New records of flowering plants from Lao PDR
We report previously unrecognized flowering plants of Lao PDR found during a botanical survey of Lao PDR in 2015−2016. We found Phyllagathis tuberosa (C. Hansen) Cellinese & S. S. Renner (Melastomataceae) and Tolypanthus pustulatus Barlow (Loranthaceae) in the Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area (PKKNBCA), previously only known from type localities in Thailand. This […]
New records of angiosperms and pteridophytes in the flora of Laos
New records in the Flora of Laos are presented, along with a short history of botanical collection in the country. The records are given in two lists, one relating to the Flore du Cambodge, du Laos et du Vieˆtnam and the other relating to the older Flore ge´ne´rale de l’Indochine.
Hmong herbal medicine and herbalists in Lao PDR: pharmacopeia and knowledge transmission
In Lao PDR, the Hmong ethnic group has extensive knowledge about the use of medicinal plants. However, despite the importance of the Hmong pharmacopeia as a primary health care resource, no study has been undertaken to thoroughly document medicinal plant knowledge and its transmission. Objectives of this study are (i) to describe and characterize Hmong […]
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.
A new species of Metzia (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Northern Laos
A new cyprinid fish, Metzia bounthobi, is described on the basis of 18 specimens (including 10 specimens in type series) from the Mekong River basin in Phongsaly and Luang Prabang Provinces, northern Laos. The species is distinguished from congeners by having the following diagnostic traits: 18–20 branched anal-fin rays (vs. 10–18 in the others); 49–55 […]
Two New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from North of Lao PDR
Impatiens gadellae Souvann. & Suksathan, Impatiens nurae Souvann. & Suksathan, two new species from North Lao PDR, are described and illustrated with conservation statuses propose.
Case study on orchid exports from the Lao PDR: Recommendations for using the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to increase sustainable orchid trade.
This report is a product of the project “Piloting CITES Implementation in Lao PDR: Strengthening Institutions through Case Studies”. Supported by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), this initiative was carried out by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and partners, including the National University of Laos and TRAFFIC, in 2007-2008.The initiative provided […]
Systematics of the Lao torrent frog, Amolops cremnobatus Inger & Kottelat, 1998 (Anura: Ranidae), with descriptions of four new species
The Lao torrent frog Amolops cremnobatus Inger & Kottelat, 1998 was recently hypothesized, based on mitochondrial DNA, to consist of more than a single species across its range in Laos and flanking regions of Vietnam and Thailand. We tested this hypothesis using mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA, and quantitative and qualitative morphological data from adults and […]
Honeybee Haven: A Practical Solution for People and Planet
Located in the heart of Xieng Khuang Province, the Honey Exhibition and Distribution Centre in Paek District is more than a place to purchase honey. It serves as a hub for promoting agricultural biodiversity while providing essential guidelines and knowledge on beekeeping. Established in 2019 through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Forestry […]
Conservation Breeding of the Laos Warty Newt (Laotriton laoensis) Until the F3-Generation
Since 2008 the commercial trade of Laotriton laoensis has been prohibited in Laos. This is to be welcomed although protection in practice is hardly to be monitored. According to IUCN the species is listed as “Endangered EN”. The species is still threatened by local people by poisonous fishing. The newts are used for food in […]
