https://programs.wcs.org/laos RSS feeds for WCS Lao PDR 60 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26013/Siamese-Crocodiles-released-into-the-Xe-Champhone-wetlands-to-restore-this-critically-endangered-species.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=26013 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26013&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26013/Siamese-Crocodiles-released-into-the-Xe-Champhone-wetlands-to-restore-this-critically-endangered-species.aspx According to a survey data and report from Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG IUCN) with fewer than 1,000 Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) remaining in the wild, the species is listed as Critically Endangered by the the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Xe Champhone Wetland located in Champhone District, Savannakhet Province represents the largest of Lao PDR’s two Ramsar sites (Wetland of International Importance) and is home to an abundance of aquatic biodiversity, as well as one of the world’s last remaining populations of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, endangered turtle species and wetland birds. This year’s crocodile release ceremony was held in Donyanong Village, Xonnabouly District, Savannakhet Province, and was hosted by Mr. Soubin Luangduang, Chairperson of the District Administration Committee of Xonnabouly District. A total of 56 crocodiles were released into the wild. The event brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Provincial Agriculture and Environment Office, Dr. Santi Saypanya, the Country Director of WCS Lao PDR, representatives from District Administration Committees from the four target districts (Champhone, Xonnabouly, Songkhone, and Xaybouly), members of the project implementation and management committees at both provincial and district levels, as well as target community members from 27 villages participating. Mr. Soubin Luangduang, Chairperson of the District Administration Committee of Xonnabouly District said in his opening remarks: “Based on the history of these Siamese crocodiles, local communities have a long history with them. In the past, these crocodiles lived and fed on aquatic species in natural water bodies such as ponds, oxbows and wetlands. This species has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other crocodile species, including its environmentally friendly behavior, distinctive coloration and patterns and its small to medium size. Historically, this species has not been known to attack humans or livestock.” “This ceremony is considered an important activity for the conservation and restoration of the Siamese crocodiles, as well as for the management of a species that is at risk of extinction in the future. The ceremony also included religious rites performed by monks, which help foster spiritual confidence and respect for the conservation of this species.” Mr. Soubin Luangduang continued. The wetland and its unique biodiversity, including the Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile, are culturally, ecologically and economically important to the local community and Laos. While crocodiles are not hunted, they remain under threat due to entanglement in fishing nets, the clearance of wetlands and seasonal draining of habitat for expanding dry-season rice cultivation. The Siamese crocodile is not considered to be an aggressive species and is not a threat to humans. Communities that reside close to the species’ habitat continue fishing and farming in the Xe Champhone wetlands as crocodiles hold a spiritual significance and bring good luck to them. A dedicated conservation program for the Siamese Crocodile in close collaboration with the local communities and government is in place in the four target districts (Xonnabouly, Champhone, Songkhone, and Xaybouly) of Savannakhet Province aiming to restore a viable population of this species. Eggs are collected and transported to the village administration office for incubation at ambient temperature for about two months. Once hatched, the baby crocodiles will be raised for about 75-80 days – at which time they will exceed 1 meter in length – and then released back into the wetlands.189 small crocodiles are currently being nursed by the crocodile conservation team at the village level. Since the start of the program, a total of 239 crocodiles have been successfully released back into the Xe Champhone wetlands. Around 10 nests are being found each year and based on these nest counts, an estimated population of 300-350 Siamese Crocodiles including small crocodiles inhabit the Xe Champhone Wetlands. jmauer@wcs.org Fri, 20 Mar 2026 03:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26013 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24580/Celebrating-the-Successes-of-ECILL-Collaborative-Action-for-Protected-Areas.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=24580 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24580&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24580/Celebrating-the-Successes-of-ECILL-Collaborative-Action-for-Protected-Areas.aspx The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, together with the European Union (EU), the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) celebrated the success of the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management (ECILL) Project. The project closing ceremony, held in Vientiane, was chaired by Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, H.E. Mr Kikeo Singnavong, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR, H.E. Mr Mark Gallagher, Deputy Head of the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, Mr Alain Perrier, and attended by representatives from the Government of Laos, the EU, French Development Agency (AFD), WCS, and NPA Managers. Since its start in March 2020, the ECILL project has aimed to reduce current rates of biodiversity and habitat loss by adopting a holistic approach to landscape management. ECILL works to ensure the security of Lao PDR's forests and biodiversity, and to assist rural communities in sustainably managing their natural resources. The project is located in three priority landscapes of high biodiversity, ecosystem services, and natural capital value: (1) the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, (2) the Integrated Ecosystem and Wildlife Management Landscape in Bolikhamxay Province, and (3) the Xe Champhone Ramsar Wetlands in Savannakhet Province. The ECILL project, worth a total of €6.8 million, has been co-funded by the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement and implemented by WCS Lao PDR in joint efforts with the Lao government and local communities. Key achievements of the ECILL project include: Improved integrated protected area management and broader system-wide improvements in management effectiveness have been achieved with over 740,000 hectares of high biodiversity habitat, including forests, wetlands protected. Strengthened policy related to biodiversity conservation, forest, and wetland protection to support institutionalizing national protected area systems in Lao PDR. Established or expanded