The Status and Distribution of Gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, Khammouane Province Phaivanh Phiapalath, Anita Bousa and Paul Insua‐Cao 2012 Funded by The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Citation: Phiapalath, P. Bousa, A. and Insua‐Cao, P. 2012. The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area. Fauna & Flora International/ IUCN Lao PDR, Vientiane, Lao PDR Lead authors Phaivanh Phiapalath, Director of Lao Wildlife Conservation Association (Lao WCA), Consultant to IUCN and ex‐Senior Programme Officer ‐ Protected Areas Management and Wildlife, IUCN Lao PDR. Anita Bousa, Gibbon Conservation Coordinator, IUCN Lao PDR. Reviewed by Paul Insua‐Cao, Fauna & Flora International Date: October 2012 Funded by: Arcus Foundation Available from: www.fauna‐flora.org Photo credits: Front cover photo of the karst landscape in Phou Hin Poun NPA. All photos by P. Phiapalath except Figure 13 by Phomma from Ban Konglor All views expressed within are the authors’ alone unless attributed otherwise and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Fauna & Flora International (FFI), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or the donors. While the authors strive for rigour and accuracy in presenting this report, FFI and IUCN make no representations as to completeness, suitability or validity of any information contained, and will not be liable for any errors or omissions. The designation of geographical entities in this document and the presentation of the materials, do not imply the expression on the part of the authors, editors and affiliated organisations concerning the delineation of frontiers and boundaries. Reproduction of any part of this report for educational, conservation and other non‐profit purposes is authorised without prior permission from the copyright holder, provided that the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction for commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission from the copyright holder. The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Table of Contents ບ ົດສ ັງລວມ ........................................................................................................................... i
Summary ........................................................................................................................... v
1
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1
1.1
The Southern White‐Cheeked Crested Gibbon........................................................ 1
1.2
Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area.................................................................. 1
1.3
Objectives of the surveys ......................................................................................... 3
2
Survey Methods ........................................................................................................ 4
2.1
Itineraries and survey teams.................................................................................... 4
2.2
Interview techniques ............................................................................................... 5
2.3
Field surveys............................................................................................................. 6
3
Results....................................................................................................................... 7
3.1
Village interviews ..................................................................................................... 7
3.2
Gibbon survey records ........................................................................................... 12
3.1
Habitat descriptions ............................................................................................... 14
3.2
Estimating the gibbon population from interviews ............................................... 16
3.3
Other wildlife records during the field surveys...................................................... 18
3.4
Human activites in gibbon habitat ......................................................................... 20
4
Recommendations................................................................................................... 22
5
Conclusions ............................................................................................................. 23
6
References............................................................................................................... 24
