The Red Panda

               The Red Panda, also known as the shining cat, can be found in eastern Nepal, as well as southwest China. This Himalayan panda is only slightly larger than a domestic cat, has reddish-brown fur and a large, bushy tail. Some westerners might mistake it for some type of mountain racoon—but in fact, it is quite the amazing little panda.

                In line with other species of pandas, this cuddley creature snacks on bamboo and enjoys eggs, insects, and even the occasional small mammal. This particular panda is usually hard to spot as it is most active from dusk til dawn, and is usually curled up sleeping somewhere during the day.

                Tragically, this species of panda has been named “Vulnerable” by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), which means there are less than or equal to 10,000 remaining in the wild. Because of deforestation and poaching, laws have been set in place to protect the Red Panda. They are still, however, under threat, as the laws in both Nepal and China are sparsely enforced.

                Mainly, the Red Panda can be found in the temperate forests of the Himalayas, but the habitat ranges from western Nepal to as far east as the Qinling Mountains of the Shaanxi Province of China. The Red Panda can be found in Tibet, Skikkim, Assam, Bhutan, and the northern most mountains of Burma. The western most point the Red Panda can be found in Nepal is in the Rara National Park. It has been documented that the Red Panda lives between 2,200-4,800 meters and lives comfortably in temperatures between 10 & 25 degrees Celcius (50 to 77 degrees F). You’ll most likely spot one of these creatures in conifer forests, sleeping in old trees, or in the dense understories of bamboo.

An interesting fact—Mozilla Firefox browser is said to be named after the Chinese name for the Red Panda “Fire Fox”. Although Mozilla hasn’t confirmed this, it seems likely!

Oops..I didn't know that!!

      No one wants to be that foreigner who does something so offensive in new land, that everyone stares, but no one has the heart to tell you. All travellers have done it at one point or another, but if you’re coming to Nepal—we want to help you out a bit to avoid some embarrassing situations.

·         Use the official “Namaste” (Nah-mah-stay) greeting. Place your hands in front of your chest in a prayer position and bow your head slightly. You can’t go wrong with showing a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

·         When eating, passing money, accepting something, waving, or touching someone, always use your RIGHT hand. As in most Asian countries, your left hand is used for washing in the loo—it’s very disrespectful to use your left hand in any of these situations.

·         The head is the spiritual part of the body, thus touching it is offensive. This is especially true for the elderly and very young.

·         The feet are seen as unclean and is, thus, offensive to touch or point at someone with your feet.  It is also offensive to point your feet towards any holy place. Always sit with your feet behind you.

·         If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, it is customary to touch the person’s arm and then your forehead and apologize.

·         Never take a Nepali woman’s hand, as it is seen as extremely personal contact. Instead, use the traditional Namaste greeting.

·         Walk around stupas and temples clockwise.

·         If you are a woman and menstruating, you should not visit a Hindu temple.

·         Conservative dress in temples and holy areas is a must. Shoulders should be covered, and long pants, trousers, or skirts should be worn.

      The social rules in Kathmandu are a little more lax, especially in areas such as Thamel, but when you venture out into the villages or the outer parts of the valley, you would do well to follow these simple rules. You will not only gain respect, but you will keep yourself from garnering unwanted attention and away from problematic situations.