Phylogenetic systematics of the Amolops monticola group (Amphibia: Ranidae), with description of a new species from northwestern Laos

The Amolops monticola group contains approximately 12 morphologically similar species distributed across much of mainland Southeast Asia. Approximately half of the species in the group were described only during the past 6 yr, and several have been erroneously placed in the genus Odorrana. A molecular phylogenetic analysis is performed using three mitochondrial and two nuclear […]

NEW AND RARE ORCHIDS (ORCHIDACEAE) IN THE FLORA OF CAMBODIA AND LAOS

Summary. Herbarium material collected in 2009–2013 in Cambodia and Laos provides 240 new localities for 156 orchid species (from 73 genera). Among them, 13 and 45 species respectively are new for the flora of each country. One species (Bulbophyllum konstantinovii) discovered in Cambodia is described as new for science. Eight genera (Acanthephippium, Didymoplexiopsis, Eclecticus, Herpysma, […]

Annotated checklist of the terrestrial molluscs from Laos (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

The land area of Laos is composed of a large variety of undisturbed habitats, such as high mountainous areas, huge limestone karsts and the lower Mekong Basin. Therefore, Laos is expected to have a high species diversity, especially for the land snails. However, with respect to research on malacology, Laos is probably the least well-researched […]

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 […]

A New Variety, Justicia vagabunda var. laxiflora (Acanthaceae) from Bolaven Plateau, Southern Laos.

A new variety, Justicia vagabunda Benoist var. laxiflora K. Yamaz. & Tagane (Acanthaceae), discovered during botanical surveys in Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos, is described and illustrated. Variety laxiflora is distinguished from var. vagabunda by its longer petiole (0.1–)0.5–3 cm long, longer and laxer inflorescence to 15.3 cm long, more-flowered inflorescence (inflorescence with 7–50 flowers) and […]

Biodiversity Surveys of Xe Sap National Protected Area Lao PDR 2012

This report presents the results of the first detailed biodiversity surveys of Xe Sap National Protected Area Salavan and Xekong provinces, Lao PDR since 1999. Between February and June 2012 more than 140 expert field survey days were spent in three ecological distinct areas of Xe Sap: wet evergreen forest in Kaleum district; plateau and […]

Six new species and eight new records of Gesneriaceae from Laos

Six new species of Gesneriaceae from Laos, namely Didymocarpus angustiflorus Souvann. & Lanors., D. bolavenensis Souvann., Soulad. & Phonep., D. laoticus Souvann. & Lanors., D. trilobus Souvann. & Phonep., Hemiboea olivifolia Souvann. & Tagane and Paraboea planiflora Souvann. & Lanors., are described and illustrated. Additionally, Aeschynanthus bracteatus Wall. ex A.DC., A. micranthus C.B.Clarke, Epithema ceylanicum […]

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 […]