A Preliminary Wildlife and Habitat Survey of Xe Sap National Biodiversity Conservation Area and Mountains to the South, Salavan Province, Lao PDR

Conducted April to May 1996

Final report to the Centre for Protected Areas and Watershed Management, Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic

R.J. Timmins and Chantavi Vongkhamheng

Vientiane 1996

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY, New York A Preliminary Wildlife and Habitat Survey of Xe Sap National Biodiversity Conservation Area and Mountains to the South, Salavan Province, Lao PDR

Conducted April to May 1996

Final report to the Centre for Protected Areas and Watershed Management, Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic

R. J. Timmins and Chantavi Vongkhamheng

Vientiane 1996

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY P. O. Box 6712 Vientiane Lao PDR

Copyright © WCS and DFRC, 1996.

Reproduction of material from this document for education or other non-commercial purposes is authorised without the prior permission of Wildlife Conservation Society, provided the source is acknowledged.

The findings, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this document represent those of the authors and do not imply the endorsement of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Department of Forest Resource Conservation (DFRC) or affiliated organisations. Revisions and updates to taxonomy have been made since this document was originally produced.

The designation of geographical entities in this document, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of WCS or DFRC or affiliated organisations, concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

2 CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

RECOMMENDATIONS

PART 1: SURVEY AREA 1.1 BACKGROUND 1.2 GEOGRAPHY 1.3 HUMAN SETTLEMENT 1.4 ACCESS

PART 2: SURVEY DESCRIPTION 2.1 METHODOLOGY 2.2 PARTICIPANTS 2.3 OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES 2.4 LIMITATION

PART 3: FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO HABITAT 3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 3.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF AND THREATS TO HABITAT

PART 4: FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO WILDLIFE 4.1 SIGNIFICANCE OF AND THREATS TO WILDLIFE 4.2 KEY SPECIES ACCOUNTS

PART 5: FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO HUMAN USE 5.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW 5.2 NATURAL RESOURCE USE 5.3 ROAD LINK WITH VIETNAM 5.4 VIETNAMESE INCURSION 5.5 EFFECTS OF THE AMERICAN-INDOCHINESE CONFLICT

PART 6: DISCUSSION: THE XE SAP NBCA AND THE PROPOSED PHOU AJOL EXTENSION, A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

REFERENCES

ANNEXES ANNEX 1: MAPS AND PLACE NAMES ANNEX 2: TERMINOLOGY AND CONVENTIONS 2.1 KEY SPECIES 2.2 NOMENCLATURE AND SYSTEMATICS ANNEX 3: STATUS OF BIRD SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE SURVEY ANNEX 4: STATUS OF MAMMAL SPECIES IN THE SURVEY AREA

3 Tables Table 1: Dates, locations, observers and survey effort of the Xe Sap NBCA and proposed Phou Ajol extension areas. Table 2: Records of Key Species from the Xe Sap NBCA and areas to the south, and a preliminary assessment of their importance. Table 3: Village and other locality names of the Xe Sap NBCA and proposed Phou Ajol extension areas; names in local use related to names and locations on the RDP Lao Service Geographique d'Etat, 1: 100 000 maps. Table 4: Bird species recorded during the survey. Table 5: Mammal species in the survey area.

Figures Figure 1: Topographic map showing the Xe Sap NBCA and the proposed Phou Ajol extension. Figure 2: Local geography and areas surveyed, of the Xe Sap NBCA and the proposed Phou Ajol extension. Figure 3: Forest cover of the Xe Sap NBCA and the proposed Phou Ajol extension.

ABBREVIATIONS c., approximate[ly] CPAWM, Centre for Protected Area and Watershed Management (formerly NONC) GNT, Globally Near-Threatened GT, Globally Threatened NBCA, National Biodiversity Conservation Area NHD, National Historical Decline sensu Thewlis et al. in prep. NOFIP, National Office of Forest Inventory and Planning RAR, species Regionally at Risk (for birds sensu Treesucon and Round 1990, for mammals sensu Salter 1993)

Meanings of commonly used Lao words in place names: Ban, village Phou, mountain Xe, large river Nam, river/stream Houay, [seasonal] stream

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The survey was funded by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation. We are particularly grateful to the staff of the Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Offices in Salavan, Sekong and Dakchung, for their assistance in planning of fieldwork. The staff of the Centre for Protected Areas and Watershed Management are thanked for their unflagging assistance and advice, in all aspects and stages of the WCS Wildlife and Habitat Inventory Project, particularly, Chanthaviphone Inthavong, Vene Vongphet, Saleumsy Phithayaphone, Sivanavong Siwathvong, Boonhom Sounthala and Khamkhoun Khounboline.

Cover Illustration: Malayan Sun Bear Ursus malayanus drawn by Ray Burrows

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The survey was conducted between 28 April and 24 May 1996. The primary aim was to determine the conservation importance of the Xe Sap NBCA area, and also that of further areas to the south. It became apparent that a large extent of forest, covering a large high altitude massif, the Phou Ajol, lies outside and to the south of the Xe Sap NBCA. Investigation of this forest area has led us to propose that it be designated as an extension to the Xe Sap NBCA, as it is of high biodiversity conservation value, probably equal to and possibly even greater than the existing NBCA.

The Xe Sap NBCA covers 1335 sq. km of the provinces of Salavan and Sekong along the border with Vietnam. To the south the proposed Phou Ajol extension covers an additional 1536 sq. km in the province of Sekong. Both areas are mountainous with twelve peaks over 1900 m, the highest being Phou Ajol, and form the catchments of the Xe Pon, the Xe Bang Hieng, the Xe Kong and the Xe Kaman rivers. Both areas are contiguous with forest over the border in Vietnam.

All major valleys and the lower slopes are apparently settled and have been generally heavily degraded. In some areas slopes over 1000 m have been cleared for cultivation. To the south of the proposed Phou Ajol extension, the Dakchung Plateau has also been extensively degraded. However on the plateau’s northern edge recent forest clearance is minimal, and appears to be directly due to the reliance of local communities on rice paddy cultivation. Encroachment is also apparently occurring from Vietnam

The remaining forest over most of the area is Evergreen. On Phou Ajol the higher ridges and slopes above c. 1500 m change in character with Fokienia trees becoming prominent. At the highest elevations, c. 1800 m+ the peak is cloaked in Mossy Montane Forest.

Extensive areas, mainly outside proposed boundaries, appear to be covered in secondary vegetation types, including low scrub, taller secondary growth, bamboo, and secondary forest. On the Dakchung Plateau there are also secondary pine formations and grasslands.

At least 32 Key Species are known from the area, these include two Globally Threatened bird species; Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata and Black-hooded Laughingthrush Garrulax milleti and probably also Yellow-billed Nuthatch Sitta solangiae and a further three Globally Near-Threatened species. Mammal species included Globally Threatened gibbon species Hylobates, Douc Langur Pygathrix nemaeus and Malayan Sun Bear Ursus malayanus, in addition the recently discovered Large-antlered Muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis and a small as yet unidentified muntjac species Muntiacus were also found. These highly important bird and mammal species were all found in the proposed Phou Ajol extension.

The area is intrinsically important because its high altitude forest is the largest of four such areas within the NBCA-PPA system. This value is further enhanced because the area forms part of the Southern Annamites, a biogeographic region with several endemic taxa. The proposed Phou Ajol extension is particularly important in both of these respects.

Rates of forest clearance are probably relatively high in several areas, but particularly on the northern edge of the proposed Phou Ajol extension. Hunting is probably extensive, as in the majority of Lao NBCAs. Levels of snaring on the lower slopes of Phou Ajol, and Ban Ayun at the northern end of the Dakchung Plateau, are perhaps some of the highest found during recent surveys. Other potential threats to the area include proposed road links with Vietnam, and possibly incursion by Vietnamese.

The area probably has a conservation value greater than that of several existing NBCAs including Xe Bang Nouan NBCA and Phou Xiang Thong NBCA, although it is unlikely to be as important as Nakai- Nam Theun NBCA. It’s conservation priority cannot yet be adequately assessed. Further surveys should be a high priority.

RECOMMENDATIONS

5 Recommendations are given from the standpoint which accepts the exceptional value of the Xe Sap NBCA in comparison with the most important NBCAs within Lao, and where the primary aim is to maintain this value for the long-term.

