Animals in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

Updated: June 12, 2021
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Below you can find a complete list of Lao animals. We currently track 257 animals in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and are adding more every day!

Despite being surrounded on all sides by land, the Southeast Asian country of Laos maintains three distinct ecosystems. Mountains to the north give way to a plateau in the center of the country before extending into lush broadleaf forest. Trees tend to touch practically everything that hasn’t been uprooted for the sake of human settlements, and the presence of a wet season with frequent monsoons ensures a tropical rainforest environment throughout most of the country.

The density and vitality of the forests and wetlands to the south have made them a veritable paradise for primates and birds. Only two of the 767 bird species in Laos were introduced by humans, and they include a wide selection of bright and tropical species. Six different species of gibbon have managed to carve out communities for themselves despite approaching extinction. But Laos’ ecological diversity also allows it to support large roaming herbivores like elephants and vicious and solitary predators like the clouded leopard.

The Official National Animal of Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

The elephant is the official national animal of Laos, a reflection on both the unique virtues of this unique animal and on the spiritual makeup of the Laotian people. Buddhism is the predominant spirituality in Laos, and Buddhism recognizes the elephant as a symbol of mental and physical fortitude as well as loyalty. In more unique national terms, the elephant is seen as a symbol of the legendary kingdom of Lan Xang. Lan Xang holds importance as a symbol of Laos’ noble history and future potential. For these reasons, Laos is sometimes known as the “Land of a Million Elephants”.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

Laos may be home to a number of endangered species, but there’s also been a conscious effort to make sure that their ecological beauty is highlighted. In many cases, you’ll find sanctuaries dedicated to specific at-risk species. There are multiple elephant sanctuaries as well as conservation-oriented habitats for the various endangered gibbon species.

Most of these reserves and sanctuaries are privately owned and offer tours that allow you glimpses of the animals. Unfortunately, these are increasingly becoming the last remaining places where many of these animals can be seen — and that’s particularly true of huge, roving animals like elephants who are rapidly losing the amount of wild space they need to survive.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Lao Peoples Democratic Republic Today

Whether you’re up in the mountains or down in the wetlands, there is some seriously dangerous wildlife throughout the habitats of Laos. And while many of these fearsome predators are actually endangered species, that doesn’t mean you should be staring down this type of wildlife.

  • Snakes pose arguably the clearest and present animal threat in Laos. The country is home to 22 different species of venomous snakes, and some of them rank among the most dangerous in the world. The Malayan Krait, for instance, kills half of the people it bites. That’s in part due to the fact that the venom can kill you in 12 hours.
  • Tigers are mostly extinct in Laos, but the clouded leopard is more than capable of making up the difference. Despite being relatively small and solitary, they’re every bit as fierce as a tiger when cornered. Some have even been known to pick fights with crocodiles.
  • The sun bear may look cuter than its black and brown counterparts, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous, or any less protective of their young. In fact, their four-inch-long claws are especially painful as weapons. Fortunately, sun bears are nocturnal and rarely come into contact with humans.

Endangered Animals

Laos’ fauna diversity is a priceless boon, but the country is also home to a large number of endangered animals. Two breeds of rhinoceros (the Sumatran and Javan) and the massive ox known as a kouprey are all classified as critically endangered wildlife and are particularly at risk of becoming extinct.

Also endangered but not on the critically endangered list are Siamese crocodiles, the Asian elephant, and the tiger. All told, nearly 20% of the indigenous life in Laos is considered a vulnerable or endangered species. Fortunately, increased attention to poaching and the rising success of ecotourism in Laos are helping spur conservation efforts throughout the country.

Lao Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Antelope

Renew their horns every year!

Archerfish

Archerfish can shoot a stream of water up to five feet with amazing accuracy.

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Asian Elephant

Domesticated for hundreds of years!

Asian Giant Hornet

The largest wasp in the world!

Asian Palm Civet

It mainly eats mangos and coffee!

Atlas Moth

Adult atlas moths do not eat - they live off fat they stored as larvae.

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Bamboo Rat

They make a "boop, boop, boop" sound when danger draws near their burrow.

Bamboo Worms

Bamboo worms are the larvae of moths that are eaten as a delicious snack in some parts of Asia.

Banana Spider

People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.

Barb

There are over 1768 known species!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Beauty rat snake

Beauty Rat Snakes are relatively harmless if left undisturbed, only attempting to bite out of fear.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Binturong

Also known as the Asian Bearcat!

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blind Snake

The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.

Brahminy Blindsnake

These snakes have been introduced to all continents, except Antarctica!

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Bronze-winged Jacana

Fathers pick up their young and carry them under their wings

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Burmese Python

These snakes can swallow their prey as whole.

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cashmere Goat

Cashmere goat are named after Kashmir regions of India and Pakistan

Cat

May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cicada

Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans

Cinereous Vulture

This vulture can fly at great heights. At least one was found a few thousand feet from the top of Mount Everest.

Clouded Leopard

Has canines that can be two inches long!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Raven

A group of ravens is called an unkindness or a conspiracy.

Coral Snake

There are over 80 species of coral snake worldwide.

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cosmic Caterpillar

Cosmic caterpillars have spots on their back that look like eyes to scare off predators.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Cow Reticulated Python

Cow reticulated pythons hatch solid white, then develop spots as they mature.