conservation enterprises that are climate-smart, linked to conservation outcomes that deliver economic benefits for communities, including community-based tourism and environment-friendly sustainable agriculture. Speaking at the closing ceremony, H.E. Mr Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry said: “I thank the EU, AFD and WCS for their long-lasting partnership and efforts in contributing to these key successes to preserve Lao PDR’s unique forests and biodiversity. ECILL’s achievements are a testament of our shared commitments to conservation and biodiversity goals. We hope we can continue our positive engagement and collaboration after the ECILL project”. The Ambassador to the European Union in Lao PDR, H.E. Mr Mark Gallagher mentioned: “Over the past 5 years, the ECILL project has been instrumental in piloting a collaborative and holistic approach, to strengthen the security of the country’s forests and ecosystems, safeguarding the unique and rich biodiversity of Lao PDR, while creating sustainable opportunities for local communities.” “I would like to express profound gratitude to all our partners, including the Department of Forestry, the provincial authorities, the French Development Agency, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Your dedication and support have been crucial to reaching our collective goals. Our gratitude also extends to the local communities and stakeholders who have embraced and participated in this initiative. Your engagement and commitment have been vital to the project's success”, added Mr Mark Gallagher. The Deputy Head of the French Embassy, Mr. Alain Perrier, emphasized that France, through the French Development Agency, would continue to support the government's efforts to ensure that Laos' forests, wetlands, and biodiverse landscapes remain a source of sustainable development for the country and its communities. The ECILL closing ceremony was preceded by a meeting engaging National Protected Areas (NPAs) managers from the 26 NPAs and NGO partners to create a collaborative action for Protected Areas towards the Mining-Forest Nexus and to strengthen partnerships. The workshop’s objective was to brainstorm on how to support the full and effective implementation of Prime Ministerial Orders no. 06 and 11 and Protected Areas policies through better oversight of mining concessions, stronger environmental impact assessments, and more robust enforcement of forestry and land laws. ““The issuance of Prime Ministerial Orders No. 06 and No. 11 establishes a robust and timely policy framework for the conservation of Lao PDR’s most biologically significant protected areas—particularly those within the Annamite Mountains, limestone karst landscapes, and high-altitude ecosystems. These areas harbor unique flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world, thus reaffirming the vision of H.E. Kaisone Phomvihane, who described the forests of Lao PDR as ‘green gold.’ These protected landscapes may rightfully be considered the country’s most valuable ecological assets—its ‘green gold’ or natural diamonds. The Orders clearly underscore the urgent need to strengthen law enforcement, enhance governance, and fully integrate forest and environmental protection into national development strategies. The ECILL initiative has demonstrated that effective forest and environmental governance is not only feasible but also achievable when supported by strong political commitment, coordinated institutional efforts, and strategic policy coherence,” stated Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry. ECILL has supported and influenced key policy dialogues in natural resource management, providing both technical and financial contributions. By strategically engaging in high-level dialogues, ECILL has strengthened Laos’ standing in biodiversity conservation, ensuring continued political commitment beyond the ECILL project. As ECILL is closing, the established frameworks, strengthened institutional capacities, and multi-stakeholder partnerships will ensure that conservation remains a central pillar of Laos’ national agenda, paving the way for sustained environmental and economic benefits. The closing ceremony was attended by 70 people from the Department of Forestry of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Protected Area Management Sections, representative of the Government of Lao PDR at the national and subnational levels, the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union Delegation (EU), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and development partners. jmauer@wcs.org Mon, 19 May 2025 06:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24580 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24540/Siamese-Crocodiles-released-as-Wetland-Information-Center-opens-in-Savannkhet.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=24540 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24540&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24540/Siamese-Crocodiles-released-as-Wetland-Information-Center-opens-in-Savannkhet.aspx Government stakeholders and the Wildlife Conservation Society officially opened the Xe Champhone Wetland and Savannakhet Crocodile Information Center and released back 10 crocodiles into the Xe Champhone wetlands to restore this critically endangered species The opening ceremony for the Xe Champhone Wetland and Crocodile Information Center took place in Tansoum village, Champhone District, Savannakhet Province in presence of the Mr. Khammone Thilavong the Deputy Director of Provincial Forestry and Agriculture, Mr. Khamta Sinnasone the Deputy Governor of Champhone District, monks, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and students. At the ceremony, 10 Siamese crocodiles were also released into the Xe Champhone wetlands to boost the existing population. With less than 1000 Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) remaining in the wild, this species is ranked as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Xe Champhone Wetland located in Champhone District, Savannakhet Province represents the largest of Lao PDR’s two Ramsar sites (Wetland of International Importance) and is home to an abundance of aquatic biodiversity, as well as one of the world’s last remaining populations of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, endangered turtle species, and wetland birds. The new Information Center offers an immersion in the incredible biodiversity of the Xe Champhone wetlands and showcases the conservation work carried out by the communities in partnership with local authorities and conservation partners. With educational panels displayed all along the visitors' path as well as wall murals on the Siamese crocodile lifes, the Xe Champhone wetland and crocodile information center invites visitors to discover and learn about the fascinating wildlife of Savannakhet province. "I hope that the opening of the Xe Champhone Wetland and Crocodile Information Center, along with today's release of the crocodiles, will bring lasting benefits to local communities as part of a long-term conservation effort. I also trust that everyone here shares a strong commitment to environmental preservation and the protection of these endangered species.",  Mr. Khammone Thilavong, Deputy Director of Provincial Forestry and Agriculture.  