The proposed Phou Ajol extension should be added as shown in Figure 1 and the area managed with the intent of protecting, maintaining and enhancing it’s conservation value.

Considerably more wildlife and habitat survey work is necessary to: Determine the extent and levels of disturbance of remaining forest types. Determine important areas of wildlife populations and communities. Determine areas and species critically threatened by human activity.

Surveys should also cover areas of pine, although they are of lower priority.

The first priorities for protection are Crested Argus, Douc Langur, gibbon, bears, and perhaps large hornbills if they still occur.

Further inquiries should be made about the presence of Saola. If the species occurs it should be given similarly high priority for protection.

The status of the unnamed species of small muntjac, requires further investigation and possibly measures for its conservation.

The snaring of ground birds should be controlled, particularly in the southern Phou Ajol area. Deliberate snaring of Crested Argus should be stopped.

Every effort should be made to try to control shifting cultivation, and prevent further encroachment of important forest and regenerating secondary areas.

Further investigation is needed to determine the extent of use made of the area by itinerant Vietnamese.

The possibilities of increasing the use of paddy rice cultivation in communities around the new proposed boundary of Xe Sap NBCA should be investigated, using the communities of the northern Dakchung Plateau as an example.

A long-term governmental ban on the logging of Fokienia trees within the area, should be proposed and implemented as soon as possible.

If and when the road link with Vietnam is constructed conservation concerns should be taken into consideration, perhaps including alternative routes and a formal Environmental Impact Assessment.

A suggestion should be made to the Vietnamese government for the designation of a protected area in Vietnam to cover forest areas along the border adjacent to the new proposed boundary of Xe Sap NBCA.

6 PART 1: SURVEY AREA

1.1 Background The Xe Sap National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) was formerly proposed for government consideration in 1995 (Berkmuller et al. 1995). The area proposed covers some 1335 sq. km of some of the highest peaks in southern Lao (15° 57’ - 16° 19’ N; 106° 42’- 107° 27’ E). The present survey also investigated a further high altitude area to the south of current boundaries which includes the largest and highest massif in the southern Lao Annamites. This has resulted in the proposal to include 1536 sq. km of this massif (15° 30’ - 16° 00’ N; 107° 00’ - 107° 25’E) as a southern extension to Xe Sap NBCA.

The only recent wildlife survey of the area was a brief survey of part of the area in January 1995 (Schaller 1995).

1.2 Geography The Xe Sap NBCA is steep mountainous terrain mainly in Taoy and Samoy districts of Salavan province, on the border with Vietnam. The area drains north into the Xe Bang Hieng, and south into the Xe Kong. 35% of the area is above 1000m and four of the peaks exceed 1900 m. The lower slopes and main river valleys are mainly degraded, non-forest habitats. The area to the south of the Sekong in Kaleum and Dakchung district of Sekong province is equally mountainous, with Phou Ajol at 2193 m the highest mountain in southern Lao. It forms a particularly large forested high altitude massif in the east. South of this area the terrain becomes rolling hills over a plateau at 800 - 1400 m (the Dakchung plateau). The Phou Ajol massif drains north and west into the Xe Kong river but to the south it forms the headwaters of the Xe Kaman river, which drains south across the Dakchung Plateau. The Dakchung Plateau has been heavily degraded with secondary Pine Forest to the south and west, and in the east a tongue of Evergreen Forest on hills along the border with Vietnam.

1.3 Human settlement Settlement is mainly concentrated in the valleys (including high headwater valleys) and surrounding lowlands of the north portion. On the Dakchung Plateau settlements are widely scattered throughout.

1.4 Access A surprisingly good road goes from Sekong town all the way to Ban Dakchung and then north to a point 9 km from Phou Ajol. Several other roads as well as numerous foot trails connect villages on the Dakchung Plateau, including one road which apparently goes to villages close to the forest along the Vietnamese border in the east. Several foot trails apparently go across to Vietnam. It was not apparent whether trails go north into the Xe Kong drainage. In the Houay Payou valley good trails generally associated with snare lines extended into the forest on surrounding hills and to moderately high slopes of Phou Ajol.

A dirt road runs to Kaleum north from Sekong and east from Salavan. From Kaleum the Xe Kong is navigable in its lower reaches within the mountains. Trails follow the river course to settlements in the upper valleys. From Kaleum a road runs north to Taoy district of Salavan and from there another road runs north east into the Xe Lanong and Xe Pon valleys of Somoy district and on to the Vietnamese border, from which foot trails run to higher settlements to the south. Few good trails apparently ascend to higher forested slopes.

The mountainous area enclosed between these roads is accessible only on foot. Trails following the Xe Kong provide perhaps the easiest access to the central area, although the Xe Sap is accessible from the Xe Pon valley.

Access to the higher Xe Kong, Xe Lon, Xe Sap, Nam Panii, Houay Katen and Xe Lange watercourses is probably much easier through Vietnam.

7 PART 2: SURVEY DESCRIPTION

2.1 Methodology The present survey aimed to make a rapid assessment of the conservation importance of both the Xe Sap NBCA and areas south to the Dakchung Plateau, based on habitat condition and wildlife populations present.

Due to the limited time available for the survey, the surveyors concentrated on locating the highest priority Key Species by direct observation or signs. Methodology followed that of other recent surveys (Timmins and Evans 1996). Field visits were made to six areas for periods between one and eleven person days. Dates and locations of fieldwork are given in Table 1.

2.2 Participants The principal surveyors were R. J. Timmins who concentrated on diurnal birds and mammals and G. B. Schaller who concentrated on large mammals, both of the Wildlife Conservation Society and Chantavi Vongkhamheng, Bounsou Souan and Kunmi000 of the Centre for Protected Areas and Watershed Management, department of Forestry.

Table 1: Dates, locations, observers and survey effort of the Xe Sap NBCA and proposed Phou Ajol extension. Dates Effort Observer Location Altitude Habitat Person- days 10 to 20 11 RJT Phou Ajol 1200 to 1950 Mossy Montane Forest, Fokienia Forest and and 22 May m Evergreen Forest 21 May 1 RJT Ban Ayun 1150 to 1400 Degraded Evergreen Forest m 23 and 24 May 1 RJT SW of Ban Dakchung 1120 to 1180 Pine Forest with grassland m 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, 2 RJT Dakchung Plateau 1000 to 1200 Degraded, non forest habitats 23 and 24 May m 28 April - 9 May 5 GBS Ban Somoy to 600 to 1500 m Secondary growth in lower valleys and slopes. headwaters of Xe Pon Evergreen Forest in higher tributary valleys, south of Ban Pahai slopes and ridges 6 GBS Ban Somoy to tributary 600 to 1000 m Secondary growth in lower valleys and slopes, of Xe Sap east of Ban including the lower part of the Xe Sap tributary. Laapi Evergreen Forest in higher tributary valleys, slopes and ridges GBS 1995 January 1995 2 GBS From Ban Dakchung to 600 to 1100 m Predominantly Secondary growth the east 4 GBS From Kaleum up the Xe 400 to 900 m Predominantly Secondary growth Kong to the Houay Tasang

Note: notes on habitat condition, human use and opportunistic wildlife observations were taken during travel periods between the sites.

2.3 Other information sources The findings of Schaller (1995) who visited both the Kaleum area including sites along the upper Xe Kong and villages in the Vicinity of Ban Dakchung are also incorporated and discussed in the text, as are those of Bergmans (1995) who visited villages and markets in the Kaleum and Dakchung areas in the winter of 1993-94 in search of mammal remains and information on local use of wildlife.

Satellite images, compiled from data collected between January 1992 and February 1994, at 1:100,000 scale (kept at the NOFIP) were analyzed on return to Vientiane. These provided a basis for the broader assessment of habitat condition and wildlife distribution.

2.4 Limitations This report constitutes a baseline assessment of the areas conservation importance. The survey was very brief and only a small proportion of the area was surveyed. While results from such limited sites probably reflect the general condition throughout the area, it must be remembered that many important aspects of human use, habitat condition and wildlife populations are likely to have been missed.

