Itanagar, July 19 -- A red panda (Ailurus fulgens) has been sighted for the first time in Gwanthang, located between Rupa and Thongre villages in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district.

The sighting has been attributed to ongoing conservation efforts by the Tukpen Community Reserve (TCR).

TCR chairman Dorjee Phuntso Thongdok and secretary Dorjee Khandu Khrimey confirmed the sighting and immediately coordinated with the Shergaon Forest Division to monitor the area.

Messages were also circulated among residents to prevent disturbance and ensure the animal's safety.

The red panda was first spotted by Neten Dorjee Thongdok, a resident of the area, along with a TCR protection squad. The team promptly informed the community and relevant a...