The wetland and its unique biodiversity, including the Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile, are culturally, ecologically, and economically important to the community of Tansoum Village and Laos. While crocodiles are not hunted, they remain under threat due to entanglement in fishing nets, the clearance of wetlands and seasonal draining of habitat for expanding dry-season rice cultivation. The Siamese crocodile is not considered to be an aggressive species and is not a threat to humans. Communities that reside close to the species’ habitat continue fishing and farming in the Xe Champhone wetlands as crocodiles hold a spiritual significance and bring good luck to them. A dedicated conservation program for the Siamese Crocodile in close collaboration with the local communities and government is in place in the four target districts (Xonnabouly, Champhone, Songkhone, and Xaybouly) of Savannakhet Province aiming to restore a viable population of this species. Eggs are collected and transported to the village administration office for incubation at ambient temperature for about two months. Once hatched, the baby crocodiles will be raised for about 32 months – at which time they will exceed 1 meter in length – and then released back into the wetlands. So far this year,  68 crocodiles have been released and 163 small crocodiles are currently being nursed by the crocodile conservation team at the village level. Since the start of the program, a total of 183 crocodiles have been successfully released back into the Xe Champhone wetlands. 6 to 8 nests are being found each year, and based on these nest counts, an estimated population of 200-250 Siamese Crocodiles inhabit the Xe Champhone Wetlands. This conservation program is part of the ‘Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR’ (ECILL) project funded by the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement and implemented by WCS. The center opening ceremony and Crocodile release event was attended by over 180 people from the government of Lao PDR at the national and subnational levels, AFD, WCS, teachers and students.   jmauer@wcs.org Mon, 12 May 2025 03:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24540 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22396/Conservationists-from-Thai-Conservation-study-tour-to-restore-the-critically-endangered-Siamese-crocodile.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=22396 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22396&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22396/Conservationists-from-Thai-Conservation-study-tour-to-restore-the-critically-endangered-Siamese-crocodile.aspx Researchers and conservationists from Thailand visit the Xe Champhone Wetlands in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR, as part of a conservation study tour to restore the critically endangered Siamese crocodile A delegation from Thailand consisting of researchers and staff affiliated with the Department of National Parks (DNP), Wildlife and Plant Conservation and faculty members from Kasetsart University, as well as staff from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand, visited Savannakhet province, Lao PDR, to conduct a study tour of the WCS implemented Siamese crocodile conservation project in the Xe Champhone wetlands.   Thailand is looking to bolster wild populations of Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), as although the species still occurs in several different protected areas, the individuals persist in such isolation that there has been no recent successful breeding in the wild. WCS Lao PDR advised Thai National Park authorities on how they can increase the population of Siamese crocodiles within their area. In the Xe Champhone wetlands, WCS Lao PDR has been collaborating with government and local communities to strengthen the population of Siamese crocodiles through a head-starting program, incubating egg clutches and rearing hatchlings for about two years until they are ready for release back into the wild. This gives the young crocodiles a greatly improved chance of survival, a head-start through the most dangerous period of their lives. The program has reduced mortality among the young crocodiles from 90-95% to less than 5%, thereby boosting population recovery trajectories. Dr. Steven G. Platt, WCS’ Conservation Herpetologist for Southeast Asia, guided the group to the Tansoum village head-starting facility on the first day of the study tour, with the Tansoum community hosting the visiting group and explaining how they take care of the hatchlings. The second day was devoted to information sharing through presentations given by Dr. Platt on the head-starting work that has been done under the Xe Champhone project and a presentation given by Mr. Phaksouliya Phommatheth, WCS’s Xe Champhone Project Coordinator, on the overall progress of the project. The visitors from Thailand also introduced their crocodile conservation work including the DNP’s Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction Project in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary presented by Ms. Chananrat Nuankaew from the Wildlife Research Division and Mr. Weerapong Korawat, head of Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary; Petchburi River Survey in Kaeng Krachan National Park presented by Mr. Yann Ounsing, Deputy of Kaeng Krachan National Park. Dr. Manoon Pliosungnoen, Program Manager for WCS Thailand said “Although it was a relatively short visit, we learned a lot from the discussion with the community leaders in Tansoum village and from the meeting with PAFO and WCS Laos. There might still be some challenges for the Thai government to promote the recovery of the species at the site near the villages owing to negative attitudes toward crocodiles. However, this is not the issue at the current DNP’s priority site, i.e., Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary. We have learned that improving people’s attitudes to conserve the species may be possible through improving awareness and collaboration within and among communities like this remarkable community-led conservation project in Xe Champhone.” Mr. Phaksouliya Phommatheth said “we are proud to have hosted a recent WCS team from Cambodia and now this official team from Thailand coming to learn from our project, based on our success in head-starting this species together with local communities. We thank the support received from our donors and the government of Lao PDR, to have enabled this success. In the future, we hope to continue building our regional collaboration on saving Siamese Crocodiles.” This conservation program is part of the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR (ECILL) project, co-funded by the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by WCS Lao PDR in partnership with the Government of Lao PDR.   jmauer@wcs.