8 PART 3: FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO HABITAT

3.1 General description Little information is available on the habitat condition over most of the Xe Sap NBCA, Evergreen Forest appears still to cover most of the higher slopes and ridges, while the valleys and lower slopes appear to have been heavily degraded and in most cases support a mosaic of secondary vegetation. Figure 3 shows what is known of the landcover from satellite imagery, which unfortunately was not available for the Xe Sap NBCA.

To the south of XE Sap NBCA in the Xe Kong valley and its tributary headwaters, habitat degradation is severe. Secondary vegetation extends above 1000 m in several areas, with extensive areas apparently covered in bamboo-dominated secondary growth. The extent of secondary vegetation and relatively low density of villages suggests that the area has both been more extensively populated and that forest clearance has been a long-term factor in the area’s history. In the Xe Lange and Nam Panii valleys such degradation extends over the Vietnamese border. Forest areas are very limited, although satellite imagery of the Phou Ajol massif shows it to be apparently still well-forested although agricultural clearance is clearly encroaching from the north and northwest and on the northeast side from Vietnam. The southern edge and a western extension of the Phou Ajol massif forests form a fringe on the northern edge of the Dakchung Plateau. These edges appear to be somewhat less encroached.

On the Dakchung Plateau to the south, the landscape appears to have undergone a long history of degradation and cultivation. Many of the valleys have small paddy rice fields. Some areas have apparently reverted to tall grassland while most is covered in a mosaic of hill rice cultivation, scrubby secondary, taller secondary growth including large stands of bamboo, low stature secondary forest, Pine Forest and grazed short grass glades.

Probably no original or even old secondary forest remains in the central, southern or western (as far west as the Xe Kong) portions of the Plateau. However satellite images show a swath of Evergreen Forest in the east along the border with Vietnam, contiguous with the Phou Ajol massif in the north, but broken to the west of 107° 27’ E. This Evergreen Forest continues over the border as a similarly sized swath in Vietnam, giving way in the east to further secondary growth cultivation and habitation.

Detailed field observations were made of the forests of the Dakchung Plateau and of Phou Ajol to the north.

Pine Forest is mainly open and interspersed with areas of grass and scrub, the trees relatively small, rather than closed old growth forest of large diameter trees as found on the Nakai Plateau (Timmins and Evans 1996). Patches of Pine Forest vary considerably in size, and apparently in their age. Satellite images show the greatest concentration of Pine Forest in the central southern and western portions of the Plateau with the largest areas to the southwest of Ban Dakchung.

In the Houay Payou and Houay Charra valleys only the flattish valley bottom areas have been extensively cleared and support open vegetation and rice paddy cultivation. However the surrounding ridges and hills still support Evergreen Forest. The Evergreen Forest has been degraded and in some cases is clearly a secondary formation. Small cultivated hill rice enclaves of various ages and stages of regrowth occur throughout. To the north these ridges and hills give way quickly to the Phou Ajol massif, which is still clothed in relatively undisturbed Evergreen Forest with a relatively rich herbaceous ground cover. In many places ferns predominate, or in damper valley situations a sturdy tall herbage.

From about 1500 m the main ridges and, at slightly higher altitude, the slopes, take on a different composition, becoming mossier with Fokienia trees in evidence, making up to about 10 % of the trees over 20 cm DBH on ridges, but a considerably lower proportion on slopes. In places the understorey of the main ridges is dominated by a relatively small bamboo species (similar to, though apparently a different species, from one found growing under similar conditions in Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA), this graded into stunted Montane Mossy Forest at the highest altitudes (from c. 1800 m).

9 Two other conifer species occur patchily, particularly associated with ridges and steep slope areas, perhaps because of disturbance. At least one slope showed evidence of a fairly recent landslide with a cover of secondary forest vegetation.

3.2 Significance and threats to habitat The mountain forests of the Xe Sap NBCA and the proposed Phou Ajol extension represent an isolated biogeographic system in the southern Lao Annamites. The very high altitude areas are particularly unique in their isolation from similar areas elsewhere in Indochina. Even taken solely as a botanical formation they are likely to have considerable conservation value. These forest areas are also important for the high proportion of high altitude forest they make up in the whole of the actual and potential protected area system in Lao. Only two other NBCAs and one PPA cover substantial high altitude forest. The Phou Ajol massif is particularly significant as the largest area of high altitude (1500 m+) forest in the southern Annamites. The intact Fokienia Forests are of particular interest, being a highly threatened formation within the region, found in only one other NBCA and one PPA, in both of which they are under considerable threat.

Pine Forests warrant further survey.

Forest clearance for cultivation is clearly a major threat to the Xe Sap NBCA and possibly more so for the proposed Phou Ajol extension. In the Houay Payou and Houay Charra area encroachment of the forest has apparently been minimized because of reliance by local communities on paddy rice. However, satellite imagery suggests that elsewhere around the Phou Ajol massif rates of encroachment are higher, suggesting a greater dependence on hill rice.

Commercial logging of Fokienia must be viewed as a serious threat in the future although there is apparently no current incentive for such activity.

10 PART 4: FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO WILDLIFE

4.1 Significance of and threats to wildlife Despite the brevity of the survey several very important species were found. The most important of these include Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata (Globally Threatened), which has been found at very few sites recently surveyed, Black-hooded Laughing Thrush Garrulax milleti and Yellow-billed Nuthatch Sitta solangiae [provisional] (both Globally Threatened) which were previously only know from a small number of sites in Vietnam. Mammals include Douc Langur Pygathrix nemaeus and a gibbon species Hylobates (both Globally Threatened) both of which are endemic to Indochina, Large- antlered Muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis a species endemic to the Annamites, about which very little is known, and perhaps more importantly a third small muntjac species Muntiacus which may have a very limited range within the Annamites. More survey work is required to determine how important the populations of these and the other 26 Key Species are. However, the occurrence of these species makes the area of greater conservation importance than several other NBCAs.

The area also has considerable biogeographic importance. The area is part of the southern area of the high altitude Annamite Mountains. The Annamite mountains are home to several endemic species such as the Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis and Large-antlered Muntjac. Additionally, the southern and northern Annamites are currently separated by lower hills and as such have evolved in partial isolation, resulting in slightly different faunal and presumably different flora assemblages between the two. For example Black-hooded Laughingthrush is endemic to the southern area, and several birds including Black-headed Sibia Heterophasia melanoleuca and Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis nipalensis have slightly different forms in the two areas. The southern Annamite habitat type is smaller in extent than that of the northern Annamites, and in particular the very high altitude habitats (1500 m+) which support a particularly distinct fauna, are considerably limited in comparison to mid altitude habitats in Lao. These factors together give the Xe Sap area, but particularly the Phou Ajol massif, a conservation importance not inherent in NBCAs in more extensive biogeographical regions.

Habitat clearance is extensive, even in high altitude areas. For large species and those at the upper end of their altitude range (including even mid-altitude species) such habitat loss is particularly threatening, to a degree not encountered before in any similar surveyed area except perhaps the Northern Border Hills extension to Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA (Timmins and Evans 1996), and the Bolaven Plateau area of Dong Hua Sao NBCA (Timmins et al. 1993).

Snaring, at least in the Ban Ayun area, is a significant threat to ground birds and small mammals, particularly Crested Argus, to a degree rarely found during recent surveys.

