Wildlife of Lao PDR: 1999 Status Report - IUCN

Surveys
Substantial further survey work is needed to allow the
formulation of guidelines to ensure long-term conservation
of all species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in
Lao PDR. The following taxonomic groups and/or areas are
particularly in need of baseline status and distribution survey
work:
• Mammals: pangolins*, insectivores (gymnures, moles
and shrews), certain bat genera (Taphozous, Tadarida and
other high-flying species that are difficult to catch away
from roosts), lorises, Semnopithecus langurs*, bears*,
weasels, badgers*, otters*, Viverra civets*, otter civets*,
cats*, pigs, muntjacs*, Callosciurus and Tamiops squirrels,
flying squirrels and murid rodents. Asterisked (*)
groups are very likely to contain potential key species.
• Birds: quails*, buttonquails*, large owls*, swiftlets*,
crakes and rails*, Accipiter hawks, Riparia martins*, and
the warbler genera Cettia, Bradypterus, Acrocephalus,
Phylloscopus and Seicercus. Asterisked (*) groups are
very likely to contain potential key species.
• Birds and large mammals in Nam Kan, Nam Chouan,
Phou Theung, Xe Khampho, Bolaven Northeast, Bolaven
Southwest and Phou Kathong PNBCAs, Phou Dendin,
Phou Phanang, Phou Khaokhoay and Xe Sap NBCAs,
wetland complexes in Savannakhet Province, and unsurveyed
areas of Bolikhamxai Province.
• Large mammals in the unprotected lowland open deciduous
forests of Savannakhet Province.
• Bats in north Lao PDR, across the country in suitable
habitat outside NBCAs (especially limestone areas), in
forest above 1000 m (especially in the Annamites where
several unusual species have been found), and in the
Introduction
remaining NBCAs which have not yet been surveyed
for bats. An inventory of major cave roosts of bats is also
desirable. Studies of seasonal changes in activity patterns
and movements of bats across Lao PDR would
allow clear interpretation of survey findings.
• Murid rodents across the country, especially in natural
forests; work should involve intensive surveys over protracted
periods and using various methods to ensure all
species in the areas are trapped, and the collection of
museum specimens to work out taxonomy.
• Birds in Nam Theun Corridor PNBCA, Nam Phoun,
Khammouan Limestone and Dong Phou Vieng NBCAs,
the Xiangkhouang Plateau, the Phou Ahyon area, and the
entire length of the Mekong north of Phou Xiang Thong
NBCA.
• Reptiles and amphibians throughout the country, particularly
in northern Lao PDR and in all areas above 1000 m.
• All vertebrate groups in wetlands outside the NBCA system;
in areas of southern North Lao PDR of low human
population density, including the areas between the Nam
Xan and the Nam Mouan, and between Nam Chouan and
Nam Kading NBCAs; and the very high peaks of
Xiangkhouang Province (including those on the northern
edge of Nam Chouan PNBCA).
• All key species classified as Little Known in Lao PDR.
There are also many cases where more specific survey work
is needed, focussing on certain species or areas. All field surveys
should be structured towards skills transfer to Lao counterparts.
Scheduling and external funding should reflect this
primary aim.
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