Annex 1. Detailed records of village interviews................................................................ 25
Thakhek District .................................................................................................................. 25
Nakai District ....................................................................................................................... 26
Gnommalath District........................................................................................................... 28
Khounkham District............................................................................................................. 29
Khounkham District, along the Hinboun River.................................................................... 30
Hinboun District .................................................................................................................. 32
Annex 2: Records of gibbons during the field surveys....................................................... 36
Annex 3. Detailed survey records..................................................................................... 39
Survey 1 Team 1 February 2011: northern Song Hong from Konglor................................. 39
Survey 1 Team 2 February 2011: central Song Hong Area via Nabone .............................. 39
Survey 2 Team 1 December 2011: Bouamlou – Kouane Kaja ............................................. 40
Survey 2 Team 2 December 2011: Ban Nayor and Vieng Louang through Kouane Nyai.... 41
Annex 4. Location names ................................................................................................. 42
The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area List of Tables Table 1. Population of villages around Phou Hin Poun NPA ..................................................... 3
Table 2. Gibbon reports from village interviews ....................................................................... 8
Table 3. Summary of gibbon records from village interviews................................................. 10
Table 4. Reported presence of key wildlife species from village interviews........................... 12
Table 5. Estimated number of gibbon groups from interview survey .................................... 17
Table 6. Key wildlife species reports in Thakhek District ........................................................ 26
Table 7. Key wildlife species reports in Nakai District............................................................. 28
Table 8. Key wildlife species reports in Gnommalath ............................................................. 29
Table 9. Key wildlife species reported along the Hinboun River............................................. 31
Table 10. Key wildlife species reported in Hinboun District.................................................... 34
List of Figures Figure 1. Deciduous limestone forest in wet season ................................................................ 2
Figure 2. Deciduous limestone forest in dry season ................................................................. 3
Figure 3. Nabone Survey Team at Survey Camp 4 .................................................................... 4
Figure 4. Village interviews on wildlife at Ban Kouane Kaja ..................................................... 5
Figure 5. Climbing along the steep cliff and gathering water from climbers ............................ 6
Figure 6. Evergreen forest at foothills ....................................................................................... 7
Figure 7. Villages where interviews were conducted on the presence of gibbons................... 9
Figure 8. Lowland evergreen forest at Khoua Din, Song Hong area ....................................... 13
Figure 9. Gibbon and langur survey areas and important locations for gibbons.................... 14
Figure 10. Fallow land recovering from swidden agriculture in southern Song Hong area.... 15
Figure 11. Patterns of evergreen and deciduous forest in the dry season ............................. 16
Figure 12. Gibbon distribution in Phou Hin Poun NPA based upon village interviews. .......... 17
Figure 13. Kajak and (left) and bear claw marks on a tree (right)........................................... 19
Figure 14. Roosting site of langurs in southern Song Hong .................................................... 19