11 Table 2: Records of Key Species from the Xe Sap NBCA area and areas to the south, and a preliminary assessment of their importance. Species Key Conservation Status in Species priority the area status Current Schaller Bergmans survey records (1995) (1995) Bar-backed partridge RAR Low/mid P Silver Pheasant RAR UK P Grey-peacock Pheasant RAR Low? P Crested Argus GT High P [Hornbill sp.] RAR one UK [R] GT Black-throated Tit RAR Low C Yellow-browed Tit RAR Mid? LC [Yellow-billed Nuthatch] GT High? [C] Black-hooded Laughingthrush GT High LC Red-tailed Laughingthrush GNT Mid? F Spectacled Fulvetta GNT Mid/high LC Mountain Fulvetta RAR Low C Green Cochoa GNT UK P Ashy-throated Leaf-Warbler RAR Mid? P Grey-bellied Tesia RAR Mid/low C Green-tailed Sunbird RAR Mid? LC

Sunda Pangolin RAR UK - - P Pygmy Loris GT UK - - P Long-tailed Macaque RAR UK - - P [Rhesus Macaque] RAR UK - [P] - Pig-tailed Macaque RAR UK - - P Assamese Macaque RAR UK - - P Stump-tailed Macaque RAR Mid P - - Silvered Langur RAR UK - - P Douc Langur GT High P - P Gibbon GT UK P - P Black Giant Squirrel RAR UK O - P Cambodian Striped Squirrel RAR Low O - P Dhole GT UK [P] - P Malayan Sun Bear GT High P - - Asian Small-clawed Otter RAR UK - - P Spotted Linsang RAR UK - - P Leopard Cat RAR Low - - P [Big cats] RAR some UK [R] [R] [R] GT [Elephant] GT UK [R] [R] [R] Small muntjac Prob. GT High P [R] - Large-antlered Muntjac GT High? P P - [Wild cattle] GT UK [R] [R] [R] [Saola] GT High* - [R] - Serow GT UK P P P Notes: in recent reports, Global and National significance of and threats to local populations of Key Species has been given. That has not been possible in this report due to a lack of data, however a conservation priority is given as a measure of the importance and threat to the local populations of some Key Species. Key Species status: GT = Globally Threatened; GNT = Globally Near-Threatened; RAR = Regionally at Risk; NHD = National Historical Decline; see Annex 2. Conservation priority: the priority for protection of Key Species populations within the Xe Sap NBCA and proposed Phou Ajol extension areas, based on the size and health of the population, the threats facing it and the national and global status. UK = Unknown; High = High priority; Mid = Mid priority; Low = Low priority; * = priority if the species is confirmed. Status in the area: C = Common; F= Frequent; P = Present; O = Occasional; L(prefix) = Local; R = Species for which the only evidence was reports; [ ] species only provisionally identified; see Annex 3 and 4.

12 4.2 Key Species accounts

Bar-backed Partridge Arborophila brunneopectus (Regionally at Risk) One group per day was heard calling from a valley area at 1450m and the species was heard once from a valley at 1650m.

The paucity of records is somewhat surprising and may be related to high snaring pressure within the area.

Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera (Regionally at Risk) There were no sightings of this species, although feathers were found on several occasions in forest on Phou Ajol and calls probably of this species were heard on the 11 May from 1450m. Remains were seen in both Ban Ayun and Ban Dakchung.

Taken together with Bar-backed Partridge, the lack of records is a little surprising, and may well be related to a high snaring pressure.

Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum (Regionally at Risk) This species was heard only once on the 20 May from 1400m. Calling however appears to be very much reduced in the rainy season, and much of the area of Phou Ajol surveyed was probably above or on the upper limit of this species altitudinal range (Thewlis et al. in prep.). Schaller (1995) reported finding feathers close to Ban Dakchung.

Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata (Globally Threatened) One or two birds were heard calling regularly during the survey of Phou Ajol, from approximately 1450m. The area surveyed was probably on the upper limit of the species altitudinal range (Thewlis et al. in prep.), however it is somewhat surprising that more calling birds were not heard, given the nature of the terrain. This is in part likely to be due to the heavy snaring in the area which is of great concern as the majority of snaring probably takes place below 1400m, within the preferred altitude range of Crested Argus.

This species is restricted to the Annamite mountains, and mountains in Peninsula Malaysia. It has only recently been found in three other NBCAs or PPAs, in only one of which was it found to be common. The species appears to be under high pressure from snaring throughout its Lao range.

Hornbills Bucerotidae (Regionally at Risk) Hornbills are reported to occur in the Phou Ajol area, although no evidence was found.

Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus (Regionally at Risk) This species was common, forming groups of up to 10 or more, on Phou Ajol up to 1600m. The species was often associated with mixed species flocks.

Black-throated Tits are of little conservation concern, and have been found at several sites during recent surveys.

Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus (Regionally at Risk) The species was common above 1600m in Fokienia Forest and Montane Mossy Forest, and present below this altitude. It was often associated with mixed species flocks. These are the first recent records and only the second ever for Lao.

Dependence on localized high altitude habitat may put the species at some risk.

Yellow-billed Nuthatch (Provisional) Sitta solangiae (Globally Threatened) Birds believed to be of this species were recorded commonly, generally associated with mixed species flocks, throughout the forests of Phou Ajol. The same species was also probably present in degraded Evergreen Forest close to Ban Ayun and in Pine Forest to the south west of Ban Dakchung.

13 If confirmed these are the first records for Lao of a species restricted to high altitude forest in the Annamite mountains and associated formations.

Black-hooded Laughingthrush Garrulax milleti (Globally Threatened) This species was observed on at least three occasions at different locations on the slopes of Phou Ajol, the first record being on 17 May at 1450m. A single bird was observed but several others were heard in the vicinity. On 22 May three birds out of a larger flock were seen at 1250m, and another flock was briefly glimpsed at 1350m. The species was also probably encountered at 1550 m. The species may be common, but little time was spent at the altitude range over which most of the records came.

These are the first records of Black-hooded Laughingthrush from Lao, a species restricted to high altitude forest in the Southern Annamites and associated formations of Lao and Vietnam. The species probably only occurs in one other protected area, Dong Amphan NBCA to the south, although high altitude forest is considerably more restricted in that area. Its small range makes this species particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

Red-tailed Laughingthrush Garrulax milneis (Globally Near-threatened) There were four encounters with this species in Fokienia Forest, including areas with a bamboo understorey on 14, 15 and 19 May between 1600m and 1750m, and two encounters at 1500m on 14 and 20 May. The species was also recorded in degraded Evergreen Forest close to Ban Ayun on 21 May.

Spectacled Fulvetta Alcippe ruficapilla (Globally Near-threatened) This species was very common, generally encountered in two’s in low stature Montane Mossy Forest on ridges above 1800m.

This species appears to have a very restricted range within Indochina, to the very highest Montane Mossy Forests, and as such may be vulnerable in the long term. The Indochinese form may be a separate species.

Mountain Fulvetta Alcippe paracensis (Regionally at Risk) This species, which resembled Fulvetta form B (Timmins et al. 1993), was found commonly throughout the Phou Ajol forests and was recorded in degraded Evergreen Forest close to Ban Ayun. It was also common in secondary growth on the Dakchung Plateau. Most birds had relatively prominent pale eyerings and the gray of the cheeks extended to the end of the black subcoronal stripe as in Fulvetta form B. However most appeared to have underparts and throat sullied grayish brown, which is perhaps more characteristic of Fulvetta form A (Timmins et al. 1993).

The species is probably not threatened at present.

Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis (Globally Near-threatened) This species was heard on 11 May on the slopes of Phou Ajol. The lack of records is somewhat surprising, although the species has been found commonly at only a few sites.

Ashy-throated Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis (Regionally at Risk) This species was recorded once in Montane Mossy Forest on 13 May at 1950m on Phou Ajol. As with Yellow-browed Tit this is the first recent record and only the second ever record for Lao, of a species confined to high altitude forest.

Grey-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer (Regionally at Risk) The species appeared to be common in forest and thick secondary growth, throughout the areas of Phou Ajol and the Dakchung Plateau surveyed.

These are the first recent records of this species from Lao, although the commonness of the species suggests that it is not currently threatened.

Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis (Regionally at Risk) The species was common on Phou Ajol above 1450m, but much less common below this.

14 The species appears to be very localized to the highest mountain summits and as such may be vulnerable in the long term.

Pangolin Manis javanica (Regionally at Risk) Pangolin remains were obtained from several villages in the Dakchung area by Bergmans (1995).

Pygmy Loris Nycticebus pymaeus (Globally Threatened) Bergmans 1995 reports one being offered for sale in a village to the east of Ban Dakchung.

Very little is know about this species, which may have several taxonomically distinct races over a relatively limited range.

Rhesus Macaque Maca mulatta (provisional) and Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis (both Regionally at Risk) Schaller 1995 recorded a group of macaques along the Xe Kong upriver from Kaleum, which he presumed to be Rhesus. Bergmans (1995) obtained one specimen of Long-tailed Macaque from the Kaleum area and one specimen from the Dakchung area. Long-tailed and Rhesus Macaques are closely related species, with a zone of hybridization between the respective southern and northern ranges of the two species. The survey area would appear to be approximately on this zone of hybridization, and thus it is likely that macaques resembling both species as well as having intermediate characteristics are present (J. Fooden pers. comm. 1996)

Both species appear to have a riverine association in Lao. Such habitat in the areas surveyed is relatively degraded and generally a secondary formation. The status of the species in the Xe Sap area is hard to judge, however both species are relatively resilient to human persecution in other countries.

Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina (Regionally at Risk) A skull of this species was obtained by Bergmans (1995) in the Kaleum area.

This appears to be one of the commonest species of macaque in Lao, being apparently the lowland counterpart of Assamese Macaque. Like all large diurnal primates in Lao, they are a favored target of hunters.

Assamese Macaque Macaca assamensis (Regionally at Risk) Two skulls of this species were obtained in the Kaleum area by Bergmans (1995).

This appears to be the commonest species of macaque in mid to high altitude forest areas of Lao, being apparently the upland counterpart of Pig-tailed Macaque. This species is perhaps less tolerant of degraded habitat than either of the former three species.

Stump-tailed Macaque Macaca arctoides (Regionally at Risk) A large group of Stump-tailed Macaques were encountered in bamboo and Fokienia Forest on a ridge at 1650m on 14 may.

Stump-tailed Macaques have only been recorded scarcely in all areas of Lao recently surveyed.

Silvered Langur Trachypithecus cristatus (Regionally at Risk) A single specimen of this species was obtained by Bergmans (1995) from the Dakchung area.

Most recent records have come from riverine habitat, in the far south of Lao.

Douc Langur Pygathrix nemaeus (Globally Threatened) One, possibly two, groups of this species were encountered first on the 16 May at 1500m and then 700 m to the west on the 20 May at 1450m. Bergmans (1995) obtained single specimens from both the Kaleum and Dakchung areas.

Eudey (1987) considered that Douc Langur merited the "highest conservation priority" rating in a summation process considering the species's degree of threat, taxonomic uniqueness and association

15 with other threatened forms. The species is restricted to Indochina, with the most important populations of this species being found in Lao.

Gibbon Hylobates (Globally Threatened) Single gibbon groups were heard calling on the mornings of 11, 14, 17, 18 and 20 May and a male and a black immature were seen on 14 May at 1550m. All records may have come from a single group. No gibbons were heard from the forests to the south of Ban Somoy. None were heard in any of the areas surveyed by Schaller (1995). Bergmans (1995) heard calls on one occasion from Ban Tin in Kaleum district. The two individuals seen appeared to be of the H. gabriellae form, with small angled buffy sideburns.

The lack of records is somewhat surprising, particularly in the Somoy area, although calling is known to be reduced within the rainy season, and the Phou Ajol sight was probably in the upper altitudinal range of the species.

Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor (Regionally at Risk) There was a single record of this species on 22 May from 1400m.

This species abundance often appears to mirror that of gibbons. Although the lack of records is somewhat surprising, this is the highest altitudinal record for the species in recent surveys of Lao.

Cambodian Striped Squirrel Tamiops rodolphei (Regionally at Risk) Seen occasionally in the Phou Ajol forests where a large Tamiops sp. was commoner. Also seen in tall secondary growth under pine close to Ban Dakchung. As elsewhere most records were in association with bird flocks.

The species is common in several NBCAs and not in any immediate danger.

Dhole Cuon alpinus (Globally Threatened) This species was reported to occur within the Somoy area, where one dropping suspected to be from this species was found. Bergmans (1995) obtained one specimen from the Dakchung area.

Very little is known of the status of Dhole in Lao, a situation which appears to be true in most of its world range. At no site recently surveyed in Lao has Dole been thought to be common.

Malayan Sun Bear Ursus malayanus (Globally Threatened) One individual, possibly an immature, was disturbed from a tree at 1450m on the 10 May. Scratch marks were seen at several places within the Phou Ajol forest. In the Somoy area two bear nests and several scratch-marks were found. As in other areas locals report two forms. Asian Black Bear Ursus thibetanus is known from areas further north (Timmins and Evans 1996), and may also be present.

The paucity of evidence for bears is not unusual, in very few areas recently surveyed have bear signs been found commonly.

Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinerea (Regionally at Risk) Bergmans (1995) recorded this species from the Dakchung area. This is perhaps the most likely other species in the high altitude smaller watercourses of the area (Lekagul and McNeely 1977).

Little is known of the status of any otter species in Lao.

Spotted Linsang Prionodon pardicolor (Regionally at Risk) Bergmans (1995) recorded this species from the Dakchung area.

The status of this species is poorly understood as there are relatively few records of the species from Lao or elsewhere in its world range (Evans et al. 1994).

Leopard Cat Felis bengalensis (Regionally at Risk) Bergmans (1995) recorded this species from the Dakchung area.

16 The species appears to be widespread in Lao and tolerant to some degree of habitat degradation and other forms of human disturbance.

Big cats Panthera/Neofelis (Regionally at Risk some Globally Threatened) Locals from most villages report that big cats are still present, although apparently scarce everywhere. No other evidence was found.

Large-antlered Muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis (Globally Threatened) Trophy antlers of this species were found in villages in the Somoy region. Schaller 1995 found trophies in villages of the Dakchung and Kaleum regions.

This recently discovered large mammal is only known form the Annamite mountain area of Lao and Vietnam. Very little is know of its ecology, including habitat preferences. It is hunted throughout its range.

Small muntjac sp. Muntiacus (Probably Globally Threatened) A species of muntjac smaller than both Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac) and Large-antlered Muntjac is present. It appears to be the same (characterized by cranial features and a dark pelage) as that found in the Ban Thongphe area of Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA (WCS 1996). The only evidence came from two partial skulls from Ban Ayun and the accounts of local people in the Ban Ayun area. Virtually nothing is known of this taxon, which may prove to be a new species and which appears to have a very restricted range within the Annamite mountains.

Elephant Elephas maximus (Globally Threatened) There were reports of this species from the Somoy region although apparently there had been no encounters in recent years. This species may no longer be present within the Phou Ajol - Dakchung Plateau area. Schaller (1995) and Bergmans (1995) came to similar conclusions.

Wild cattle Bos (Globally Threatened) There were no signs found or first hand reports of any wild cattle species, a finding consistent with Schaller (1995) and Bergmans (1995).

Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis (Globally Threatened) There were no reports of this species despite extensive questioning. Schaller (1995), however, received one report of a single animal killed 10 years previously to the south of Ban Dakchung. Saola are known from Hien district of Quang Nam-Da Nang, Vietnam (J. Eames pers. comm. 1996), which lies to the east of the Xe Sap area.

This species is of the highest conservation priority. If the species is ever found in Xe Sap NBCA, it occurrence would be of considerable national and even global importance, and its protection of the highest priority.

Serow Capricornis sumatraensis (Globally Threatened) Horns of this species were found in villages of the Somoy region, and a latrine site was found on a rocky steep slope to the south.

Although apparently widespread in Lao the status and ecology of the species is poorly understood.

17 PART 5: FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO HUMAN USE

5.1 General overview Very few areas are likely to be without the effects of human use. Local communities rely on forest areas for a number of reasons, while other effects on the forest originate from further afield. Furthermore, the past history of the area has a pronounced effect on the habitats and wildlife present today. On the Dakchung Plateau in particular human use has distinctly shaped the habitats of the area. Of most interest in this section however are human uses and their effects upon areas of conservation value, essentially forest habitats. Of particular concern is forest clearance for agriculture and locally intensive snaring of terrestrial birds and small mammals, while commercial logging must be considered a real threat in the near future. Of unknown prevalence are other forms of hunting, the threat from the incursion by Vietnamese, collection of other forest products, and the possibility of road construction.

In contrast, it is interesting to speculate on the origin and factors maintaining areas of pine on the Dakchung Plateau. Both livestock grazing and fire may be important.

5.2 Natural Resource Use Forest products are likely to be collected throughout, although there was no evidence for commercial collection, except perhaps of mai dam (Aquilaria resin); the exploitation of which is a national problem (Timmins and Evans 1994). Local use of forest products may represent a problem in some cases, for example timber removal, and in combination with hunting activities, should be investigated further.

