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 […]

Ethnobotany of Hmong ethnic groups in Bolikhamxay province, central Laos PDR

Results from an ethnobotany study of Hmong ethnic groups in  Bolikhamxay Province, Laos PDR between 2021 and 2023 identifies plant uses for 133 species, 104 genera, and 50 families. The research focusses on  specific  plant  uses.  Quantitative  analyses  are  applied  with  Use  Value  (UV),  Fidelity  Level  (FL),  and Informant Agreement Ratio (IAR). Cluster analysis based […]

Checklist of the Carnivorous Snail Superfamily Streptaxoidea Gray, 1860 (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata) from Laos with Description of a New Species

  The superfamily Streptaxoidea is widespread in the tropical region and represents a major portionof the land snail fauna of most Southeast Asian countries. Laos is located on one of the biodiversity hotspotsin this region,with high mountain ranges and limestone karsts. Herein,an up-to-date checklistis providedof all known Streptaxoidea species recorded in Laosuntil the year 2022. […]

Two new species and a new record of Lasianthus (Rubiaceae) in Laos

Two new species of Lasianthus (Rubiaceae), L. bolavenensis Tagane & Soulad., and L. laoticus Tagane, Soulad. & Nob.Tanaka from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos, are described and illustrated, with their vernacular names and preliminary conservation status. In addition, L. repoeuensis Pierre ex Pit. is recorded in Laos for the first time.

Lao Biodiversity: A Priority for Resilient Green Growth

The biodiversity endowment is crucial to the Lao economy, as the goods and ecosystem services it provides are essential to reduce poverty, secure livelihoods, and drive a greener economic growth model. Over 840,000 people in over 1,200 villages are situated within or on the boundary of 23 national reserves. The majority of these villagers, from […]

Prevalence and distribution of chytridiomycosis throughout Asia

Prevalence and distribution of chytridiomycosis throughout Asia News from the herpetological community September 2011 Vol. 98 FrogLog FrogLog Vol. 98 | September 2011 | 33 The fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the greatest known disease threat to vertebrate biodiversity (Skerrat et al 2007; Wake and Vredenburg 2008). Most […]

Hidden species diversity in Sylvirana nigrovittata (Amphibia: Ranidae) highlights the importance of taxonomic revisions in biodiversity conservation

Accurately delimiting species and their geographic ranges are imperative for conservation, especially in areas experiencing rapid habitat loss. Southeast Asia currently has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, is home to multiple biodiversity hotspots, and the majority of its countries have developing economies with limited resources for biodiversity conservation. Thus, accurately […]