Gibbon a symbol of conservation in Laos

Lao forests are home to many rare and endangered species, some of which are extinct in some parts of the world. Elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, saolas, gibbons, Irrawaddy dolphins, hornbills and many more, are still found in Lao PDR.

 

There are six species of gibbon known there: the northern white‐cheeked crested gibbon, southern white‐cheeked crested gibbons, white‐handed gibbons, pileated gibbons, northern buff‐cheeked gibbons and black crested gibbons.

 

The gibbon has become a symbol of conservation in Laos. It’s a distinctive animal in the forest ecology and is found living in groups throughout the country. Gibbons can live only in good condition and healthy forests. At the present time, the gibbon population has fallen in the wild, which is clear evidence of the decreasing status of Lao biodiversity and the forest degradation.

 

The reason is that, firstly, there are some threats to gibbons. Primarily threatened by hunting, there are many kinds of hunting namely: hunting for local subsistence, hunting for medicine, hunting for trade, hunting as exotic pets and opportunistic hunting.

 

Moreover, deforestation and loss of habitats have also become threats to gibbons. Development is going too fast, new towns have been planned; new roads are cut through the forest. Sometimes decision-makers forget to be concerned about animals living in that area. These activities are causing the decline of the gibbon population.

 

In response, the government has realised the necessary to protect biodiversity, aquatic animals and wildlife in Lao forest by establishing and defining the national protected areas in the country as well as introducing laws, decrees and regulations on the forest management, aquatic animals and wildlife covering the entire country.

 

Moreover, the government has promoted eco-tourism and encouraged local people to participate in it as well as raising awareness on how important wildlife is for the purpose of sustainable development.

 

Furthermore, the Government of Lao PDR has promsed to protect the gibbon as well as other biodiversity resources throughout the country forever, for the present generation as well as our future generation.

 

Source: Gibbon Conservation Action Plan for Lao PDR (2010-2020)