Laos's 'Empty Forests' Lack Key Large Mammals

A new study in Global Ecology and Conservation has examined the historic losses and current status of large mammal megafauna in Laos. The study suggests that the disappearance of these species could have been avoided with stronger conservation, monitoring, and protection plans. The analysis of historical species records and survey data dating back to 1850 found that delayed recognition and response, insufficient control of hunting, and limited enforcement capacity likely contributed to the declines. Laos retains relatively extensive forest cover compared to other countries in mainland Southeast Asia, but its forests lack key large animals. The study notes that Laos still has a large protected area network, but the task now is to implement effective conservation measures to recover large mammals such as Asian elephants, Javan rhinos, and Sumatran rhinos. The loss of these species has significant ecological implications, and urgent action is needed to protect more species and restore the country's biodiversity.