Figure 15. Lao Langur .............................................................................................................. 19
Figure 16. Bare‐faced bulbul ................................................................................................... 20
Figure 17. Lao rock squirrel ‘limestone species’...................................................................... 20
Figure 18. Enclosure for keeping captured animals ................................................................ 21
Figure 19 Lao Langur (left) and Black Langur ‘pinna’ (right) .................................................. 25
The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Acknowledgements We would like to thank those who assisted us in conducting these surveys in Khammouane Province, especially Mr. Bounchanh Saypanya and Viengkham Xayaphone, Deputy Heads of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices; Mr. Soukhatha Vannalath, Mr. Sisomphone Soudthichak and Mr. Viengsavanh Phommasane, Head and Deputy Head respectively of the Provincial Division for Protected Area Management (PPAM); Mr. Bounthieng Phaophongsavath, Head of Hinboun District Agriculture and Forestry Office; Mr. Linthong, Deputy Head of Nakai District Agriculture and Forestry Office; the field survey team Mr. Ba Soudthilath, Mr. Wan Manithong and Bongsouvanh, as well as guides from th villages of Bouamlou, Kouane Kaja, Konglor, Nabone, Nayor and Vieng Louang. The two gibbon surveys in this report were kindly funded by the Arcus Foundation with in‐
kind contributions from IUCN Lao PDR and the Department of Forest Resource Management (DFRM). The Arcus Foundation also preparation of the Gibbon Conservation Action Plan for Lao PDR jointly‐funded with the US Embassy in Vientiane and the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Special thanks to Dr. Noel Rowe, Director of Primate Conservation Inc., who has been keenly interested in the Lao Langur (Trachypithecus laotum) and supported the lead author with a small grant to initiate his survey on the Lao Langur in the Khammouane limestone in 2010, which also provided an entry point for the gibbon conservation work in Phou Hin Poun NPA. The gibbon survey team would like to express our sincere thanks to the Government of Laos, Khammouane Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, Provincial Division of Protected Areas Management, who rescued one survey team on 31 December 2011 by dropping food and water from a helicopter and organising the rescue team from Ban Bouamlou especially Mr. Sisomphone Soudthichak, Mr. Viengsavanh Phommasane, Mr. Phetsamone Oudon, Mr. Homkham Xaykosiphinith and Mr. Chansamouth Sinthavong. The Lao Wildlife Conservation Association (Lao WCA) as technical assistance to this survey also conducted other surveys which contributed to this report. The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Abbreviations DAFO DFRM FFI GPS FOMACOP IUCN NGO NPA Lao PDR Lao WCA PAFO PoFI PPAM UTM District Agriculture and Forestry Office Department of Forest Resource Management Fauna & Flora International Global Positioning System Forest Management and Conservation Program International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Non‐Government Organisation National Protected Area Lao People’s Democratic Republic Lao Wildlife Conservation Association Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office Provincial Office of Forestry Inspection Provincial Division for Protected Area Management Universal Transverse Mecator Glossary of Lao words used in this report Ban Daan Khet Khong Khoung Kouane Muang Nam Phou Pha Tham = village = rocky flat as the roosting site of langur or cliff = cluster or zone = Black langur = Lao langur = flat ground, lowland plains located between hills = administrative district = river = mountain/hill = cliff = cave ສະຖານະພາບ ແລະ ກາຍກະຈາຍຂອງທະນີ ຢູ່ ເຂດປ່ າ ສະຫງວນແຫ່ ງ ຊາດ ພູ ຫີ ນ ປູ ນ ບດສ
ົ ງລວມ
ັ
ແຜນດ ໍາເນີນງານອະນຸລ ັກທະນີ
(2011-2020)
ໄດກ
ໍ ົດເອົ າປ່າສະຫງວນແຫງ
້ ານ
່ ຊາດພູຫິນປູນເປັນ
້ ມນໃກ
ເຂດທີ່ ມີບ ົດບາດສ ໍາຄ ັນໃນການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີແກມ
ຈ
້ ຂາວຖີ່ ນໃຕ.້ ທະນີຊະນິດນີແ
່
້ ະສູນພ ັນໃນລະ
ດ ັບໂລກ ແລະ ມີອານາເຂດການກະຈາຍຢູພ
ແລະ ແຂວງທີ່ ຢູໃ່ ກຄ
່ າກກາງຂອງແຂວງຄ ໍາມວນ
່
້ ຽງ ຄື
ແຂວງກວາງບິງ ຂອງ ສສ ຫວຽດນາມ. ທະນີແກມ
ຸ ່ ຫວ
ົ ຈຸກ 4 ຊະນິດ
້ ຂາວຖີ່ ນໃຕແ
້ ມນໜຶ່
່ ງໃນທະນີກມ
ທີ່ ມີຢໃູ່ ນ ສປປ ລາວ ເຊິ່ ງມີຄວາມສ ໍາຄ ັນໃນດາ້ ນການອະນຸລ ັກ. ທະນີຢໃູ່ ນກຸມ
ົ ຈຸກນີ້ ມີແຕໃ່ ນແຖບ
່ ຫວ
ຕາເວັນອອກຂອງແມນ
ແລະ ຖືວາ່ ເປັນກຸມ
ໍ້
່ າຂອງ
່ ທີ່ ໄດຮ
້ ັບໄພຂ່ມົ ຂູຫ
່ ຼ າຍທີ່ ສຸດ.