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22396 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22229/Government-stakeholders-and-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-released-Siamese-Crocodiles-back-into-the-wild-aiming-to-restore-this-critically-endangered-species-in-the-Xe-Champhone-wetlands.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=22229 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22229&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22229/Government-stakeholders-and-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-released-Siamese-Crocodiles-back-into-the-wild-aiming-to-restore-this-critically-endangered-species-in-the-Xe-Champhone-wetlands.aspx 37 Siamese crocodiles were released back into their natural habitat in the Xe Champhone Wetlands, Savannakhet province, as part of a ceremony in presence of the Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha, the Vice-Governor of Savannakhet Province, Mr. Senesak Soulysak,  the Deputy Governor of Songkhone District, Monks, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and students. With less than 1000 Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) remaining in the wild, this species is ranked as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Xe Champhone Wetland located in Champhone District, Savannakhet Province represents the largest of Lao PDR’s two Ramsar sites (Wetland of International Importance) and is home to an abundance of aquatic biodiversity, as well as one of the world’s last remaining populations of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, endangered turtle species, and wetland birds. Crocodiles are revered by local communities in Laos who believe that they act as guardians to the water bodies they inhabit and the spirits of lakes and ponds. While crocodiles are not hunted, they remain under threat due to entanglement in fishing nets, the clearance of wetlands and seasonal draining of habitat for expanding dry-season rice cultivation. The Siamese crocodile is not considered to be an aggressive species and is not a threat to humans. Communities that reside close to the species’ habitat continue fishing and farming in the Xe Champhone wetlands as crocodiles hold a spiritual significance and bring good luck to them. Mr. Chanthanet Boualapha, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment stressed that the government is determined to pursue its efforts with conservation partners and local communities to protect endangered species and critical habitats in Savannakhet province and throughout the country. “I would like to congratulate and extend my sincere gratitude to the donors including the European Union and the Agence Francaise de Developpement for their continued assistance and financial support in the field of conservation”, Mr Chanthanet added. A dedicated conservation program for the Siamese Crocodile in close collaboration with the local communities and government is in place in the four target districts (Xonnabouly, Champhone, Songkhone, and Xaibouly) of Savannakhet Province aiming to restore a viable population of this species. Since 2019, during the spawning season between the end of May and July of every year, WCS has been locating and counting Siamese crocodile nests in hard-to-access areas. Nests and crocodile surveys have become more efficient since the recent use of drone technology. The eggs are collected and transported  to the village administration office for incubation at ambient temperature for about two months. Once hatched, the baby crocodiles will be raised for about 32 months – at which time they will exceed 1 meter in length – and then released back into the wetlands. 124 small crocodiles are currently being nursed by the crocodile conservation team at the village level. Since the start of the program, a total of 115 crocodiles have been successfully released back into the Xe Champhone wetlands. 6 to 8 nests are being found each year, and based on these nest counts,  an estimated population of 200-250 Siamese Crocodiles inhabit the Xe Champhone Wetlands. This conservation program is part of the ‘Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR’ (ECILL) project funded by the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement and implemented by WCS. The program in the Xe Champhone Wetlands also supports local communities to assess, develop and promote livelihoods that also benefit biodiversity conservation. Dr. Santi Saypanya, Country Director of WCS Lao PDR Program added “By working together, the program has allowed to strengthen the capacity of both government stakeholders and communities in the conservation of critical native species of the Xe Champhone wetlands. This crocodile release event is the successful outcome of several years of partnership with all stakeholders to balance the sustainable livelihoods of communities with the goals of wildlife protection”. Through short plays and dance performances, this event was an opportunity to raise awareness and remind about the importance of crocodile and wildlife conservation among students living in the area. The Crocodile release event was attended by over 200 people from the government of Lao PDR at the national and subnational levels, WCS, teachers and students. jmauer@wcs.org Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22229 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22230/Lao-PDR-celebrates-World-Wildlife-Day-2024.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=22230 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22230&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22230/Lao-PDR-celebrates-World-Wildlife-Day-2024.aspx World Wildlife Day was celebrated this year under the theme ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation’ and brought together the Department of Forestry from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, the Embassy of France to Lao PDR, Wildlife Conservation Society and conservation partners, the Working Group 15.7 on Combating Wildlife Crime and students at the National University of Laos in Vientiane. People around the world rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet their needs - from food, to fuel, medicines, housing, and clothing. Nearly half of the world’s population is directly dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, with 70% of the world’s poor living in rural areas and depending directly on biodiversity for their survival and well-being. To enjoy the benefits and the beauty that nature brings to humans and the planet, people have been working together to ensure ecosystems are able to thrive and plant and animal species are able to exist for generations to come. Lao PDR is recognized as a unique biodiversity hotspot and is home to some of the world’s biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and species. However, its exceptional biodiversity is declining due to climate change, illegal wildlife trade, hunting, and poaching coupled with high rates of deforestation causing fragmentation and loss of habitats. "As you may be aware that Lao PDR is a natural resource-rich country, both on land and in water. There are more than 1000 species of wild animals, especially the rare and endangered wild animals, such as Saola, Asian rock rats, Asian elephants, tigers, Eld’s deers, Irrawaddy Dolphin and other species. These wild animals are important for preserving the intactness of forest, the balance of the ecosystem, and are precious natural heritages of our nation, Lao PDR", said Associate Prof Dr Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Forestry Department.                                              