‘Action on the ground’ in Laos is needed to recover large mammals, protect more species
Less than half a century ago, the thickly forested landscapes of Laos rumbled with herds of Asian elephants as well as two species of rhinoceros — the Javan rhino and Sumatran rhino. Wild water buffalo and the now-globally-extinct kouprey cattle wallowed in more open habitats that were also stalked by Indochinese tigers. However, decades of […]
In the dense forests of Laos, a species-rich landscape that once teemed with Asian elephants, Javan rhinos, Sumatran rhinos, wild water buffalo, and kouprey cattle has dwindled to just the elephants. A recent study published in Global Ecology and Conservation has revealed that the extinction of these large mammals could have been prevented with more robust conservation efforts and protection plans.
The study, which reviewed historical records and recent data from 1850 onwards, highlights that the disappearance of these species might not have been an inevitable fate. Factors such as delayed recognition of the problem, inadequate hunting control, and limited enforcement of conservation policies are believed to have played a significant role in the decline.
Despite Laos boasting extensive forest cover and a substantial network of protected areas, the country now exhibits "empty forests" that, on the surface, may appear intact but are devoid of key large species that should thrive within them. Laos possesses a wealth of forested land and a considerable protected area network. However, the pressing challenge now lies in reversing the decline of large mammals and restoring their ecological roles within these ecosystems.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
