Biodiversity research and monitoring for conservation
We are currently working on the following research and conservation projects:
White-cheeked gibbon distribution
The current taxonomic status and distribution range limit of the population of gibbons occurring in Nakai-Nam Theun remains uncertain. It may hold both the Northern and Southern white-cheeked gibbon, one of these two, or a hybrid population. To better plan conservation actions on these species, it is important to know their distribution across the landscape.
We are currently investigating the taxonomic status and distribution of white-cheeked gibbons in the area. This is done by recording their calls, which can be identified to species with detailed computerized analysis of the sonograms. This research is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Hradec from the University of Life Science, Czec Republic.
To learn more about White-cheeked Gibbon singing patterns in Laos, read our publication
Development of gibbon survey methods
Given their current conservation status, it is crucial to take appropriate actions to protect these species, with site prioritization. However, there are still large gaps in our knowledge regarding the distribution and conservation status of populations in sites where they persist. Gibbons are best surveyed acoustically. Yet there has not been a consensus in methodologies (both field methods and analysis methods) to survey gibbons and provide reliable estimates.
In collaboration with scientists and engineers from the University of St. Andrews and from Rainforest Connection, we are working on creating a standardized method comprising an affordable and user-friendly automated hardware device to record gibbon calls in the field, that will come with detailed guidelines that everyone can apply and will be customized for a statistical analysis software.The hardware will generate survey data for use with cutting-edge statistical estimation methods to give reliable, reproducible, and verifiable estimates of gibbon population density, abundance.
The first prototype will be tested in Laos to produce a final version. A gibbon survey across Nakai – Nam Theun National Park will then be conducted to obtain an estimation of the current status of the gibbon population. The same method will be used for long-term monitoring of the population to assess the effectiveness of conservation management interventions by authorities and their partners.
Otter surveys and conservation planning
Very little is known of otter throughout Southeast Asia. Three species have been confirmed to occur in Laos (all listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species): Vulnerable Asian Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus, Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata and Near Threatened Eurasian Lutra lutra, but their distribution and conservation status remains unknown. Otters are declining across their range due to precipitous loss of habitat, illegal trade, and decreasing prey base. Information is urgently needed on their distribution, habitat use and local threats to plan conservation actions.
We are collecting data on the distribution and taxonomic status of otter species in Nakai-Nam Theun, in order to adopt long-term effective, on-the-ground conservation strategies for the species occurring in this area.
Read our report presenting preliminary results from camera-trap surveys:
We are collaborating with the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group to contribute to the conservation strategy of otters in Southeast Asia.
Large-antlered muntjac distribution and population monitoring
The Large-antlered Muntjac was for the first time discovered to science in 1994 in Vietnam (Tuoc et al., 1994) and concurrently in Laos (Duckworth et al., 1994; Evans and Timmins, 1995). It is native to Laos and Vietnam. It is largely restricted to the low to mid-elevations of the Annamite Mountains. The global population is scattered in isolated populations, which, in Vietnam, are small or have recently faced local extinction.
The species was up-listed from Endangered (2008) to Critically Endangered in 2016. Its global conservation status has been assessed based on the few post-2000 records (direct or indirect) across its geographic range compared to record rates pre-2000; evidence-based declines in the most healthy populations; the considerable increase in commercial and recreational wildlife hunting in the species’ range both using guns and indiscriminate snare hunting technique; the considerable reduction in suitable habitat for the species and the fact that the species is associated with mainly lowlands, which are systematically in close proximity to human settlements, where hunting for local consumption and trade has increased in the past decade. These compiled evidences have led to the conclusion that the Large-antlered Muntjac’s global population has faced a decline of over 90% in the last 20-30 years and will continue to decline at the same rate if no urgent action is taken to reverse current trends.
One of the largest populations in the world and likely the best hope for their long-term conservation is in Nakai-Nam Theun.
We are conducting camera-trap surveys on the species to monitor their population and better understand their distribution and habitat requirements across the area. This will help us plan conservation for the species.
Biodiversity surveys and monitoring with camera-traps
We are conducting in collaboration with the Nam Theun 2 Watershed Management and Protection Authority (WMPA) a long-term wildlife monitoring program using systematic camera-trapping methodology with the objectives of:
- Providing baseline data on wildlife population and threats to set specific, pre-defined quantitative management targets;
- Facilitating an assessment of whether wildlife populations and threats are increasing, decreasing or remaining stable as a result of management interventions;
- Obtain data to research on several aspects of biodiversity to inform conservation action and advance scientific knowledge.
We work in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Germany for a landscape wildlife monitoring approach in the Annamite mountain range; we use a systemic protocol developed by IZW.
Visit our Gallery to look at a selection of our camera-trap photos
To learn more about cats and small carnivores in Nakai-Nam Theun, read our publications.