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
Stunningly beautiful wings
First evolved 100 million years ago!
Renew their horns every year!
Archerfish can shoot a stream of water up to five feet with amazing accuracy.
They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food
Domesticated for hundreds of years!
The largest wasp in the world!
It mainly eats mangos and coffee!
Adult atlas moths do not eat - they live off fat they stored as larvae.
Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!
They make a "boop, boop, boop" sound when danger draws near their burrow.
Bamboo worms are the larvae of moths that are eaten as a delicious snack in some parts of Asia.
People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.
There are over 1768 known species!
Found everywhere around the world!
Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.
Detects prey using echolocation!
There are 8 different species!
Beauty Rat Snakes are relatively harmless if left undisturbed, only attempting to bite out of fear.
Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.
Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years
There are more than 350,000 different species
Also known as the Asian Bearcat!
Not all birds are able to fly!
The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast
They typically prey on insects!
The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.
These snakes have been introduced to all continents, except Antarctica!
“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”
Fathers pick up their young and carry them under their wings
Can live its entire life indoors
The most common species of bee!
These snakes can swallow their prey as whole.
There are thought to be up 17,500 species!
The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.
Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!
Cashmere goat are named after Kashmir regions of India and Pakistan
May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.
The larvae of a moth or butterfly!
There are nearly 3,000 different species!
There are about 3,000 documented species!
First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!
Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans
This vulture can fly at great heights. At least one was found a few thousand feet from the top of Mount Everest.
Has canines that can be two inches long!
Dated to be around 300 million years old!
Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.
The most common raptor in the UK!
The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood
House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.
A group of ravens is called an unkindness or a conspiracy.
There are over 80 species of coral snake worldwide.
They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.
Cosmic caterpillars have spots on their back that look like eyes to scare off predators.
There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!
Cow reticulated pythons hatch solid white, then develop spots as they mature.
There are 93 different crab groups
Found throughout the South-East Asian jungles!
Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings
Many are critically endangered species!
Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together
Have changed little in 200 million years!
Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.
A group of these birds is called a Murder.
There are around 40 different species!
Only 2,000 left in the wild!
First domesticated in South-East Asia!
Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals
First domesticated 5,000 years ago!
Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!
When these monkeys want to mate, they wiggle their eyebrows.
Beneath the lizard’s “wings” are a pair of enlarged ribs for support.
It's larvae are carnivorous!
Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!
The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight
Has exceptional eyesight!
They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs
There are nearly 2,000 different species!
Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!
Spends around 22 hours a day eating!
The fastest creatures on the planet!
False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders
The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.
Found across mainland Europe and Asia!
Fire Eels are not true eels.
The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world
Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air
There are more than 240,000 different species!
The second pair of upper incisors in a flying lemur has a double root, which is unique for mammals.
Can glide up to 90 meters!
Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"
There are around 7,000 different species!
Among the largest bats in the world
Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world
Named for the Arabic word for love poems
There are thought to be over 2,000 species!
Originally known as the Desert Rat!
The most common type of urban roach
Found in dense jungles and tropical forests!
Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!
Males form large mating swarms at dusk
Most closely related to the Sheep!
Migrates between Europe and Asia!
There are 29 different species!
There are 11,000 known species!
The green rat snake catches its meals in midair!
One of the most invasive species in the world
Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!
Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!
Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.
Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!
Inhabits wetlands around the world!
There are only 8 recognized species!
Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!
Has evolved over 50 million years!
Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.
Changed little in over 500 million years!
Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!
Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.
Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!
Found throughout south-east Asia!
Now thought to be extinct in China!
There are an estimated 30 million species!
Tiny rodent with a kangaroo-like jump!
Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies
They are the longest venomous snake in the world.
Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!
The kouprey is one of the rarest mammals in the world
There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!
There are 11 different species!
The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!
There are around 5,000 different species!
Have sharp spines below their eyes
Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.
Ear tufts make it look bigger!
Often hangs upside down while feeding!
The lorikeet has a long brush-like tongue with fine hairs on it
Like all lorises, slow loris has a cute wide-eyed look, but it also has a venomous sting that can rot human flesh.
They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!
"This docile snake is a popular and long-lived pet - though challenging to care for - with a lifespan of up to 21 years!"
Found throughout Asia, India and China!
There are 2,500 known species worldwide!
They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
The Mekong giant catfish is the largest purely freshwater fish in the world
Some species have a poisonous bite!
Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!
Range in size from just 1 to 3 foot!
Has characteristics of two or more breeds!
Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!
There are around 260 known species!
Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!
Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood
There are 250,000 different species!
Found on every continent on Earth!
The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!
The muntjac is the smallest type of deer in the world
Many people believe the hill myna bird is better at mimicking humans than a parrot!
Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!
Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long
Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!
Named more than 1,000 years ago!
There are more than 5,000 species.
Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!
Females are about four times the size of males
There are 13 different species worldwide
The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees
Bad eyesight, but great sense of smell
Can live for up to 100 years!
Most commonly found on the Indian mainland!
Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!
The pheasant-tailed jacana is the only species in its family that migrates long distances.
Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!
They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.
Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas
Some of these snakes flatten their neck and raise their heads to imitate cobras if they’re threatened.
Pit vipers's fangs fold up into their mouths when they don't need them.
There are 500 different species!
There are 30 different species worldwide!
The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.
Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!
There are more than 300 different species!
Omnivores that eat anything!
Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.
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.
These popular pets can get big enough to kill their owner.
Rhesus Macaques are the most widely distributed primate in terms of geographic diversity
It's horns are made from keratin!
Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!
There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!
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.
Will mate with the entire flock!
Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.
There are more than 700 different species!
Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers
Only known to science since 1992!
There are around 2,000 known species!
The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner
Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!
Around 35 million in the English countryside!
The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.
There are 2,000 different species worldwide!
Can live in low-oxygen environments!
Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.
Found widely throughout British gardens!
They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce
Has up to 45 eggs per egg case
There are nearly 1,000 different species!
There are around 4,000 known species worldwide
There are 140 different species!
They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.
Spitting cobras are types of cobras that can spit venom at predators and prey.
Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!
There are more than 3,000 different species!
Average adults weigh about 200 grams!
They can’t sing like other birds.
The smallest species of bear in the world!
Sunbeam snakes have two lungs instead of just a single lung like most snake species.
Populations have been affected by pollution!
Most closely related to horses and rhinos!
Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.
Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!
The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.
They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite
The largest feline in the world!
The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world
The Tokay gecko gets its onomatopoeic name from its "To-kay!" barking call.
Can live until they are more than 150 years old!
Found in warmer jungles and forests!
Pit vipers can strike accurately at moving objects less than .5 degrees Farenheit warmer than the background.
Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.
Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted
Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most
There are 30 different species worldwide!
There are around 75,000 recognised species!
Has been domesticated for thousands of years!
Spends most of it's time in the trees!
The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!
There are two different types of white ferrets!
None have been seen in the wild for 50 years!
Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!
Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!
Harmless, but with fangs like a wolf.
Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.
This animal can roll up into a ball
Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.
There are 200 different species!
There are around 75 different species!
Lao Animals List
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.