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 […]

Freshwater fisheries conservation can increase biodiversity

We evaluate the impact of a fisheries management program centered on the definition of Fish Conservation Zones on biodiversity, measured as the number of species caught in the last 12 months. Data comes from a set of 32 villages in central Lao PDR, of which half participated in the program, and the remaining are a […]

Rhyacoschistura larreci, a new genus and species of loach from Laos and redescription of R. suber (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

Rhyacoschistura, new genus, belongs to a group of genera (Physoschistura, Mustura, Pteronemacheilus, Petruichthys) characterised by the modified branched pectoral-fin rays of males, with a very thick  first ray, usually without membranes between some of the branches and/or rays, and anterior rays and/or membranes covered by small tubercles at maturity. Rhyacoschistura is distinguished from them by […]

Gymnosperms of Laos

Gymnosperm plant species form a small relictual group of higher plants, representing the most sensitive ancient elements of modern tropical floras. Gymnosperms are highly vulnerable to numerous destabilizing factors presently affecting the Earth’s biosphere.

World checklist of Bamboos and Rattans

This book contains a global checklist of all known species of bamboos and rattans. It is an authoritative source of information on accepted species of bamboos and  rattans, the correct names that should be applied to them, and the incorrect names  that should not be used. It has been compiled from expert data sources, edited […]

New and rare orchids (Orchidaceae) in the flora of Cambodia and Laos II

Herbarium material collected in 2013–2015 in Cambodia and Laos provides 298 new localities for 167 orchid species (from 57 genera). Almost all reported locations are new on the territory of studied countries. These data provide substantial basis for understanding of present day distribution of rare species needed protection. Among reported species, 8 species are new […]

An annotated checklist of the Orchidaceae of Laos

A checklist is presented of the orchid flora of Laos, enumerating 485 species in 108 genera. An estimate is given of the expected size of the orchid flora of Laos. Notes on habitat, global and local distribution, endemism, conservation, phenology, as well as a systematic overview complement the checklist.

Flora of Nam Kading National Protected Area I: a new species of yellow-flowered Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae), S. namkadingensis

A new species of Acanthaceae, Strobilanthes namkadingensis Soulad. & Tagane from Nam Kading National Protected Area, Bolikhamxay Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by long spicate inflorescences consisting of 6-32 flowers, yellow corolla, the absence of long white hairs on the bracts and 4–6 seeds per capsule. Three DNA barcode regions […]