Part 1 – A Rapid Participatory Biodiversity Assessment - IUCN

3.5 Important localities for conservation of biodiversity in the survey area
Three national protected areas (NPA’s) occur within the survey area; Phou Xang He (spanning part of
Vilabouri District), Dong Phuvieng (Nong and Sepon Districts) and Xe Sap (Samoi and Taoey Districts)
(see map 3.10). According to published sources, these three protected areas harbour a rich
biodiversity, including several globally endangered plants and animals.
Map 3.10: National Protected Areas within the study area
Birdlife International has identiied three Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) in close proximity to the project
area, including 1) Xe Sap National Protected Area, 2) the Dachang Plateau and 3) Phou Ahyon. Xe Sap
is the only IBA site which falls within the assessment area, while the other two are located in the wider
Xe Sap NPA area. A DoF study reveals that the NPAs evergreen forested mountains and large streams
are likely habitats for a number of restricted range bird species including the Crested Argus (Rheinardia
ocellata), Blyth’s Kingfisher (Alcedo hercules), and the Yellow-billed Nuthatch (Sitta solangiae). 2
Village protected forest areas for spiritual purposes including human burials (spirit forests, burial
forests) are also important refuges of biodiversity; as such areas are not exploited by local communities
due to their cultural significance.
2 HCVF Assessment of Phou Thatlava, 2006. Department of Forestry and Provincial Agriculture & Forestry Division
Salavan, Unpublished.
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