A New Species in the Tylototriton asperrimus Group (Caudata: Salamandridae) from Central Laos
A new species in the morphologically conservative Tylototriton asperrimus group is described from Khammouan Province, Laos. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA confirms its placement in the T. asperrimus group. Tylototriton notialis sp. nov. is diagnosable in mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA, and morphology from its congeners. The new species represents the first record of the […]
A new Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from southern Laos
A new species of “fanged frog” in the genus Limnonectes resembling L. kohchangae (Smith, 1922) from southeastern Thailand and southwestern Cambodia is described from upper elevations of the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos. However, the new species, L. coffeatus sp. nov., is not resolved to be the closest relative of L. kohchangae, and is further distinguished […]
Notes on a collection of amphibians and reptiles from southern Laos, with a discussion of the occurence of indo-malayan species
Investigations of herpetological biodiversity were conducted at two adjacent localities of southern Laos. Our surveys focused on the Boloven Highlands and the adjacent lowland area of the Xepian National Biodiversity and Conservation Area. A preliminary list of 75 species (22 amphibians, 1 chelonian, 25 lizards, and 27 snakes) is established, of which two are undescribed, […]
NAFRI Research Report: Farmers’ access to credit in the Lao PDR
The agricultural sector plays an important role in the development of the Lao PDR. In 2017, the growth rate of GDP was 6.9%. The growth rate of the agricultural sector increased by 2.9% contributing to 17.7% of the country’s GDP. In addition, the agriculture sector contributed to 60.8% of total employment. The financial sector largely […]
Twelve new records of Pteridophytes from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos
Twelve pteridophytes from six families are reported from the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos, as new records to the flora of Laos. For each species, voucher specimens, photographs and additional information including geographical distribution, ecology and taxonomic notes are provided.
Twenty-Five new species records in the flora of Laos
Twenty-five plant taxa in 14 families are newly recorded for the flora of Laos. The genus Sarcopyramis (Melastomataceae) is new to the country. For each taxon, voucher specimens, the general distribution and photographs, together with taxonomic notes, are provided.
Two new species of Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae) from Laos
Two new species of Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae), S. erectifolia Phonep., Soulad. & Tagane sp. nov. from southern Laos, and S. souvannii Phonep. & Soulad. sp. nov. from central Laos, are described and illustrated. Comparisons with morphologically similar species are presented, along with ecological information and preliminary conservation status. A key to the species of Sonerila […]
Impatiens subfalcata (balsaminaceae), A new species from Laos
Impatiens subfalcata Soulad. & Tagane, a new species of Balsaminaceae from southern Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Impatiens attopeuensis and I. notoptera in having succulent stems, serrate leaf margins and pinkish flowers, but distinguished from these two by its falcate lanceolate or oblanceolate leaves, more numer ous secondary […]
New records of ferns in the flora of Laos
Fieldwork in Lao PDR during 2007-2008 resulted in the discovery of 15 unrecorded fern species among the flora of Lao PDR. All have been identified in other countries in southeastern Asia, as well as from other tropical areas. The species are as follows: Asplenicaceae (Asplenium delavayi, A. rockier), Athyriaceae (Anisocampium cuspidatum), Dennstaedtiaceae (Microlepia hookeriana, Pteridium […]
An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants of Laos toward the discovery of bioactive compounds as potential candidates for pharmaceutical development
Using semi-structured field interviews with healers in the Lao PDR, plant samples were collected, extracted, and bio-assayed to detect bioactivity against cancer, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria. Plant species demonstrating activity were recollected and the extracts subjected to a bioassay-guided isolation protocol to isolate and identify the active compounds.
