Catch, tag and release programme for Luciocyprinus striolatus

In 2023-2025 (Phase 1), project activities focused on priority areas in the Nam Theun and Nam Noi Rivers for research and conservation actions. In 2026-2028 (Phase 2), the project will expand to include Nam Xot and Nam Mon.

With the financial support of Association Anoulak, FISHBIO conducted two field trips in 2025:

The first field trip took place from April 22 to May 1, 2025:

• The surveys successfully documented Wolf Barb population in both the Nam Theun and Nam Noi River basins.

• Eleven Wolf Barb specimens and one Blue Mahseer (Neolissochilus stracheyi) were captured, tagged, and released.

• Community engagement activities involved stakeholders from four villages, laying a strong foundation for future participatory FCZ commitments.

• The study identified 15 deep pools in the Nam Theun River and 6 in the Nam Noi River as potential FCZ sites.

• Strong local participation and local ecological knowledge provide encouraging indications of the potential effectiveness of species conservation, monitoring, and sustainable fisheries management.

The second field mission took place from 15 to 26 December, 2025: The field trip allowed for the successful transition of the Wolfbarb conservation project from preliminary mapping and species assessments to the establishment of community-led management and the validation of critical life-cycle habitats:

Community Governance & Legal Framework

• Stakeholder engagement: Formal consultations were conducted with 68 participants from two villages in the Nam Theun and Nam Noi Basins to secure community consent and finalise site selections.

• Strategic site selection: Based on habitat quality and adult population density, three sites in the Nam Theun River (Vang Ya Mae, Vang Kuem, and Vang Ya Oi) and one site in the Nam Noi River (Vang Phaloon FCZ at Ban Tern Village) were designated as high-priority locations for Fish Conservation Zones (FCZs).

• Regulatory enforcement: Regulations for the FCZ were drafted with the communities. These are pending official approval from the district authorities (planned in 2026)

Technical Discovery & Biological Integrity

• Spawning habitat identification: A landmark discovery was made at a rocky confluence in the Nam Theun River; the presence of milting males confirms this site as an active spawning ground for the species and likely an essential habitat for juvenile recruitment.

• Population demographics: To date, 34 individual fish have been tagged. An analysis of Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) yielded a growth coefficient of 2.91, confirming that the population maintains a healthy body condition despite environmental pressures.

• Adaptive management: In the Nam Noi River, high interspecific competition from Hampala macrolepidota was recorded. Consequently, the Vang Somphad site was deemed unsuitable for specialized Wolfbarb protection and will instead be managed for local food security.

Three critical deep-pool FCZs and one identified spawning area in the Nam Theun River basin

Vang Phaloon Fish Conservation Zone (FCZ) at Terng Village

Community consultation for FCZ priority site Selection and draft regulations

Sex identification of L. striolatus

Background rationale for this project: Luciocyprinus striolatus (Local names: Pa Khouan-Zai, Pa Kang, Pa Sak) is a species of endangered cyprinid native to parts of Laos and China. The species is believed to be already extinct from China, which make Laos the only country to protect the species. The distribution of the species in Laos remains little known, as well as the threats it faces where the species has been confirmed. There are currently only two locations in the country where the species has been recorded: Nam Pak river, a tributary of the Nam Ou river in Oudomxay Province, northern Laos; and Nam Kading/ Nam Theun river, a tributary of the Mekong river, in Khammouan Province, central Laos. Confirming the confirmation status of the species in Laos is crucial to inform conservation planning for the species.

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As part of the scientific programme, we were pleased to present our research poster titled “The Distribution of White-Cheeked Gibbons (Nomascus siki and N. leucogenys) in Central Lao PDR.” The presentation attracted significant interest from fellow researchers, students, and practitioners working across Southeast Asia and beyond. Discussions sparked by the poster allowed us to exchange valuable insights about gibbon ecology, conservation challenges, and the importance of field-based data to inform national and regional conservation planning.

Among the many themes presented throughout the Congress, Camille—representing Association Anoulak—was particularly drawn to sessions exploring justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in conservation. These critical conversations reflect a growing recognition across the sector: that effective, lasting conservation solutions must be inclusive and equitable, and must reflect the voices of those most connected to and affected by the natural world.

This thematic focus is especially relevant to Association Anoulak’s own strategic shift from field-based conservation work toward capacity building for Lao civil society and partnerships with Lao institutions. We believe that empowering local actors—especially youth, students, and conservation professionals—is the cornerstone for long-term, impactful conservation in Laos.

