MYAGDI, MAY 27 A health study of endangered red pandas has begun in the Jaljala and Dhorpatan areas of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality in Myagdi district. The study, focused on fecal examination to assess the species' health condition, is being carried out by Biodiversity Conservation Society Nepal with support from Toledo Zoo. According to BIOCOS Programme Officer Pawan Rai, a technical team has been deployed to analyse fecal samples and monitor parasites affecting the animals' stomach and intestines. The study area includes Jaljala, Muna, Mareni and parts of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, where red panda habitats have been identified. Researchers are also analysing data collected from 12 camera traps installed in the area to estimate the red panda population. Earlier monitoring recorded red pandas in two out of three camera traps installed in Jaljala, with an estimated population of six to 25 in the region. Red pandas inhabit elevations between 2,200 and 4,500 metres and are listed as endangered species in Nepal. Recent estimates suggest Nepal is home to around 500 to 1,000 red pandas. (With inputs from RSS)