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab-Eating Macaque

Found throughout the South-East Asian jungles!

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crocodylomorph

Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Dhole

Only 2,000 left in the wild!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Douc

When these monkeys want to mate, they wiggle their eyebrows.

Draco Volans Lizard

Beneath the lizard’s “wings” are a pair of enlarged ribs for support.

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Elephant

Spends around 22 hours a day eating!

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Fire Eel

Fire Eels are not true eels.

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Lemur

The second pair of upper incisors in a flying lemur has a double root, which is unique for mammals.

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Bat

Among the largest bats in the world

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gazelle

Named for the Arabic word for love poems

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

Gerbil

Originally known as the Desert Rat!

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Gibbon

Found in dense jungles and tropical forests!

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Green Bee-Eater

Mainly eats honeybees!

Green Rat Snake

The green rat snake catches its meals in midair!

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Horseshoe Crab

Changed little in over 500 million years!

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Indian Elephant

Found throughout south-east Asia!

Indochinese Tiger

Now thought to be extinct in China!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jerboa

Tiny rodent with a kangaroo-like jump!

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

King Cobra

They are the longest venomous snake in the world.

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Kouprey

The kouprey is one of the rarest mammals in the world

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leopard Cat

There are 11 different species!

Liger

The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Loach

Have sharp spines below their eyes

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Lorikeet

The lorikeet has a long brush-like tongue with fine hairs on it

Loris

Like all lorises, slow loris has a cute wide-eyed look, but it also has a venomous sting that can rot human flesh. 

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Mandarin Rat Snake

"This docile snake is a popular and long-lived pet - though challenging to care for - with a lifespan of up to 21 years!"

Masked Palm Civet

Found throughout Asia, India and China!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Mekong Giant Catfish

The Mekong giant catfish is the largest purely freshwater fish in the world

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mongoose

Range in size from just 1 to 3 foot!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monitor Lizard

Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!

Monkey

There are around 260 known species!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Muntjac

The muntjac is the smallest type of deer in the world

Myna Bird

Many people believe the hill myna bird is better at mimicking humans than a parrot!

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Northern Pintail

Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Pangolin

Bad eyesight, but great sense of smell

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Peacock

Most commonly found on the Indian mainland!

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

The pheasant-tailed jacana is the only species in its family that migrates long distances.

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pipe Snake

Some of these snakes flatten their neck and raise their heads to imitate cobras if they’re threatened.

Pit Viper

Pit vipers's fangs fold up into their mouths when they don't need them.

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Redback Spider

The redback spiders found in New Caledonia differ from other populations in that they don’t practice sexual cannibalism and don’t bite people as much.

Reticulated python

These popular pets can get big enough to kill their owner.

Rhesus Macaque

Rhesus Macaques are the most widely distributed primate in terms of geographic diversity

Rhinoceros

It's horns are made from keratin!

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sambar

Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers

Saola

Only known to science since 1992!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)

Can live in low-oxygen environments!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spitting Cobra

Spitting cobras are types of cobras that can spit venom at predators and prey.

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Sun Bear

The smallest species of bear in the world!

Sunbeam Snake

Sunbeam snakes have two lungs instead of just a single lung like most snake species.

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tapir

Most closely related to horses and rhinos!

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger

The largest feline in the world!

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tokay Gecko

The Tokay gecko gets its onomatopoeic name from its "To-kay!" barking call.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Tree Viper (Bamboo Viper)

Pit vipers can strike accurately at moving objects less than .5 degrees Farenheit warmer than the background.

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Vinegaroon

Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Dragon

Spends most of it's time in the trees!

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

White Tiger

None have been seen in the wild for 50 years!

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Snake

Harmless, but with fangs like a wolf.

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Zebu

There are around 75 different species!

Lao Animals List

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About the Author

AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and -- of course -- pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What kind of animals live in Laos?

While there’s a decent amount of diversity in the habitats scattered throughout Laos, the country’s predominant ecosystem is the rainforest. As a result, it’s home to some of the most exotic wildlife we associate with the jungle. These include fierce jungle cats like the clouded leopard, numerous species of primate, rare Siamese crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. But less densely forested areas allow for larger herbivores like pigs, kouprey, and elephants to find a life in Laos as well.

Are there monkeys in Laos?

There are actually no monkeys in Laos, but the country is home to a decent variety of apes that are primates like monkeys. Six different species of gibbon call Laos their home — a feature of note considering that gibbons are on the brink of going extinct entirely. Although they aren’t at risk of going extinct, macaques are also notable residents thanks to their remarkable intelligence and friendliness towards humans.

Are there still tigers in Laos?

Unfortunately, tigers are considered functionally extinct in Laos. While there may be a few lone tigers who live in Laos or pass through seasonally, there are no functioning communities of tigers in Laos. The same is true for Vietnam. This is in contrast to areas like China, Nepal, and Russia where tiger populations are actually beginning to grow.

Are pandas in Laos?

No species of panda is endemic to Laos, but sometimes pandas end up in the country as a result of illegal trafficking. For instance, a pair of red pandas were recovered in Laos during a smuggling bust, and they were moved to a wildlife sanctuary for recovery and integration. You’ll have to travel to China to see a giant panda, or the Eastern Himalayas to spot a red panda.