ປາ
່ ສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດພູຫິນປູນ ແມນໜຶ່
່ ງໃນປາ
່ ສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດ 2 ແຫງ
່ ໃນ ສປປ ລາວ ທີ່ ກວມ
້ ທີ່ ປະມານ 51.8% ທີ່
ເອົ າພື້ນທີ່ ປ່າຜາຫີນປູນພາກກາງ ຂອງອິນດູຈນ
ີ . ປາ່ ສະຫງວນດງ່ ັ ກາ່ ວມີເນືອ
ເປັນຜາຫີນປູນເຫວແຫຼ ມຊ ັນ ແລະ ເຂົ້າຫາໄດຍ
້ າກ ເຮັດໃຫມ
້ ັນມີການປົກປ້ອງຕ ົວເອງໄດແ
້ ບບທ ໍາມະ
ຊາດ ໄດສ
້ ວ
່ ນໜຶ່ ງ ຈາກການລາ່ ທະນີ ແລະ ສ ັດປາ
່ ຊະນິດອື່ ນໆ ໃນເຂດປາ
່ ສະຫງວນ. ປາ
່ ໄມໃນ
້
ເຂດຜາຫີນປູນສວ
ນວາ່ ມີຄວາມ
ັ ໃບ ເຊິ່ ງລ ັກສະນະຂອງປາ
່ ນຫຼາຍແມນປ
່ າ
່ ປະສ ົມ ແລະ ປາ
່ ພດ
່ ແມນເຫັ
່
ແຕກຕາ່ ງຂອງການປ່ຽນແປງຢາ່ ງຊ ັດເຈນລະຫວາ່ ງລະດູແລງ້ ແລະ ລະດູຝ ົນ (ຮູບ 1 ແລະ 2). ມີ
ປ່າດ ົງດິບເຂດຕໍ່ າທີ່ ສ ໍາຄ ັນ ພບ
ົ ຢູອ
່ ອ
້ ມລອ
້ ມໜວ
່ ຍຜາ ຫຼື ກວານທີ່ ມີຢລ
ູ່ ະຫວາ່ ງຜາຫີນ. ນອກຈາກທະນີ
ແລວ
້
່ັ
ປາ
່ ສະຫງວນດງ
ກາ່ ວຍ ັງເປັນທີ່ ຢູອ
່ າໄສຂອງສ ັດປາ
່ ທີ່ ມີຄວາມສ ໍາຄ ັນໃນລະດ ັບຊາດ
ແລະ
ລະດ ັບໂລກ ລວມທັງສ ັດຊະ ນິດພ ັນປະຈາຖີ່
ໍ ນ ເຊັ່ ນ: ຄາ່ ງລາວ, ຂະຍຸ ແລະ ນ ົກຂວາກຫົວລນ.
ົ້ ປ່າ
ສະຫງວນແຫງ
ໍ ້ ນ ເຊີ່ ງເປັນຖີ່ ນອາ
່ ຊາດພູຫີນປູນ ເຊື່ ອມຕໍ່ ກ ັບປ່າສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດ ນາກາຍ-ນາເທີ
ໄສສ ໍາຄ ັນຂອງສ ັດປ່າຂະໜາດໃຫຍ
່ ເຊັ່ ນ: ເຍືອງ, ເມີຍ, ຊາ້ ງ ແລະ ເສືອໂຄງ່ .
ໃນປີ 2010, ໂດຍການໃຫທ
້ ຶນ ຂອງກອງທຶນອາກ ັດ ໃຫກ
້ ັບອ ົງການສາກ ົນ ເພື່ ອການອະນຸລ ັກທ ໍາມະ
ຊາດ (IUCN) ແລະ ອ ົງການຮ ັກສາພັນພືດ ແລະ ສ ັດປາ
່ ສາກ ົນ (FFI) ໄດເ້ ຮັດວຽກຮວ
່ ມກ ັນ ເພື່ ອ
້ ງຕນ
ສະໜັບສະໜູນການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີ ໃນ ສປປ ລາວ. ໃນຄວາມພະຍາຍາມເບືອ
ົ້ ແມນຊ
່ ວ
່ ຍລ ັດ
ຖະບານ ພ ັດທະນາແຜນດາເນີ
ໍ ນງານອະນຸລ ັກທະນີ ແລະ ໃນປີ 2011 ໄດມ
ີ ານລິເລີ່ ມການອະນຸລ ັກ
້ ກ
ຊີວະນາໆພ ັນ ຢູໃ່ ນເຂດປາ
່ ສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດ ພູຫີນປູນ ໂດຍຖືເອົ າທະນີເປັນສ ັດປາ
່ ຕ ົວແທນ.
