Tigers in Laos and Vietnam

There are possibly as few as 30 wild tigers each in Vietnam and Laos. They are confined to the evergreen forests of the Northern Annamites in Laos and Vietnam, and the Dry Forests/Central Annamites landscape in Southern Laos and Central Vietnam.

By removing snares, allowing tiger prey populations to recover, and protecting tiger habitat, this endangered species can bounce back—but this needs to happen fast.
 
The Greater Annamites ecoregion is dominated by a mountain range lying to the east of the Mekong River, stretching along the border of Vietnam and Laos, with the most south-western part extending into the northeast of Cambodia (Dry Forests ecoregion).

In the vast Dry Forests and Annamites landscape in Southern Laos, there is much promise for recovering tiger and tiger prey populations; but only with immediate and strong protection measures.

One of the largest tiger areas is the 6,000 km2 Nam Et - Phou Louey National Protected Area in Northern Laos. A minimum of 7, and possibly as many as 23 tigers live in the reserve, according to a Government of LaosL/Wildlife Conservation Society 2006 survey.

Other potential areas for tiger presence include Xe Pian National Protected Area (NPA) (2,000 km2). This forest provides an ideal setting for diverse wildlife, including globally endangered species of birds and mammals. Another area which could potentially harbour tigers is Dong Ampham NPA (1,700 km2), also in the south of Laos.

Tigers are classified as "Acute National Conservation Priority" species in Laos.

The Greater Annamites ecoregion

This ecoregion has one of the highest global rates of endemism (species found nowhere else in the world).
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What is WWF doing for tiger conservation in Laos and Vietnam?

In Laos:
  • Carried out surveys revealing areas that are thought to still support wild tigers in and around Xe Pian National Protected Area (NPA), and Dong Ampham NPA, including the connecting forest corridors between the protected areas.
  • Supporting improvements of management effectiveness in Xe Pian NPA to reduce poaching and recover wildlife populations.
In Vietnam:
  • Carried out surveys confirming priority areas for tiger and tiger prey recovery.
  • Training and funding National Park and Forest Protection Department rangers to conduct more targeted enforcement at 3 sites in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam Provinces. Tens of thousands of snares have been removed.
» Find out more about WWF’s tiger conservation efforts in the Greater Mekong region
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  • / ©: National Geographic Stock/WWF

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