By far the greatest threat to the area as a whole is the encroachment of cultivation. This is very apparent from satellite imagery, particularly so on the northern eastern and western edges of the Phou Ajol massif. However, on its southern edge abutting the Dakchung Plateau, and along the tongue of forest along the Vietnamese border in the east, such encroachment is less extensive. This is apparently because many of the villages in these areas as well as elsewhere on the Dakchung Plateau rely to a large extent on paddy rice cultivation, thus alleviating the need to continually clear land for hill rice. The threat to the Xe Sap NBCA area is less clear and needs further investigation.

Hunting as in other areas of Lao probably occurs in all areas where humans are present. Patterns probably reflect the general situation within Lao with opportunistic hunting concentrated close to areas of regular human activity. The usual common signs of hunting were present throughout, remains of animals in villages and in the field, men with guns in the field and shots heard.

Of particular concern, however, are small noose snares and low fencing along cleared ridges, which in some localities represent a severe problem, mainly for ground birds and smaller terrestrial mammals. Long snare lines, both abandoned and in use, were found in forest on hills and slopes around Ban Ayun and on the lower slope of the Phou Ajol massif, where the highest line went to approximately 1450 m. Such a density of snare lines has not been found in any area in Lao. The species of most concern from the effects of snaring is Crested Argus, a large species which is easily located and snared at display grounds.

Other areas or species may be critically threatened by hunting, but the current survey coverage was insufficient to determine this. All large Key Species, particularly primates, should be considered potentially at risk.

Gold has been found in the Houay Payou valley, as well as the lower reaches of the Xe Kong. Mining concessions could potentially be given within the mountainous headwaters.

Logging of Fokienia has very real potential and measures to protect this resource from over exploitation are necessary at the earliest opportunity.

5.3 Road link with Vietnam A new road connection is apparently being considered to link Sekong directly with Da Nang in Vietnam. The route being considered follows the existing route up and across the Dakchung Plateau from where it would be extended over the border to connect with roads in Vietnam. It would inevitably have to cross the tongue of forest along the border, and would obviously open up

18 exploitation of the Dakchung Plateau to a greater extent than is currently possible. Conservation considerations should be taken into account if possible in any such road development plan.

5.4 Vietnamese incursion In other border areas encroachment by Vietnamese nationals is a conservation problem. Nothing, however, is known of the situation in the survey area, and it should be investigated.

5.5 Effects of the American-Indochinese conflict The Dakchung Plateau was apparently the site of fighting and probably part of the troop and supply routes for the Indochinese forces during the American-Indochinese conflict. The effects of bombing are apparent in several areas and unexploded ordinance still remains a problem. However it does not appear to have been as heavy or as extensive as on parts of the Ho Chi Minh trail further north. The effect on wildlife and habitat was probably minor in comparison to the effects of the extensive human settlement and cultivation practices both before and after the war. The higher forest areas appear to have been even less effected, although the peak of Phou Kasien was apparently an American helicopter base, which was booby trapped with landmines. The summit appears to be now extensively covered in secondary scrubby vegetation. As a counteraction to the occupation of the peak of Phou Kasien the peak of Phou Ajol was reportedly occupied by Indochinese forces. Locals fear that this peak may also be booby trapped and part of its summit is also covered by scrubby vegetation, perhaps as a result of bombing.

The main area of Xe Sap NBCA further north probably escaped military activity because of its rugged terrain which prevented large scale movement through the area. Instead major movements and thus bombing were confined to the peripheral lowlands, to the north and west. With the exception of valleys in the extreme northeast such effected areas are outside of current proposed protected area boundaries.

19 PART 6: DISCUSSION: THE XE SAP NBCA AND THE PROPOSED PHOU AJOL EXTENSION, A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Despite the brevity of the survey, a substantial number of Key Species were found. For birds, the area is most important for the following species; Black Hooded Laughingthrush and Yellow-billed Nuthatch (if it is confirmed), which are known only from this one site in Lao and Crested Argus, known only from three other NBCAs or PPAs. Large-antlered Muntjac although known from six NBCAs and PPAs, is known to be common in only two. A small species of muntjac as yet unidentified probably has an even more restricted distribution. Further surveys are likely to show the area has important populations of other species.

Current evidence suggests that the area has a relatively complete complement of species (although the largest species may now be scarce, or in some cases gone), equivalent probably to the situation in several other NBCAs. Due to the altitudinal variation and the predominance of Evergreen Forest, species diversity is probably relatively high and perhaps most similar to that of Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA (one of very few areas with a comparable altitudinal range), than to any other area recently surveyed. The high altitude (1500 m+) habitat and species community, (which includes the Fokienia Forest) of the NBCA would be the largest in area of only four such areas within NBCAs and PPAs; the proposed Phou Ajol extension accounts for over half of this area. The elements of community structure and species diversity most evidently poorly represented are lowland habitats which have suffered from extensive degradation (perhaps to a greater degree than in any other NBCA or PPA in central or southern Lao), and large mammals, which appear to be scarce throughout (a situation similar to that found in several other NBCAs), presumably due to long term high hunting levels.

A further biogeographical factor increases the area’s importance. It is part of the southern Annamite Mountains biogeographic region, to which several taxa appear to be endemic. In relative size, this biogeographic region is smaller than most other biogeographic regions. Furthermore, the amount within protected areas is relatively small in comparison to other biogeographic regions, giving the area an intrinsically higher value than one of several similar-sized protected areas covering a more extensive biogeographical region. Dong Amphan NBCA, which also lies in the southern Annamites, does not cover adequate high altitude areas, and the plateau portion of Dong Hua Sao NBCA, is small, highly threatened by habitat degradation, and possibly biogeographically distinct.

These factors alone suggest that the area has a higher conservation value than some other NBCAs, for example Xe Bang Nouan NBCA and Phou Xiang Thong NBCA, which have both relatively few important Key Species populations and cover more extensive biogeographical regions.

It is hard to determine, however, the urgency of management, and thus the area’s priority within the protected area system. In addition to its conservation value the seriousness of threats facing the area need to be gauged. The two main concerns within protected areas in Lao are hunting pressure and habitat degradation rates. Evaluation of both these factors requires perhaps more extensive surveying than is necessary to determine an areas baseline conservation importance. Preliminary findings suggest that the rate of habitat clearance in some areas is at the high end of the scale in comparison to other areas surveyed. This appears to be particularly so on the northern edges of the Phou Ajol extension. The comparative degree of threat from hunting is probably the most difficult to judge. However, the level of snaring in the Ban Ayun area was one of the highest found during recent surveys.

What is clear is that the area has a very high priority for further survey work, to determine precisely the areas of conservation importance, the threats facing it and ultimately the area’s relative management priority within the Lao NBCA system.

It should not be overlooked, however, that part of the area’s conservation importance is likely to be due to the presence of contiguous forest over the border in Vietnam. The fate of this contiguous forest in Vietnam will effect the fate of that on the Lao side, and every effort should be taken to secure its future.