ມີການສ ໍາຫລວດຄວາມເປັນໄປໄດໃ້ ນການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີ ໃນປາ່ ສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດພູຫີນປູນ ໃນວ ັນທີ
31 ເດືອນມງກອນ
ຫາ ວ ັນທີ 11 ເດືອນກູມພາ ປີ 2011ໃນເຂດສອງຫອ
ັ
້ ງຕອນເໜືອ, ທິດຕາເວັນ
່ ັ ກາ່ ວ ແລະ ມີການສ ໍາຫຼວດລະອຽດໃນທາ້ ຍເດືອນທັນວາ
ອອກສຽ່ ງເໜືອ ຂອງປາ
່ ສະຫງວນດງ
ປີ
2011 ເພື່ ອປະເມີນສະຖານະພາບ ແລະ ການກະຈາຍຂອງປະຊາກອນທະນີ. ທີມງານສ ໍາຫຼ ວດໄດ ້
i ສະຖານະພາບ ແລະ ກາຍກະຈາຍຂອງທະນີ ຢູ່ ເຂດປ່ າ ສະຫງວນແຫ່ ງ ຊາດ ພູ ຫີ ນ ປູ ນ ສ ໍາພາດຊາວບາ້ ນ ໃນ 37 ບາ້ ນ ຢູອ
່ ອ
້ ມເຂດປາ
່ ສະຫງວນ ແລະ ລ ົງສ ໍາຫຼ ວດພື້ນທີ່ ປາ
່ ລະຫວາ່ ງ
ບາ້ ນກວານກະຈາ, ບາ້ ນບວມລູ ແລະເຂດບາ້ ນວຽງຫຼ ວງ.
ໃນການສ ໍາພາດມີ 75% (28 ບາ້ ນ) ໄດຢ
້ ືນຢັນວາ່ ຍ ັງມີທະນີຢໃູ່ ນຂອບເຂດບາ້ ນຂອງເຂົາເຈົາ້ ຢາ່ ງ
ໜອ
້ ຍ ບາ້ ນລະ 1 ຫາ 2 ກຸມ
່ . ຈາກການສ ໍາພາດໃນ 12 ບາ້ ນ (32%) ໄດລ
້ າຍງານວາ່ ຢູໃ່ ນບາ້ ນ
ຍ ັງໄດຍ
ິ ສຽງທະນີຮອ
້ ນ
້ ງ ໃນຕອນເຊົ້າ ເຊິ່ ງຖືວາ່ ພິເສດ ແລະ ຫາໄດຍ
້ າກ. ໃນນີ,້ 4 ບາ້ ນຢູທ
່ ິດຕາ
ເວັນອອກຂອງປ່າສະຫງວນ ແມນມີ
່ ການເຊື່ ອຖືແບບຮີດຄອງປະເພນີ ໃນການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີໂດຍບໍ່ ມີ
ການຍິງທະນີ ເຊັ່ ນ: ບາ້ ນສະນາກ, ທາ່ ນາ, ນາເຕີຍ ແລະ ໜອງດ ົງ. ໄດມ
ີ າງເຂດທີ່ ເປັນເຂດ
້ ບ
ສ ັກສິດໃນການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີ ເຊັ່ ນ: ຜາມວງຂອງບ
າ້ ນທາ່ ນາ ເມືອງຄູນຄ ໍາ, ຜານາປະກ
ໍ້
ັນຂອງບາ້ ນ
່
ສະນາກ ເມືອງຫີນບູນ ແລະ ຍ ັງມີຖາຂອງບ
າ້ ນນາທານ ສ ໍາລ ັບການຮ ັກສາໂຕຄາ່ ງ.