Participating in ICCB 2025 allowed us to reconnect with old partners, explore potential new collaborations, and gain fresh inspiration as we refine our programs to better align with values of equity, sustainability, and local leadership.

We are excited to carry these insights forward as we continue our mission to support biodiversity conservation through knowledge-sharing, community engagement, and institutional strengthening in Laos.

Have a look at the poster we presented:

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Methods and Key Findings

• Acoustic Analysis for Species Identification – We analyzed 90 gibbon songs from the wild in Lao PDR and Vietnam, along with 32 recordings from identified species obtained from zoological facilities. Our analysis of vocalizations from zoological facilities identified significant differences in male and female vocalizations, which we applied as training data in a machine learning classification analysis (Random Forest analysis), achieving an accuracy of 97% for males and 89% for females. This method proves to be a valuable tool for species identification in conservation programs.

• Geographic Overlap of Species – The study found both species present on both sides of the Nam Theun-Nam Kading River, challenging the previous assumption that this river serves as a strict geographical barrier between them. This new evidence suggests a more complex distribution pattern and possible interactions between the two species.

• Implications for Conservation – The presence of both species in overlapping ranges raises concerns about hybridization, which could impact conservation efforts. The findings emphasize the need for careful species identification before engaging in reintroduction or translocation programs to prevent genetic mixing and ensure effective management.

• Policy and Future Research – This study highlights the importance of conducting further genetic and ecological assessments to refine conservation strategies. Governmental and conservation organizations must consider these findings in ongoing biodiversity monitoring and protection initiatives in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park and surrounding areas.

A Call for Action

The research underscores the necessity of informed conservation planning to protect the distinct populations of Nomascus leucogenys andNomascus siki. With the threat of habitat loss and hunting, efforts must be reinforced to safeguard these endangered primates and their ecosystems.

For further details, the full publication is available in the International Journal of Primatology. or below:

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In this study, we conducted a landscape-scale systematic camera-trapping survey in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park in 2020 (20,794 camera-trap days for 131 operational stations 255 cameras) and applied a multi-species occupancy analysis on our dataset.

Objectives:

• Estimate occupancy and species richness within three Biodiversity Priority Zones: Nam Chae, Thong Kacheng, Thong Kouang
• Assess anthropogenic and ecological factors influencing species distribution in the national park
• Establish this methodology as part of the long-term wildlife monitoring program for the national park

Our main findings:

• Total of 40 terrestrial mammals were detected, including 5 Annamite endemics and 18 threatened species
• 28 species with sufficient detections to be included in the multi-species occupancy analysis
• Overall species richness increased with remoteness and elevation
• Mean (SD) predicted species richness in surveyed areas:
  • Thong Kacheng Zone: 14.6 (± 1.55)
  • Thong Kouang Zone: 13.2 (± 1.64)
  • Nam Chae Zone: 11.8 (± 1.15)

Species richness in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park for the selected species

Covariate effects on species occupancy probability

Our conclusions:

• Nakai-Nam Theun National Park is a priority area for biodiversity conservation in the Annamites
• The national park holds globally significant populations of Annamite endemics, including two of some of the largest remaining populations in the world of Endangered Owston’s civet and Critically Endangered Large-antlered Muntjac
• This wildlife monitoring program with a systematic large-scaled camera-trap survey should be replicated in the long-term every 3-5 years as part of Nakai-Nam Theun National Park management strategy

You can access our publication here:

We have also produced a poster presenting the presentation:

The post New Publication is out! Multi-species occupancy modeling of ground-dwelling mammals in central Laos: a case study for monitoring in tropical forests appeared first on Association Anoulak.

Workshop group photo

This workshop was organized by the Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES) of Vietnam National University in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). The workshop was held at Da Nang University. Seral researchers, national park representatives, and conservation practitioners were convened to discuss the results of a Species Distribution Model for the six gibbon species occurring in Vietnam.

Since 2018, the CRES and the AMNH collaborated to launch a series of activities to evaluate the possibility of applying the species distribution model (SDM), especially using MaxEnt, to understand the potential distribution, undiscovered populations, realized niches, and potential impacts of climate change on endangered primates of Vietnam, including six gibbon species. Therefore, the goal of this workshop was to present and discuss the results of the distribution models for the six species of gibbons and identify where there may be some issues and areas for improvement. In addition, experts from the AMNH and CRES provided training for the participants on using species distribution models. A visit of Son Tra was organized, where macaques and red-shanked doucs can be observed.