This year’s World Wildlife Day focuses on digital innovations that are transforming the way we safeguard our invaluable ecosystems and biodiversity.  It is a global platform to explore sustainable solutions to address threats to wildlife. New tools such as SMART patrol, drones, GIS, and maps are helping conservationists to identify, locate and monitor wildlife and critical species in forests and protected areas and wetlands, thus making wildlife conservation easier, more accurate, and efficient. “In the Lao PDR, the Government is taking bold steps in the right direction, with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016 – 2025, the forest Law voted in 2019, the protected area decree adopted in June 2023, the Decree on wetlands, the CITES decree under revision, the protected area roadmap in the drafting process. Through enhanced protection of its ecosystems, Laos actively participates in the national and global biodiversity conservation”, said Mrs. Ina Marčiulionytė, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR. “We are very proud to fund the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR (ECILL) implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This project, builds on field experience in Nam Et-Phou Louey, Nam Kading, Phou Si Thon Endangered Species Conservation Area, and Xe Champhone wetlands, to reflex and feed the policy development process, integrating field experience and lessons learnt”, added Mrs. Ina Marčiulionytė, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR. French Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor echoed the EU Ambassador by saying: “I place emphasis the Protected Areas Decree adopted in June 2023, an ambitious text and a bold step for biodiversity protection in Laos, which was draft with inputs from the ECILL project, co-financed by AFD and the European Union and which we hope will be operationalized in the coming months and years. Despite today's celebrations, we must remain vigilant in the face of threats to biodiversity and we encourage the Government of Lao PDR to pursue these efforts and continue now with the implementation of these legislations.” Through various panel discussions with conservation organizations and experts, the event aimed to raise awareness among students of various faculties and colleges about the latest applications of digital technologies in wildlife conservation and the impact of digital interventions on ecosystems and communities.  Exhibition booths by conservation partners and educational institutions showcased technological innovation, tools, and services to drive wildlife conservation and human-wildlife coexistence, and highlighted the contributions made to sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Lao PDR. World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3rd to connect people with the natural world and inspire continued learning and action for animals and plants. The event was attended by over 250 people and was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the support of the Working Group 15.7 on combating illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. jmauer@wcs.org Mon, 04 Mar 2024 02:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22230 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22063/Government-stakeholders-and-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-promote-the-conservation-of-Lao-wetlands-on-World-Wetlands-Day.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=22063 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22063&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/22063/Government-stakeholders-and-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Society-promote-the-conservation-of-Lao-wetlands-on-World-Wetlands-Day.aspx The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) from the central, provincial and district level, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Lao PDR join together in the Xe Champhone Wetlands in Savannakhet province in celebration of World Wetlands Day.The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) from the central, provincial and district level, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Lao PDR join together in the Xe Champhone Wetlands in Savannakhet province in celebration of World Wetlands Day. Wetlands are considered among the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of unique plant and animal species. They are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, water quality improvement, and provide local communities with a source of livelihoods. The 2024 theme of “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing” aims to spotlight how all aspects of human well-being - physical, mental and environmental - are tied to the health of the world's wetlands. Despite their importance, wetlands are increasingly threatened by unsustainable fishing practices, fragmentation, and conversion through agricultural intensification. World Wetlands Day was celebrated in Champhone District, Savannakhet province with students from three secondary schools (Houayxay, Kengkok and Taleo) through outreach activities including quizzes and games to educate the youth about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. Mr Vongsavanh Viengmany, Governor of Champhone and Vice-Governors of Sonnabouly, Saibouly and Songkhone district, provincial counterparts, WCS Savannakhet team and students exchanged about the crucial role of wetlands for sustaining biodiversity, improving water quality and as a source of livelihoods. In conjunction with World Wetlands Day 2024, a wetlands decree dissemination seminar took place on 30 and 31 January 2024 in Keoudom District, Vientiane Province to disseminate the decree to relevant sectors, report on the progress of wetlands profile in Lao PDR and consult on the Wetland Strategy Concept Note. Chaired by Mr. Chanthanet Bualapha, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the seminar gathered Deputy Heads of offices, Deputy Heads of Departments of line ministries as well as experts from related sectors including WCS. This Wetlands Decree acts as the reference for managing, monitoring, protecting, developing, and using the wetlands across the country to maintain a balanced ecosystem in line with the National Economic and Social Development Plan, Watershed Management Plan, Conventions and International Agreements that Lao PDR is a party to. Through the interventions in Xe Champhone, the EU/AFD ECILL project will directly address three of the five strategies identified in Laos’ National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to meet the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), while also supporting Lao PDR’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, through its diverse, integrated activities promoting wise-use of wetland resources and protection of wetland biodiversity and ecological functions. The integrated Landscape Management of the Xe Champhone Wetlands supports local communities to assess, develop and promote livelihoods that also benefit biodiversity conservation. The Xe Champhone Wetland located in Champhone District, Savannakhet Province represents the largest of Lao PDR’s two Ramsar sites (Wetland of International Importance) and is home to an abundance of aquatic biodiversity, as well as one of the world’s last remaining populations of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, endangered turtle species, and wetland birds.  