Lao PDR has a stunning array of creatures that come in all shapes and sizes, many of which were unknown to science a decade ago.
Species
The critically endangered Mekong giant catfish.
Giants of the Mekong
The Mekong has more giant fish than any freshwater environment on Earth!
Imagine freshwater stingrays that span over two metres across, giant catfish that grow as big as small cars, Asian soft-shelled turtles, Siamese crocodiles and Irrawaddy dolphins all wade the Mekong's murky depths and all share the dubious status of 'critically endangered' on the IUCN Red List, the most serious form of threat ranking before an animal becomes extinct.
Lao PDR is home to the region's largest population of Asian elephants, Indochina tigers still roam its mountain ranges, and over 700 bird species fill its forests and wetlands with song.
Today, wildlife trade, overharvest and poorly planned development is culling species numbers and destroying their critical habitats.
Learn how One River, One Fishery, Two Countries is working with communities and governments of Thailand and Lao PDR, to conserve the last wild populations of the Mekong giant catfish, other large migratory fish species, and the ecosystem of the Mekong.
Learn how our Human Elephant Conflict project is helping communities and wild elephant populations live together in harmony through better land-use planning.
Lao PDR is home to the region's largest population of Asian elephants, Indochina tigers still roam its mountain ranges, and over 700 bird species fill its forests and wetlands with song.
Today, wildlife trade, overharvest and poorly planned development is culling species numbers and destroying their critical habitats.
Learn how One River, One Fishery, Two Countries is working with communities and governments of Thailand and Lao PDR, to conserve the last wild populations of the Mekong giant catfish, other large migratory fish species, and the ecosystem of the Mekong.
Learn how our Human Elephant Conflict project is helping communities and wild elephant populations live together in harmony through better land-use planning.
Asian elephant taking a bath in Xe Pian National Protected Area.
New Species Discovered
Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)