20 REFERENCES

Bergmans, W. (1995). On mammals from the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Laos, mainly from Sekong Province and Hongsa Special Zone. Z. Saugetierkunde 60: 286-306 [Int. J. Mammalian Biol.]. Berkmüller, K., Southammakhot, S. and Vene Vongphet. (1995). Protected Area System planning and management in Lao PDR: status report to mid-1995. Forest Resources Conservation Subprogramme, Lao/Swedish Forestry Cooperation Programme, Vientiane. Collar, N. J., Crosby, M. J. and Stattersfield, A. J. (1994). Birds to Watch 2: The world list of Threatened Birds. BirdLife International (Conservation Series 4), Cambridge, UK. Eudey, A. A., (1987). Action Plan for Asian Primate Conservation: 1987-91. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Evans, T. D., Bleisch, W and Timmins, R. J. (1994). Sightings of Spotted Linsang Prionodon pardicolor and Back-striped Weasel Mustela strigidorsa in Lao PDR. Small Carnivore Conservation 11: 22. Groombridge, B. (1993). The 1994 Red List of Threatened Animals. WCMC, Cambridge and IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. King, B. F., Woodcock, M. and Dickinson, E. C. (1975). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia. Collins, London. Lekagul, B. and McNeely, J. A. (1977). Mammals of Thailand. Bangkok: Association for the Conservation of Wildlife. Lekagul, B. and Round, P. D. (1991). A Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Saha Karn Bhaet, Bangkok. Moore, J. C. and Tate, G. H. H. (1965). A study of the diurnal squirrels, Sciurinae, of the Indian and Indochinese subregions. Fieldiana Zool. 48: 1 - 351. Nowak R. M. (1991).Walker’s Mammals of the World, Fifth Edition. Baltimore and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press Salter, R. E. (compiler) (1993b). Wildlife in the Lao PDR. A Status Report. IUCN, Vientiane, Lao PDR. Schaller, G. B. (1995). A wildlife survey in the Annamite Mountains of Laos, December 1994-January 1995. Unpublished report to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Vientiane. Thewlis, R. C. M., Timmins, R. J., Evans T. D. and Duckworth, J. W. (in prep). A preliminary assessment of the status and conservation of Threatened birds in Laos. Timmins, R. J., Evans, T. D. and Duckworth, J. W. (1993). A wildlife and habitat survey of Dong Hua Sao Proposed Protected Area. Forest Resources Conservation Sub-Programme, Lao/Swedish Forestry Cooperation Programme, Vientiane. Timmins, R. J. and Evans, T. D. (1996). A wildlife and habitat survey of Nakai-Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Khammouane and Bolikhamsai Provinces, Lao PDR. Forest Resources Conservation Sub-Programme, Lao/Swedish Forestry Cooperation Programme, Vientiane. Treesucon, U. and Round, P. D. (1990). Report on threatened birds in Thailand. Tigerpaper 17: 1-9. van Strien, N. J. (1983). A Guide to the Tracks of Mammals of West Indonesia. School of Environmental Conservation Management, CIAWI, Bogor.

21 ANNEXES

ANNEX 1: MAPS AND PLACE NAMES

The following map sheets were used throughout the fieldwork: RDP Lao Service Geographique d'Etat, 1: 100 000 (1986); E-48- 141, 142, 143 and D-48-10, 11, 22, 23.

Topographic features shown were broadly accurate, including the boundaries of major land-cover types. Several village names in local use differed from those mapped. Many of the natural features on the maps are unnamed or have names differing from those in local usage. Names used in the text are those in local use, related to the 1:100,000 topographic maps by Table 3 and Fig. 2.

Table 3: Village and other locality names of the Xe Sap NBCA and proposed Phou Ajol extension areas; names in local use related to names and locations on the RDP Lao Service Geographique d'Etat, 1: 100 000 maps.

Local name Map name Bergmans (1995) Grid reference Towns and villages Sekong None Sekong 850985 Ban Somoy B. Achung None 019023 Ban Dakchung Sn. M. Dakchung Dakchung (Noy)and 435115 probably in error Dakchun (Noy) Ban Dakchung Noy B. Dakchung 423133 Ban Ayun B. Tangyoun Ayun 370308 Ban Tangyeuy B. Tangyeuy Tan Talang? 378338 Ban Nongsii None None 372322 Ban Lang B. Sang Sang 364286 Ban Rhak B. Lak-Tai Rak 378235 Abandoned Tangkalo None 364335 Ban Dakpam B. Kanang None 418161 Ban Dakdin None None 377178 Ban Daknoy/Ban B. Dak-Euy (3) None 374183 Chunsii Ban Tin B. Tin Tin 051405 Rivers and mountains Houay Payou H. Poyo None 330340 - 410210 Houay Charra Nam Poay-O None 390395 - 420220 Phou Ajol None None 338384 Phou Kasien None None 371412 Xe Kong Xe Kong Sekong

Grid references: by convention eastings are given before northings.

22 ANNEX 2: TERMINOLOGY AND CONVENTIONS

2.1 KEY SPECIES

Key Species are species considered to be of conservation interest and are thought to be threatened globally or regionally.

Key bird Species are those listed in any of the following three sources:

1. The highest priority species are those listed as Globally Threatened (GT) in Collar et al. (1994). 2. Globally Near-Threatened (GNT) species are listed in the same book and are thought likely to move into the Globally Threatened class soon, unless action is taken. 3. Treesucon and Round (1990) list species which are at risk in Thailand (RAR), which may therefore be threatened or vulnerable in Lao (there is no comparable list for Lao or Indochina). 4. Thewlis et al. (in prep.) lists species which have shown a documented decline in Lao, greater than the sum loss of their favored habitat; these species are considered to be Threatened in Lao and are listed as NHD ‘National Historical Decline’.

Key mammal Species are those listed in the following sources:

1. The highest priority species are those listed as Globally Threatened (GT) by Groombridge (1993). 2. Species considered to be possibly regionally threatened (RAR) are listed in Salter (1993).

2.2 NOMENCLATURE AND SYSTEMATICS

Bird nomenclature and systematics Nomenclature for birds follow Boonsong Lekagul and Round (1991), with King et al. (1975) used for systematic order and species not found in Thailand.

Mammal nomenclature and systematics Nowak (1991) is generally followed, with exceptions where noted.

23 ANNEX 3: STATUS OF BIRD SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE SURVEY

Bird status was assessed subjectively using the following criteria: overall encounter frequency (the number of records): this baseline is considered in the light of the following factors, to assess how the encounter rate reflects the species's abundance. shyness: skulking or shy species are recorded much less frequently than extrovert ones. activity level: active birds are recorded more frequently than sluggish or inactive species. area of detection: species of dense vegetation are visible only within close proximity while many open-country species can be noticed from hundreds of meters. main vegetation storey inhabited: forest-canopy species can be more difficult to observe than those of the mid-storey or under-storey. aerial species: these can seem disproportionately common in open areas but conversely they are seen only rarely from within forest. calling frequency: birds calling nearly continuously are found more often than those giving only occasional calls or songs. Calls may be strongly clustered around certain times of the day or year, and the overlap of observations with the bird's chief calling periods should be considered. distinctiveness of calls: a diagnostic call is more readily noticed than an anonymous-sounding call. volume of call: loud, strident calls carry further than quiet ones. whether common calls of the species are known: when no call is known, the assessment is necessarily less accurate than when calls are known; the abundance is probably usually underestimated. Table 6 indicates those species where calls had an important influence on assessment. flocking behavior: a handful of records of large flocks do not equate to many records of singletons. Unusual birds can be seen in large numbers through chance encounters of occasional large flocks. The number of records and dispersion of individual birds is therefore accorded more weight than simply the number of individuals. carrying capacity for the bird of its chosen habitat: big birds generally have much larger home ranges than small birds; thus, what is a high absolute density for the former (in terms of birds per unit area, or birds found per day) would be low for the latter. seasonality of occurrence: many species are migrants, whose abundance changes throughout the year.

Where possible the abundance of each bird species in each habitat was assessed subjectively on a three-point scale whereby the number of records was assessed in the light of various features of detectability in order to arrive at the bird's true abundance.

The three bands of abundance can be loosely defined as follows, for a medium-sized bird of average detectability:

Common: seen daily, often in large numbers, in favored habitat Frequent: seen on most days favored habitat is visited, but not usually in large numbers Occasional: seen only occasionally, on fewer than half the days

All breeding indications and other interesting ecological observations were recorded.

24 Table 4: Bird species recorded during the survey. Secondary vegetation P. Ajol (middle) P. Ajol (lower) P. Ajol (top) Pine Forest B. Ayun

Species VOther 1400-1600 1200- 1100- 1050- 1050-1200 Altitude 1600 m+ m 1400 m 1350 m 1250 m m Chinese pond-heron Ardeola bacchus WP Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus P Crested Serpent-eagle Spilornis cheela VPPP Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis PP Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus VC Bar-backed Partridge Arborophila brunneopectus VP Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera P Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum VP Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata VPP Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus P Mountain Imperial- Pigeon Ducula badia VCCP Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall V[P] Oriental Turtle- Dove Streptopelia orientalis C Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis VP parakeet sp Psittacula VP Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus VFCP Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii VP Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris VP Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis VP Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis P Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei VP Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus VCCCP Red-vented Barbet Megalaima lagrandieri VOFPC Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii VPCC Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus P Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha P yellownape sp. 1 P. flavinucha / P. chlorolophus VP Stripe-breasted Woodpecker Picoides atratus FPF/C Grey-capped Woodpecker Picoides canicapillus P Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis VOC/FP Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus P Large Cuckoo-shrike Coracina macei VPPPP Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris F/O F/C? Short- billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris I[P] Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus I[C] Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus VP Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus VCC Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii O? P Black Bulbul Hypsipetes madagascariensis P Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus PP Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus C Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer CCCP Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii VF/CCCP Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius VC Green Magpie Cissa chinensis [P] P

