifts up to $5,000 are matched dollar-for-dollar to conserve red panda habitat in the important area where we are establishing the PIT Red Panda Protected Forest.

Donors who give and fundraisers who raise $100 or more will be recognized on a sign near a restoration site in Ilam district. Donations will go to restoring and protecting a future forest for an entire year! All donors will receive an update on the progress of the planted trees and restoration site.

Giving levels (recognized on a forest refuge sign)

$100 - Sapling
$250 - Tree
$500 - Forest
$1,000 - Landscape

Three steps to get started:

1. Start A Fundraiser - click the 'Fundraise' button at the top of the page to start a campaign in minutes! If you can, inspire others to give by making your own donation. Check out our fundraising toolkit for everything you need to fundraise for the first panda. *Start a campaign and your first donation will receive a free RPN tote bag and organic tea!

2. Spread The Word - tell your friends and family (in person or through a text, phone call, email, or social media) why you love red pandas and why you're helping to save them.

3. Celebrate - when you reach your goal, thank everyone who supported your campaign that will a difference for the first panda!

Restore and Protect a Red Panda Refuge

Double your impact to save red pandas in Nepal!

Team Members