Through the Savannakhet Landscape Program funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Union (EU) under the Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR Project (ECILL), WCS is supporting local authorities, partners and communities to develop land and resource-use plans that improve local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. “Through the community-led initiatives, the program provides a major contribution to the preservation of these critical national assets by allowing the communities in and around the wetlands to adapt their approaches to climate change”, said Mr Vongsavanh Viengmany, Governor of Champhone District. He also stressed the importance of educating the youth about the need to preserve and restore wetlands. “I am delighted to see the enthusiasm from the students to reflect and think about a sustainable future for their land.” Phacksouliya Phommatheth, WCS Savannakhet Program Coordinator added “we all have a role to play in the conservation of wetlands and we should continue working together for clean, productive wetlands that sustain wildlife and local communities. Improved planning and resource management is needed for the long-term benefits of both people and wildlife.” The World Wetlands Day event was attended by over 220 people from the government of Lao PDR at national and subnational levels, offices at provincial level: Agriculture and Forestry, Natural Resources and Environment, Education and Sports, Information, Culture and Tourism, Women’s Union, Lao Youth Union, Foreign Affairs, teachers and students. jmauer@wcs.org Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22063 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19312/Approval-of-the-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-Management-Plan-and-Field-Visit-to-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-Wetlands.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=19312 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=19312&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19312/Approval-of-the-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-Management-Plan-and-Field-Visit-to-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-Wetlands.aspx On Monday April 10th, 2023, the Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment held the meeting on Approval of the Xe Champhone Ramsar Management Plan under the co-chairmanship of Mr. Chanthaneth Boualapha, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and Mrs. Lingkham Sengtavanh, Vice Governor of Savannakhet Province with relevant participants from local level and INGOs including Provincial of Natural Resources and Environment; Provincial of Agriculture and Forestry; Provincial of Information, Culture and Tourism; Provincial of Education and Sport; District Governor, District of Agriculture and Forestry Office, District of Natural Resources and Environment Office from Champhone, Songkhone, Sonnabouly district; WCS; IUCN; and FAO to witness in the signing ceremony of the Xe Champhone Ramsar Management Plan at Savannakhet Province Governor’s Office.  Xe Champhone Wetlands, located in Savannakhet Province, is the largest of Lao PDR’s two Ramsar sites and contains core habitats of critically endangered Siamese Crocodile, freshwater turtles and tortoises, wetland birds, and other plant and aquatic species which led to the site being declared a “Wetland of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention. Xe Champhone Ramsar Management Plan was developed with the aim of strengthening the understanding and mutual agreement between those involved in the wetland management,  to create an integrated framework for the management and development of the wetlands, and to improve the quality of community’s livelihood while ensuing the richness of the ecological system of wetlands in accordance with the national and local economic development plan and the Ramsar Convention.  During the meeting, the Department of Water Resources reported on the steps made to create the management plan, then presented the draft Xe Champhone Ramsar Management Plan and the draft decree on wetlands. Xe Champhone Ramsar boundary extension proposed plan was presented by WCS. Representatives from the relevant parties emphasized the importance of boundary marking being made priority and the need to raise public awareness to recognize the significance of Ramsar wetlands area. Key protection issues were also addressed including the delineation for control use zone versus total protect zone, monitoring the quality and quantity of water; detailed plan to improve community's livelihoods, with a special focus on land use plan in order to prevent encroachment in Xe Champhone Wetlands and the amount of water in the basin area of Xe Champhone Wetlands.  The following day, 11 April 2023, WCS staff from Savannakhet Landscape Program led a team from the Department of Water Resources, MONRE; PoNRE and DoNRE to visit the Xe Champhone Ramsar Wetlands and Siamese crocodile head-starting facility at Ban Tansoum, Champhone district. WCS’s Lao PDR Program together with Provincial of Agriculture and Forestry, Provincial of Natural resources and Environment, and local administration authorities, designed and implemented the Community-based Crocodile Recovery and Livelihood Improvement Project, whose goal is the recovery of the local Siamese crocodile population and restoration of associated wetlands, linked by socio-economic incentives that improve local livelihoods.   This project was made possible thorough funding by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union (EU) Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR "ECILL" Project.  The ECILL program is a partnership between Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union (EU) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in joint efforts with the Lao government and local communities to protect the Lao PDR’s unique biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources.  jmauer@wcs.org Wed, 12 Apr 2023 04:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:19312 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19313/Savannakhet-Government-officials-walk-to-celebrate-World-Wetlands-Day.