Following this workshop, the project’s leaders will refine the model before disseminating it. The final results will help conservation practitioners and donors prioritize gibbon conservation in Vietnam, considering future distribution under climate change scenarios.

Dr. Le Duc Minh giving opening remark to the workshop

Meeting participants

Dr. Ha Thang Long addressing the audience

Group discussions on the different gibbon species distribution models

Hoang Chuong addressing the audience

Dr. Camille Coudrat addressing the audience

Dr. Daniel Lopez (Biodiversity Informatics Specialist at American Museum of Natural History) delivering a training for the participants on using Species Distribution Models

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh delivering the training on species distribution modeling

Species Distribution Model training

Visit to Son Tra National Park in Da Nang

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Trainees, including villagers communities during the practical training in the field

This training is a follow-up to our collaborative project implemented in 2022-2023 with FISHBIO to research the distribution and threats on the Endangered Luciocyprinus striolatus (Paa Kang) in Nakai – Nam Theun National Park, Khammouan Province, Lao PDR.

As part of this pilot project the main threats identified on the population of Luciocypronus striolatus in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park are:
• Fishing of the species (as a target species or by-catch) by local villagers for subsistence food and/or local trade
• Depletion of prays of Luciocyprinus striolatus as a result of over-fishing and unregulated fishing by local communities for subsistence food and/or local trade
• Catch-and-Release tourism attraction and promotion within the national park (with no prior impact assessment and management plan)
• Seasonal droughts
• A lack of awareness on the species’ conservation value by local communities and local authorities
• A lack of conservation plan for the species for the national park

Luciocyprinus striolatus is under threat at all locations where it has been confirmed to occur in Laos: Nam Pak in Oudomxay Province, Xay Champhone in Bolikhamxay Province and Nakai-Nam Theun National Park in Khammouan Province. However, Nakai-Nam Theun National Park represents the best location across the world for the long-term conservation of the species.

Based on this pilot project, it was recommended to establish Fish Conservation Zones in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park to protect the population of L. striolatus as well as other endemic and threatened species occurring in the national park such as Tor alter,  Scaphongathops theunensis, and Poropuntius carinatus.

Mr. Sinsamouth providing theoretical technical training at the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park office

The objectives of this training were (1) to share experiences and results from 2022-2023, conservation awareness to local decision-makers and other relevant sectors; (2) to provide technical training on establishing community Fish Conservation Zones (procedure and technical management); and (3) to demonstrate a pilot FCZs in the field.

FISHBIO director Mr. Sinsamout Ounboundisane and assistant Mr. Sisongkham Kodsananxay implemented the training. Nine trainees from the national park staff, district partners, and village cluster representatives received theoretical technical training at the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park office, as well as practical training in the field.

We hope this capacity building training will lead to the national park in ensuring fish conservation with notably the establishment of Fish Conservation Zones.

Trainers and trainees participants

FISHBIO and Association Anoulak representatives

Mr. Sinsamouth, during practical training in the field

Practical training in the field

Practical training in the field

Practical training in the field including measuring and tagging fish (this training was done on fish bought in the food market)

Practical training in the field

Mr. Sisongkham, during the practical training in the field

The post We partner with FISHBIO to provide a training to Nakai-Nam Theun National Park on Fish Conservation Zone set-up and management appeared first on Association Anoulak.

In 2020, we initiated a new collaborative project between Association Anoulak, The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), University of St Andrews in Scotland, and Rainforest Connection with the aim to develop new digital recorders that estimate directions to sound accurately to improve density and abundance estimation, using acoustic spatial capture-recapture methods. The recorders’ hardware (called TReX) was developed by acoustic engineer Dr. Mark Johnson and his team. The software was developed by statisticians Dr. Cornelia Oedekoven and Dr. David Borchers and their team.

12 prototype TReX recorder devices, and Audiomoth recorders that were set up in combination with the TReX for acoustic quality comparison (spoiler: our TReX performed much much better!)

In January-February 2024, the first prototypes of the recorders were tested in the field in Xe Sap National Protected Area, in collaboration with WWF-Laos. This field mission was joined by Dr. Johnson, Dr. Oedekoven as well as Ms. Keo from Association Anoulak, and Mr. Bo and Mr. Peter from WWF-Laos.

