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.