ໍ້
ໂດຍທົ່ ວໄປແລວ
້
ໝູບ
່ າ້ ນສວ
່ ນຫຼ າຍຂອງປາ
່ ສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດພູຫີນປູນ
ແມນຍ
່ ັງມີທະນີອາໄສຢູ.່
ເຖິງແນວໃດກໍ່ ຕາມບາງບາ້ ນກໍ່ ບ່ ໍໄດມ
ິ ສຽງທະນີຮອ
້ ີ ບໍ່ ໄດເ້ ຫັ ນ ຫຼື ບໍ່ ໄດຍ
້ ນ
້ ງ ເປັນເວລາ 2-3 ປີ ແລວ
້ .
ບາ້ ນທີ່ ມີການລາຍງານວາ່ ທະນີໄດຫ
້ ຸ ຼດລ ົງ ຫຼື ບໍ່ ມີແລວ
້ ລວມມີບາ້ ນທົ່ ງລ ົມ ຢູທ
່ າງທິດຕາເວັນຕ ົກສຽ່ ງເ
ໜືອ, ບາ້ ນໂພນແກວ
້ , ບາ້ ນນາຕານ ແລະ ບາ້ ນບ ົງ ຢູທ
່ າງທິດຕາເວັນຕ ົກ, ບາ້ ນຫວ
້ ຍຍາງຢູທ
່ າງ
ທິດຕາເວັນອອກ ແລະ ບາ້ ນວ ັງຢຽ້ ມຢູທ
ັ້ ຂ
່ າງທິດໃຕ.້ ໝູບ
່ າ້ ນເຫຼ່ ົ ານີ້ ແມນຕ
່ ງຢູ
່ ອ
້ ນຂາ້ ງຫາ່ ງຈາກເຂດ
ປາ
່ ສະຫງວນ
ຖາ້ ທຽບໃສບ
່ າ້ ນອື່ ນໆ
ທີ່ ໄດມ
້ ເີ ຮັດການສ ໍາພາດ. ອີງຕາມຜ ົນການສ ໍາພາດຊາວບາ້ ນ
ແລະ ການສ ໍາຫຼ ວດພາກສະໜາມ ໄດຮ
ູ້ າ່ ເຂດທີ່ ມີທະນີສ ໍາຄ ັນທີ່ສຸດແມນ
້ ວ
່ ກວານປັງ ແລະ ກວານ
ທວາຍຂອງບາ້ ນ ບວມລູ, ເມືອງຫີນບູນ, ເຂດສອງຫອ
ຂອງບາ້ ນກອງລໍ ແລະ ຫວ
້ ງ, ອາ່ ງຕາງອນ
່
້ ຍ
ເທີກ ຂອງບາ້ ນສອງຄອນ, ເມືອງຄູນຄ ໍາ. ພື້ນທີ່ ເຂດພາກໃຕຂ
້ ອງປາ
່ ສະຫງວນ ແມນມີ
່ ທະນີໜອ
້ ຍ
້ ນ
ຫຼ າຍ. ແນວໃດຕໍ່ ຕາມ, ຂໍມ
ູ ຈາກການສ ໍາພາດຊາວບາ້ ນໄດປ
້ ະເມີນວາ່ ອາດມີທະນີປະມານ 147 ກຸມ
່
ຢູໃ່ ນເຂດປາ
່ ສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດພູຫີນປູນ (ຕາຕະລາງ 3).