Survey team including Mr. Bo and Mr. Peter from WWF-Laos; Ms. Keo from Association Anoulak; Ms. Cornelia from University of St. Andrews; Mr. Johnson from Ocean Instruments

The field mission was a success! Upon scanning the recordings, several gibbon calls could already be identified! The next step will involve analyzing the data recorded to improve the software and hardware.

Future field testing of new versions of the devices is planned for the next year. We hope this new method will improve gibbon population monitoring and conservation planning in the near future and be used widely by field practitioners working on gibbons in Southeast Asia.

This project was funded by Arcus Foundation (through a grant to St Andrews University), and Denver Zoo (through a grant to Association Anoulak). Field work was coordinated by WWF-Laos team. Great team work! We are looking forward to our continued collaboration.

TReX recording device set up in the forest

Setting up TReX recording devices in the forest

Setting up TReX recording devices in the forest

Survey design GPS tracking

Camp site

Planning survey at camp site

TReX recording devive and Audiomoth were set-up in combination for acoustic quality comparison (spoiler: our TReX performed much much better!)

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The Nakai – Nam Theun National Park is one of the most important sites for biodiversity conservation in the Annamite Mountains, yet is highly threatened from over-exploitation of wildlife. It is therefore imperative to adopt a conservation strategy for Nakai-Nam Theun National Park that includes sites prioritization where most of the resources for protection (e.g. anti-poaching patrol and law enforcement) are directed and where biodiversity is systematically monitored to assess the effectiveness of conservation interventions to protect biodiversity. The national park is divided into management zones including three Biodiversity Priority Zones (BPZs) (Figure 1) that were delineated based on their conservation importance at the national and/or global levels and past (and current) threat analysis (from past biological and threat records and from expert knowledge). To evaluate conservation interventions implemented by the national park management division, such as anti-poaching patrols, the monitoring and study of wildlife population trends is determinant. The survey design for the camera-trapping implemented in NNT NP follows the rationale and protocols developed by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) (Abrams et al., 2018), with whom we collaborate for this project.

Northern Red Muntjac

This systematic camera-trap wildlife monitoring for ground-dwelling animals was conducted from December 2022 to November 2023, including and data processed, managed, analysed and reported. This is the third systematic camera-trap wildlife monitoring survey implemented in the three identified Biodiversity Priority Zones of the national park (the base line survey was conducted in 2018-2019, replicated in 2020 and again in 2022-2023, presented here).

The total survey effort was 22 645 active camera-trap nights with a total of 128 stations and 239 cameras in operation. A total of 36 taxa were identified at the species level. Of all taxa recorded, 17 are classified as Globally Threatened (i.e. Critically Endangered; Endangered; or Vulnerable), two as Globally Near Threatened and one as Globally Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2023).

This study revealed several species of high conservation value and notably five endemic species to the Annamite Mountain range. Of particular importance in terms of their endemism to the Annamite Mountains and therefore requiring special conservation interventions across their range, are CR Large-antlered Muntjac, DD Roosevelts’-group Muntjac(s), EN Annamite Striped Rabbit, EN Owston’s Civet and CR Red-shanked Douc.

Owston’s Civet

In addition, other species of high conservation value recorded during this survey that have been particularly impacted by over-hunting across their range and particularly in mainland Southeast Asia are CR Pangolin(s), EN Asian Elephant, EN Hatinh Langur, EN Bengal Slow Loris, EN Pygmy Slow Loris, VU Greater Hog Badger, VU Binturong, VU Sun Bear, VU Sambar. 

Our study highlights the importance of Nakai-Nam Theun National Park as a priority area for biodiversity conservation in the Annamites, and demonstrates the utility of using camera-trapping approach to establish a robust monitoring program of mammal communities in the National Park. This program should be maintained systematically in the long-term to provide information on population trends and species distributions across time and landscape.

Large-antlered Muntjac

Large-antlered Muntjac

Northern Pig-tailed Macaque

Stump-tailed Macaque

Assamese Macaque

Sunda Pangolin

Asian Elephant

Impressed Tortoise

Red Junglefowl

Wild Pig

Grey Peacock-pheasant

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We are pleased to share a video presenting this on-going project (the video is available in English and in Lao. A French version will also be produced in the coming weeks):

Watch the English version here:

Watch the Lao version here:

Project background: One of the largest elephant populations of Laos is in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park and surrounding areas. In 2008, the Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric dam resulted in the flooding of a large part of the resident elephant population’s habitat. Prior to this habitat loss, the population was estimated at 132 elephants, likely the largest and genetically most diverse in Laos at the time. But it was suggested that the elephant population would be affected and disperse due to the habitat loss. Since then, elephants have moved closer to villages and human-elephant conflicts have increased across a wide region, spanning several provinces. The size of the elephant population has not been systematically monitored.

