A protected biodiversity
Laos has 29 National Protected Areas (NPAs), created to protect biodiversity, covering 15% of the country. Each area is home to unique flora and fauna, where you can observe wild animals, contemplate lush nature and admire magnificent landscapes. However, some national protected areas are not accessible to the general public.
Wildlife
In Laos there are about 1,200 species of animals, some of which have totally disappeared from the neighbouring countries of South-East Asia. There are still tigers, panthers, leopards, monkeys, bears, elk, wild cattle, bats, and even Javanese rhinos as well as red pandas and squirrels. A few years ago, a little-known species was discovered on the edge of the Annamitics Mountains, on the border with Vietnam: the saola ox, a bovid resembling a cross between a spindly-horned antelope and a goat.
About 1,500 elephants remain, 500 of which are domesticated. Wild elephants are still present in the provinces of Attapeu, Champassak and Sayaboury in particular. In the vicinity of Luang Prabang, several centres and associations ensure the protection of these pachyderms. Walks with them are organized for tourists and the funds allow to maintain, wash, care for, feed them... Elephant rides have been removed from the activities offered in almost all agencies. And so much the better!
A great variety of primates is present in Laos: five species of macaques, five species of gibbons and different species of langurs. The company Gibbon Expérience, in the region of Houay Xay, offers tours in the forest to admire these primates in their natural habitat.
was created in Kuang Si, a few kilometers from Luang Prabang.More than 150 species of reptiles and amphibians are present on the territory: python, king cobra, gecko, turtle, frog... You can't miss the tokay gecko, present in many Laotian houses. This small carnivore feeds on insects and emits a very particular sound that gives it its name. It is an integral part of the country's culture, and was even featured on a national stamp in the 1980s.
Moreover, the ornithological park of Laos is very rich: nearly 700 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded. Among these species are the eagle, the falcon, the hornbill, the kingfisher, the ibis, the heron, the duck... But most of these species, with sometimes extraordinary colours, have found refuge in deep forests and it is quite difficult to see them. In addition to the Mekong River, Laos also has many lakes. All these environments provide a habitat for species such as the Antigone crane, the episcopal stork, or the otter, among others.
Many species of butterflies can be observed, a reservation area has been created near the Kuang Si Falls: the Kuang Si Falls Butterly Park.
On the Cambodian border, the Mekong River is home to the Irrawaddy dolphin, whose survival is currently threatened. Similar in appearance to the beluga whale, it is just over two metres tall, light-coloured and lives for about 30 years. It can be seen at Don Khone, south of the 4,000 islands (Si Phan Don).
In the Mekong, a species of giant catfish, the Pla Buk, is also endangered. It is the largest freshwater fish in the world! Adult, it can measure 3 m and weigh more than 200 kg. Its tender and appreciated flesh (sold for more than 10 US$/kg) generated intensive fishing during the 1980s. Currently, strict regulations and a repopulation programme give hope for the survival of the species.Flora
The low population density has made it possible to preserve the forests and flora of Laos. Half of the country is still covered with natural forests, mainly primary and tropical forests, sheltering a lush and diversified flora. Teak, rosewood, rosewood, pine and frangipani are part of the vegetation of the highlands. Trees of the dipterocarpaceae family, which can grow up to 30 m high, are found in the upper part of the country.
Shrubs, grasses and deciduous trees (the latter losing their foliage in the dry season) grow on the plains. Bamboo and rice fields are present throughout Laos. The Bolovens plateau, in the south, abounds in coffee, tea and other fruit trees (peach, mango, papaya, jackfruit, coconut, oil palm, durian trees). Peach and strawberry trees are found in the northern province of Xieng Khuang. Finally, there are few fruit trees, most of the fruit eaten is imported from neighbouring countries, especially Thailand.
Unfortunately the overexploitation of wood in the south of the country is endangering biodiversity. Slash-and-burn agriculture (traditional slash and burn agriculture) is still widespread in the north of the country and in the vicinity of Pakse. Many ethnic groups practice this technique for the cultivation of rice, maize but also poppy. In addition to the unpleasant and polluting fumes, this culture destroys many forests and plants. Illegal hunting (poaching) also endangers certain animal species.
A trip to the "Land of a Million Elephants" is a unique opportunity to admire many species present in national protected areas. Eco-tourism offers have proliferated in recent years. Paradoxically, tourism is now helping to preserve biodiversity! To visit these reserves, multiple agencies offer packages, from the nearest town but also from much further away. You can for example book tours from Vientiane and Luang Prabang for almost everywhere! The rates will vary according to the mode chosen (private or group, with or without a guide, etc.), and it will often be necessary to include the entrance fee to these parks.