ຜ ົນການສ ໍາຫຼວດໃນພາກສະໜາມ 19 ວ ັນ ໂດຍ 2 ທີມສ ໍາຫຼ ວດ ໄດບ
26 ກຸມ
ໍ
້ ັນທຶກທະນີ ຈານວນ
່
ໃນນນ,
ໄດພ
ັ້
ົ ທຸກກຸມ
້ ົບເຫັ ນຕ ົວຈິງ 2 ກຸມ
່ . ເກືອບໝດ
່ ທີ່ ໄດບ
້ ັນທຶກ ແມນມີ
່ ສຽງຮອ
້ ງສູງ ເຊິ່ ງໝາຍ
້ ມນຕ
ຄວາມວາ່ ສຽງນີແ
່ ົວແທນບ່ງົ ບອກເປັນກຸມ
່ ຫຼ າຍກວາ່ ຈະເປັນຕ ົວດຽວ. ໄດມ
້ ີ 14 ກຸມ
່ ບ ັນທຶກຢູເ່ ຂດ
ສອງຫອ
້ ງ ແລະ ອີກ 12 ກຸມ
່ ຢູເ່ ຂດຜາຫີນປູນ ລະຫວາ່ ງບາ້ ນບວມລູ ແລະ ບາ້ ນກວານກະຈາ ແຕ ່
ບໍ່ ໄດບ
້ ັນທຶກກຸມ
່ ທະນີຢເູ່ ຂດ ບາ້ ນ ນາຍໍ ແລະ ວຽງຫຼ ວງ (ຮູບ 9). ເວົ້າລວມແລວ
້ ເຂດທີ່ ມີທະນີໜາ
ແໜນ
ອຂອງສອງຫອ
້ ແມນຕອນເໜື
່
້ ງໃກກ
້ ັບບາ້ ນກອງລໍ .
ນ ໍາໃຊແ
້ ຜນທີ່ ພູມສ ັນຖານ ຄາດຄະເນຕາມຫອ
້ ງ (134 ຫອ
້ ງແຜນທີ່ x 4ກມ2) ມີປະມານ 536 ກມ2
ໃນປ່າສະຫງວນລວມທັງປ່າຜາຫີນ ແລະ ເຂດປ່າດ ົງດິບຕາ່ ໍ ທີ່ ມີຄວາມເປັນໄປໃນການພ ົບທະນີ ແຕ ່
ໃນນນັ້ ອີງໃສເ່ ງື່ ອນໄຂໃນການການ
ໍ ົດຄວາມເໝາະສ ົມ ມີພຽງ 70% (375 ກມ2) ທີ່ ເຫັ ນວາ່ ເປັນຖີ່ ນທີ່ ຢູ່
ii ສະຖານະພາບ ແລະ ກາຍກະຈາຍຂອງທະນີ ຢູ່ ເຂດປ່ າ ສະຫງວນແຫ່ ງ ຊາດ ພູ ຫີ ນ ປູ ນ ອາໄສແທດ ເໝາະຂອງທະນີ. ໂດຍອີງໃສແ
່ ຜນທີ່ ພູມສ ັນຖານ ທີມງານໄດປ
້ ຶ ກສາຫາລືກ ັບຊາວບາ້ ນ
ກຽ່ ວກ ັບຄວາມໜາ ແໜນ
ມ
ໍ
້ ຂອງຈານວນກຸ
່ ທະນີ ຢູໃ່ ນແຕລ
່ ະຕາຂອງແຜນທີ່ ໂດຍນ ໍາໃຊຄ
້ ໍາຖາມທີ່ປັບ
ຈາກວິທີສກ
ຶ ສາພື້ນທີ່ ການຄອບຄອງຂອງທະນີ (occupancy). ຜ ົນການຄາດຄະເນໄດມ
ີ ະນີ ຢູ່
້ ທ
ໃນປ່າສະຫງວນແຫງ
າ່ ງ 73 ຫາ 207 ກຸມ
ຸ່ ສະເລຍ
່ ຊາດ ພູຫີນປູນ ແມນລະຫວ
່
່ ໂດຍມີກມ
່ 140 ກຸມ
່
ຫຼື 500 ໂຕ (ຕາຕະລາງ 5). ບາ້ ນທີ່ ສ ໍາຄ ັນໃນການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີໄດແ
້ ກ ່ ບາ້ ນກອງລໍ , ນາບອນ,
ບວມລູ, ນາຄື ແລະ ວ ັງຫີນ. ສວ
່ ນບາ້ ນທີ່ ສ ໍາຄ ັນຮອງລ ົງມາ ແມນ
່ ບາ້ ນກວານກະຈາ, ຫ ົວນາ, ທາ່
ນາ, ນາສາ, ນາຕານ, ວຽງຫຼ ວງ, ໂພນສີ, ບາ້ ນດອ
່ ຍ (ຜາແຫຼ ມ) ແລະ ບາ້ ນນາຍໍ.