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=19313 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=19313&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/19313/Savannakhet-Government-officials-walk-to-celebrate-World-Wetlands-Day.aspx Wetlands support biodiversity stability and growth, but did you know that 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared in the past 50 years? This is a trend that must be reversed. Wetland restoration has a dramatic impact on our globe and benefits us in multiple ways including reviving biodiversity, improving water supplies, storing carbon, reducing extreme weather, improves livelihoods, boosts eco-tourism, and enhances well-being. World Wetlands Day takes place globally every February 2nd to serve as an opportunity to highlight wetland biodiversity, its status, why it matters and to promote actions to reverse its loss. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) works with communities and government to protect and restore Lao wetlands including the Xe Champhone Wetland. Xe Champhone Wetland, located in Savannakhet Province, is the largest of Lao PDR’s two Ramser sites and contains core habitat for a globally important population of the critically endangered Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), a fact which led to the site being declared a “Wetland of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention. On February 10th, the Vice Governor of Savannakhet Mrs. Lingthong Sengtavanh, government representatives from Central, Provincial and District levels, including the Department of Forestry, and Department of Water Resources joined university students and WCS staff walked along the Mekong River in Savannakhet under the banner “It’s time for wetland restoration.” “As the first World Wetlands Day walk in Savannakhet, this is a significant and meaningful event. It celebrates and increases awareness of how important wetlands are for Lao PDR, especially for Savannakhet Province. Wetlands are valuable for life, providing food and livelihoods as well as a habitat for biodiversity, including crocodiles, turtles, fish, and birds.” Said the Vice governor in her opening remarks, continuing “We must work together to conserve our wetlands, by stopping the throwing of rubbish, hunting of wildlife, and illegal acts like electro-fishing. We must stop the clearance of the wetlands and stop land grabbing by people who then try to sell. We must proactively manage and balance activities around the wetlands, or problems will increase such as sedimentation, impacts of droughts and floods.” WCS works to secure protections against the destruction of critical habitats while also working to provide local communities with improved planning for more sustainable resource use, and alternative livelihoods that support sustainable wetlands management through funding by the Margret A. Cargill Foundation, and the European Union and French Development Agency financed Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR "ECILL" Project. jmauer@wcs.org Sun, 12 Feb 2023 04:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:19313 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17718/Siamese-Crocodile-conservation-milestone-achieved-at-the-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-Wetland-Complex.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=17718 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17718&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17718/Siamese-Crocodile-conservation-milestone-achieved-at-the-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-Wetland-Complex.aspx Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, together with their government partners and members of the Ban Natay Village Conservation Team conducted field biodiversity monitoring and collected eggs from the nest of a Siamese crocodile in the Greater Xe Champhone Wetlands in Savannakhet Province. Siamese crocodiles are critically endangered, with less than 1,000 individuals in the wild. In natural populations far less than 5% of eggs laid will be able to survive to adulthood. By collecting eggs from a few nests each year and then raising hatchlings for 2 years until they are nearly 1 meter in length, the Xe Champhone population can have a much better and faster chance to recover. This program is fully supported by local communities who have long prohibited any hunting of the crocodiles due to traditional beliefs and have never reported any issues with the shy species. The mother crocodile was raised in captivity and released eight years ago. She successfully built a nest and laid eggs, making this the first documented case of a “head-started” Siamese crocodile nesting in the wild in Laos and only the 2nd time globally, as in 2020 scientists with Fauna and Flora International (FFI) found a captive-reared female nesting in 2020, however all of the eggs in that nest were unfortunately infertile. After crocodiles hatch, scientists notch particular scales in their tails, a process called scute marking. This mother crocodile was identified as number 36, and records show she hatched in the Ban Tansoum community-run head-starting facility in August 11, 2012 and was released into the wild in 2014. During the seasonal floods which occur each year, she made her way to an oxbow lake several Kilometers away from her original release site, another promising finding that this elusive and difficult to track species is expanding across the landscape. “This was a very exciting day for Siamese crocodile conservation across South East Asia as it gives further evidence that the head-starting model is a successful tool in the recovery of this critically endangered species,” said Samuel Leslie, Savannakhet Landscape Program Director, who joined the nest survey expedition that was led by WCS regional herpetology specialist Dr. Steve Platt and Savannakhet Biodiversity Officer Sounatha Boutxakittilath. The Xe Champhone Wetlands are home to Lao PDR’s last remaining breeding populations of Siamese crocodiles, a fact which lead to the site being declared a “Wetland of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention. While local spiritual beliefs provide strong protections to these crocodiles from hunting, ongoing habitat destruction inside and adjacent to the Ramsar Site puts this population at great risk. Only 3 out of 30 of Crocodile #36’s eggs were found to be fertile, which could be tied to recent large land clearings next to this oxbow lake, that may have driven male crocodiles away. Luckily other nests have held a higher percentage of fertile eggs. WCS is working to secure protections against the destruction of critical habitats while also working to provide local communities with improved planning for more sustainable resource use, and alternative livelihoods that support sustainable wetlands management through funding by the Margret A. Cargill Foundation, and the European Union and French Development Agency financed Ecosystem Conservation through Integrated Landscape Management in Lao PDR "ECILL" Project. Fri, 17 Jun 2022 11:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17718 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/911/Nineteen-Baby-Siamese-Crocodiles-Released-in-Lao-PDR-by-WCS-and-Partners.