25 Secondary vegetation P. Ajol (middle) P. Ajol (lower) P. Ajol (top) Pine Forest B. Ayun

Species VOther 1400-1600 1200- 1100- 1050- 1050-1200 Altitude 1600 m+ m 1400 m 1350 m 1250 m m Large- billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchus VCP Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus F/O C C Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus C/F C C P Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus CO Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Yellow- billed Nuthatch Sitta solangiae I [C] [C] [C] [P] [P] Red- billed Scimitar- Babbler Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps P Coral- billed Scimitar- Babbler Pomatorhinus ferruginosus LC P non-large scimitar-babbler 1 Pomatorhinus VP Streaked Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudata P Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler Napothera epilepidota F Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps I[P][P] Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea PPP Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps VCF Black-hooded Laughingthrush Garrulax milleti [O] C White-Cheeked Laughingthrush Garrulax vassali PC Red-tailed Laughingthrush Garrulax milnei FF P laughingthrush sp. 2 Garrulax OF Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris PC Cutia Cutia nipalensis C/F White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis VCCC Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius melanotis OO Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius aenobarbus F/O O Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera FCCP Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta CF/CF/CP Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps CCP P Spectacled Fulvetta Alcippe ruficapilla LC Brown-capped Fulvetta Alcippe brunnea F Mountain Fulvetta Alcippe cf. A. paracensis VCCCPC Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectens P Black-headed Sibia Heterophasia melanoleuca FF/O Long- tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides FCP White- bellied Yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca VCCCPP Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis nipalensis PP Grey-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis gularis O White- tailed Robin Cinclidium leucurum P Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus WP P Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis VP Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys OOF/O Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii CCP Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps F/C C C Yellow- bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris VP Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis P Blyth's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides PCP White-tailed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus davisoni PPC

26 Secondary vegetation P. Ajol (middle) P. Ajol (lower) P. Ajol (top) Pine Forest B. Ayun

Species VOther 1400-1600 1200- 1100- 1050- 1050-1200 Altitude 1600 m+ m 1400 m 1350 m 1250 m m Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus PP PP Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis P Grey- bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer VCCCPC Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina P Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata F White-gorgetted Flycatcher Ficedula monileger VC/FCP Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra P Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni VP P Large Niltava Niltava grandis VCCP Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae PP Pygmy Blue Flycatcher Muscicapella hodgsoni I[P] Grey-headed Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis VCCCP White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis VCCCPC Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus I[P] Ashy Wood-swallow Artamus fuscus C Burmese Shrike Lanius collurioides C Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus C Black-collared Starling Sturnus nigricollis VC Common Myna Acridotheres tristis P Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatus P Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae O/F C C P Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis CCP Buff- bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus P Oriental White- eye Zosterops palpebrosa C Eurasian Tree-Sparrow Passer montanus C White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata C Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata P Coverage Good Good Poor Poor Poor Mid

Species notes: 1. Does not include birds identified to species. 2. A distinctive species of Laughingthrush which has not yet been identified.

Localities: The Phou Ajol (Top) column includes all records from Mossy Montane Forest and Fokienia Forest; it proved impracticable to separate records between the two habitats, however species with the Local prefix were predominantly associated with Mossy Montane Forest. The Phou Ajol (Middle) and (Lower) columns have all the records from Evergreen Forest (found below the former two forest types) broken down into two altitudinal bands.

Key: Abundance codes: C = common; F = frequent; O = occasional; F/O = present but not common; P = present but abundance unknown; L (prefix) = local; [ ] = provisional identification.

Other: I = species' identification provisional; V = knowledge of the species's vocalizations greatly helped status assessment; W = species strongly associated with water, including when in other listed habitats.

27 ANNEX 4: STATUS OF MAMMAL SPECIES IN THE SURVEY AREA

Table 5: Mammal species in the survey area.

Localities












































































































































































Species Identification Additional sources Evidence Dakchung Kaleum Somoy Tupaia glis Common Treeshrew Conf x P (a) Dendrogale murina Small Smooth-tailed Treeshrew Prov x P (b) Nycticebus pygmaeus Pygmy Loris Conf B dv P Macaca fascicularis Long-tailed Macaque Conf B dv P P Macaca mulatta Rhesus Macaque Prov S x [P] Macaca nemestrina Pig-tailed Macaque Conf B dv P Macaa assamensis Assamese Macaque Conf B dv P Macaca arctoides Stump-tailed Macaque Conf x P (a) Trachypithecus cristatus Silvered Langur Conf B dv P Pygathrix nemaeus Douc Langur Conf B x, r, dv P (a) P [P] Hylobates Gibbon Conf B x, r P (a) P [P] Manis javanica Malayan Pangolin Conf B dv P Lepus peguensis Burmese Hare Conf B dv P Ratufa bicolor Black Giant Squirrel Conf B x, dv O (a) Callosciurus erythraeus Conf B x, dv O/F (a), P (b) Tamiops rodolphei Cambodian Striped Tree Squirrel Conf B x, dv O (a), P(c) Tamiops Striped Tree Squirrel sp. 1 Conf x F/C (a, b) Dremomys rufigenis Red-Cheeked Squirrel Conf B x, dv O/F (a, b) Atherurus macrourus Bush-tailed Porcupine Conf B dv P Hystrix hodgsoni Crestless Himalayan Porcupine Conf B dv P Canis aureus Golden Jackal Prov B r [P] [P] Cuon alpinus Dhole Conf B s, r, dv P [P] [P] Ursus thibetanus Asiatic Black Bear Prov B r [P] [P] [P] Ursus malayanus Malayan Sun Bear Conf B x, r P (a) [P] Ursus Bear spp. Conf s P (a, b) P Aonyx cinerea Oriental Small-clawed Otter Conf B dv P Prionodon pardicolor Spotted Linsang Conf B dv P Paguma larvata Masked Palm Civet Conf B dv P Herpestes urva Crab-eating Mongoose Conf B dv P Felis bengalensis Leopard Cat Conf B dv P Panthera/Neofelis Big cat spp. Prov S, B r [P] [P] [P] Elephas maximus Asian Elephant Prov S, B r [P] [P] Sus Wild pig spp. Conf S s P Muntiacus muntjak Indian Muntjac Conf S, B dv, r P P P Muntiacus Muntjac sp. 1 Conf S dv, r P Megamuntiacus vuquangensis Large-antlered Muntjac Conf S dv, r P P P Cervus unicolor Sambar Conf S, B dv, r, s, x PP Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola Prov S r [P] Bos gaurus Gaur Prov S, B r [P] [P] Capricornis sumatraensis Serow Conf S, B dv, r, s P P P

Order and scientific nomenclature follow Nowak (1991), with the exception of Callosciurus erythraeus which follows Moore and Tate (1965) and Megamuntiacus vuquangensis and Pseudoryx nghetinhensis which are recently described species. Common names follow those adopted in recent reports. As mammals are difficult to detect, absence of a symbol should not be taken to suggest absence of a species from that habitat. Identification of tracks followed van Strien (1983) and the personal experience of observers. The best evidence for a species' presence is given for each sector.

Abbreviations: Identification: conf = confirmed; prov = provisional. Use of a classification other than that of Nowak (1991) may result in a species changing from confirmed to provisional or vice-versa.

Additional sources: S = Schaller (1995); B = Bergmans (1995).

Evidence: x = identifiable field records; s = signs (including vocalizations of muntjacs); d = remains (v = those in village); r = reports. Evidence is given in order of importance in making status assessments.

Abundance codes: C = common or abundant (equivalent to the C category for diurnal birds, Annex 3 and only used for diurnal mammals); F = frequent; O = occasional; P = present but not possible to assess abundance; [ ] = record provisional. Records from the present survey are given in bold face, those attributable only to Schaller (1995) or Bergmans (1995), or both, are given in normal font. Field record from the Dakchung area have the following location codes in parenthesis: a = Phou Ajol; b = degraded Evergreen Forest close to Ban Ayun; c = Pine Forest close to Ban Dakchung.

Bergmans (1995) also lists murid rodents from the area.

Notes: 1. A recognizable species, for which an identification is not currently possible.

28