Did you know that red pandas are critically endangered? That’s right. Research shows that their population has dropped forty percent in the last two decades. We can help them, but there isn’t much time. We must protect these helpless animals! Here are several reasons why they are endangered and how we can protect them.

First, they are poached in several different countries for their hides. Luckily, they are protected in India, China, Nepal, and a few others, so red pandas may still have a fighting chance. Poaching is when animals are hunted for their hides or other parts to sell for money. Red panda hides are used to make small coats or other soft items. 

Secondly, red pandas are endangered because of degradation. Degradation is when an animal’s inhabited area becomes so polluted that they cannot live there anymore. Another example of degradation is deforestation, or when a habitat’s trees are cut down. 

We can help red pandas by first, working against the red panda trade. You can work against it by not purchasing any products made by red panda pelts. You can do this by calling the company and asking whether or not it is made from red panda fur. If it is, do not purchase it. This will help slow down poaching for red pandas by reducing the demand for the red panda fur.

Secondly, we can take part in ecotourism. Ecotourism is when people visit places with endangered animals. Because of the increased tourists in the area, the presidents of the countries make new laws to protect the endangered species’ habitats. If we take part in ecotourism, we can help save red pandas by protecting their habitats!

What are you waiting for? You can help save the red pandas by doing what is described above or by sending a letter or email to your president about protecting red pandas in your country. Get your friends to pitch in too. The more messages they receive, the more likely they are to make the law. You can also adopt a red panda. They live longer in captivity, so