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=911 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=911&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/911/Nineteen-Baby-Siamese-Crocodiles-Released-in-Lao-PDR-by-WCS-and-Partners.aspx Fewer than 250 of the critically endangered crocs remain in the wild Release is a collaboration of WCS, Government of Lao PDR, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment,  Minmetals Resources Limited, Lao Zoo,  and local communities THAN SOUM, LAO PDR (February 21, 2012) — The Wildlife Conservation Society announced today the successful release of 19 critically endangered baby Siamese crocodiles into a local wetland in Lao PDR, where they will be repatriated into the wild. The 19-month-old hatchlings, approximately 70 cm (27 inches) in length, are part of a head-starting program where crocodiles are hatched at the Lao Zoo for eventual release into their native habitat.  Conservationists estimate that less than 250 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss. The release took place in the village of Than Soum in the Xe Champhone wetland complex in Savanakhet Province near where the eggs of the 19 crocodiles were found during wildlife surveys in 2011. The hatchlings were transported from the Lao Zoo to a ‘soft release’ pen and will remain for several months to acclimate with the local area. Members of the Village Crocodile Conservation Group will guard the pen and provide supplementary feeding of the hatchlings to ensure their survival. Once the rainy season begins, the water level in the wetland will rise and allow the crocodiles to swim away, where they will be monitored periodically by conservationists.  A public ceremony will take place on March 6th in Than Soum where local community members will celebrate this collaborative effort with WCS, Government of Lao PDR, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Minmetals Resources Limited, and the Lao Zoo. WCS Lao PDR Program designed and implemented the release as part of the Community-based Crocodile Recovery and Livelihood Improvement Project. The goal of the program is the recovery of the local Siamese crocodile population and restoration of associated wetlands, linked by socio-economic incentives that improve local livelihoods.  “We are extremely pleased with the success of this collaborative program and believe it is an important step in contributing to the conservation of the species by involving local communities in long term wetland management,” said Alex McWilliam a conservation biologist with WCS’s Lao PDR Program. “The head starting component of this integrated WCS program represents a significant contribution to the conservation of this magnificent animal in the wild.” Rick Watsford, General Manager, MMG Lane Xang Minerals Limited Sepon, said: “MMG is proud to support the work of the Government of Lao PDR and the WCS in relation to this program. This support demonstrates our company’s commitment contributing positively to the communities in which we operate.”  Joe Walston, WCS Executive Director for Asia Programs, said: “Successful conservation is about partnerships – whether it’s at the global level with climate change and wildlife trade or the local level with tigers and crocs – the collective support of local communities, governments, and the private sector in Laos makes stories like this so encouraging.”  Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Siamese crocodile grows up to 10 feet in length. The species has been eliminated from much of its former range through Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia by overhunting and habitat degradation and loss.  In 2014, the head-starting component of the program will be taken on by local communities in the Xe Champhone wetland complex. WCS has already conducted training for this transition and implemented a trial program of rearing young crocodiles at Than Soum village.  The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. Visit www.wcs.org.  CONTACT:  STEPHEN SAUTNER: (1-718-220-3682; ssautner@wcs.org) JOHN DELANEY: (1-718-220-3275; jdelaney@wcs.org) pEshoo@wcs.org Tue, 12 Feb 2013 02:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:911 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/912/WCS-Helps-Hatch-Rare-Siamese-Crocodiles-in-Lao-PDR.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6014&ModuleID=11805&ArticleID=912 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=912&PortalID=118&TabID=6014 https://programs.wcs.org/laos/Admin-Plus/News-Manager/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/912/WCS-Helps-Hatch-Rare-Siamese-Crocodiles-in-Lao-PDR.aspx New program focuses on saving Critically Endangered reptile and its wetland habitat NEW YORK (August 30, 2011)—Working with the government of Lao PDR, the Wildlife Conservation Society has helped to successfully hatch a clutch of 20 Siamese crocodiles, a species threatened across its range by hunting, habitat fragmentation and loss, and other factors. Hatched from eggs taken from the wild and incubated at the Laos Zoo, the baby crocodiles represent a success for a new program that works to save the Siamese crocodile and the wetlands and associated biodiversity of Laos’ Savannakhet Province. The project is supported by the Savannakhet Province Agriculture and Forestry Office and MMG LXML Sepon.   “We’re thrilled at the prospect of augmenting the wild population of Siamese crocodiles with a new batch of healthy juveniles,” said Chris Hallam, Conservation Planning Advisor for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Lao PDR Program and the crocodile project coordinator. “It’s a small but important step in helping to conserve a valuable part of the natural heritage of Lao PDR for the benefit of future generations.” Launched in 2008 as the Crocodile Resource Management Plan, the project uses crocodile conservation as a means of protecting the larger landscape. The first phase of the project focused on surveys of crocodiles, the wetlands where they occur, and the livelihoods of local communities in Savannakhet Province. Survey teams located small numbers of crocodiles in several sites in the province’s river systems and wetlands. The recently hatched eggs are part of the crocodile replenishment phase of the project, where eggs from wild nests are transported to captive settings in order to boost the survivorship of the clutches. The hatchlings will be released as second-year juveniles, when the reptiles are large and robust enough to avoid mortality in the wild. The plan, say organizers, also relies on input and involvement from local communities, who will help promote the recovery of the Siamese crocodile and the habitat on which many livelihoods rely. "This integrated project promotes the conservation of an entire landscape by highlighting the critical connections between an endangered species and local livelihoods,” said Joe Walston, Director of WCS’s Asia Program. Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Siamese crocodile grows up to 10 feet in length. The species has been eliminated from much of its former range through Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia by overhunting and habitat degradation and loss.  Contact: John Delaney: (1-718-220-3275; jdelaney@wcs.org) Stephen Sautner: (1-718-220 3682; ssautner@wcs.org)   pEshoo@wcs.org Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:912