Association Anoulak therefore initiated and is leading the study. The aims of this study are to provide an estimation of the current elephant population size on the Nakai Plateau and surrounding areas, as well as its genetic diversity, social structure, dynamic and movement patterns. The results of this study will have implications for the national and global conservation of the species.

For this elephant survey, we apply non-invasive fecal DNA-based capture–recapture population survey methods which consist of collecting elephant dung samples from which DNA is later extracted in laboratory in Vientiane at the University of Health Science. The field data collection was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 in the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park region. Data analysis is on-going with expected results end-2024.

Elephant dung collection in the field

Elephant dung collection in the field

In the field

DNA extraction from dung samples in laboratory

This project is conducted in collaboration with the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park Management Division.

This project is funded by Association Anoulak via grants received from:

• Conservation, Food & Health Foundation
• International Conservation Fund of Canada
• Zoological and Botanical Garden Wilhelma
• Denver Zoo

This project is conducted in partnership with technical partners:

• Institut de Recherche pour le Developement – Lao Program
• Association Beauval Nature / Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, CNRS – UMR5175, Montpellier
• Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

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Providing handicraft design and quality control training to local communities, with the National University of Laos

In May and June 2023, Dr. Sonxay and Thongsouk from the National University of Laos provided advise and training to the local communities from Thaphaibanh in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park on handicraft designs and quality to meet the market demand. This will improve the value chain for the traditional handicraft from Thaphaibanh, therefore providing additional income to local communities.

Study tour to a project on sustainable rattan management, nursery program and products value chain in Khamkeut District

In June 2024, our team with local partners and villagers visited several villages in Khamkeut District, Bolikhamxay Province where rattan handicraft, value chain and sustainable management has been implemented for several years. This provided a great opportunity to learn from an on-going project to apply to the Thaphaibanh communities in Nakai.

Attendance at the National action plan formulation workshop on a case study of commercial cattle raising in Xiengkhouang Province

In June 2023, Our team along with local government partners from Nakai attended in the Participatory Policy Action Plan Formulation Workshop: A Case Study of Commercial Cattle Production Policy in Xiengkhouang Province. This provided an opportunity to learn from a national value chain for national goods.

As part of this visit, our team also got the opportunity to visit other projects for locally products such as processed (dried) tea and traditional wild honey raising. These exemples also provided some opportunity to assess potential new products to be developed for income generation and sustainable harvesting and production in Nakai.

Sustainable bee raising for honey production and value chain in Xiengkhouang Province

Sustainable production and processing of green tea for a value chain in Xiengkhouang Province

Attendance at the training workshop on cassava plantation organized by the National Agriculture and Forestry Institute of Laos, Vientiane

In June 2023, we provided the opportunities to local government partners from Nakai to attend the workshop Training Cassava Cultivation: Techniques for Sustainable Production led and organised by the National Agriculture and Forestry Institute of Laos (NAFRI) with their partners.

Given the rise of the cassava plantation across Laos due to the increasing international demand in the past few years and the unsustainability of the cultivation practices, this training provided key lessons to Nakai Government partners to understand the risks of this practice on deforestation and ways to make the production sustainable.

Trainer from NAFRI handing-over Certificate of Attendance to Nakai Governor who we provided support to attend the event along with other Nakai Government partners

Assessment and awareness raising to local communities on impact of Cassava plantation in Thaphaibanh agricultural land by NAFRI

In June 2023, we invited a team from NAFRI to visit target villages in Thaphaibanh, Nakai-Nam Theun to assess the current status and impact of cassava plantations and provide awareness raising to local communities of the unsustainable practice. We plan to continue to collaborate with NAFRI to provide training to local communities on sustainable cultivation of cassava.

Attendance at the training on techniques for surveying and monitoring biodiversity in nature reserves organized by Nakai-Nam Theun National Park and technical partners

In July 2023, four Anoulak research team attended a training on techniques for surveying and monitoring biodiversity in nature reserves organized by Nakai-Nam Theun National Park and technical partners, to learn about techniques they have not used previously.

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