ໄພຂ່ມົ ຂູຕ
່ ່ ໍປະຊາກອນທະນີໃນປາ
່ ສະຫງວນແຫງ
່ ຊາດພູຫີນປູນ
ແມນການລ
າ່ ດວ
່
້ ຍປື ນຫຼ ວງ
ແລະ
ການຕ ັດໄມຂະໜາດນ
ອ
້
້ ຍ ອ ັນເຮັດໃຫປ
້ ະຊາກອນຂອງທະນີໃນຫຼາຍເຂດຫຼຸ ດລ ົງ. ເຖິງແມນວ
່ າ່ ການ
ລາ່ ສ ັດປ່າດວ
້ ຍປື ນຢູໃ່ ນອ ັດຕາທີ່ຕາ່ ໍ
ກໍ່ ເປັນໄພຂ່ມົ ຂູຕ
່ ່ ໍປະຊາກອນຂອງທະນີ
ເພາະການແຜພ
ັ ຂອງ
່ ນ
ພວກມນັ ແມນ
້ ຄອງໄດ ້ ໂດຍການປູກຈິດສ ໍານຶກ, ການ
່ ຕາ່ ໍ ຢູແ
່ ລວ
້ . ໄພຂ່ມົ ຂູເ່ ຫຼ່ ົ ານີ້ ອາດສາມາດຄຸມ
ນ ໍາໃຊມ
ີ ານປັບປຸງການຈ ັດສ ັນຄຸມ
ີ ນ
ື້ .
້ າດຕະການບ ັງຄ ັບ ໂດຍໃຫມ
້ ກ
້ ຄອງປາ
່ ສະຫງວນໃຫດ
້ ຂ
້ ໃໝ່ ຖາ້ ການສະເໜີຕງແຄ
ໄພຂ່ມົ ຂູທ
ມ
ັ້
່ ່ ີອາດເກີດຂືນ
້ ຂອງທະຫານຢູເ່ ຂດກວານຮຸຍ ບາ້ ນນາຄືເປັນຈິງ,
້ , ການຕ ັດໄມ ້
ກໍ່ ຈະເກີດມີຄວາມຕອ
າ່ ງ-ລີງ ໂດຍຊາວຄາ້ -ຂາຍຫວຽດນາມເພີ່ ມຂຶນ
ໍ
້ ງການຈາພວກຄ
້ .
ແບບຜິດກ ົດໝາຍຢູເ່ ຂດປາ່ ດ ົງດິບເຂດຕາ່ ໍ ກໍ່ ຈະເພີ່ ມຫລາຍຂຶນ
້ ະເໜີແນະ
ຂໍສ

ເຂດທີ່ ສ ໍາຄ ັນຂອງທະນີ ແມນເຂດສອງຫ
ອ
່
້ ງ, ກວານປັງ, ກວານທວາຍ ຫຼື ກວານກາງ ແລະ
່ ັ ກາ່ ວ ແມນບ
ເພື່ ອການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີຢໃູ່ ນເຂດບໍລິມະສິດດງ
່ າ້ ນກອງລໍ , ນາບອນ, ບວມລູ, ນາ
ດາວ, ນາຄື ແລະ ບາ້ ນວ ັງຫີນ ແລະ ກຸມ
່ ບາ້ ນທີ່ ຢູໃ່ ກຄ
້ ຽງ.

ກິດຈະກາທ
ໍ າອິ
ໍ ດຂອງການອະນຸລ ັກທະນີ
ແມນການປູ
ກຈິດສ ໍານຶກ,
່
ສາ້ ງກ ົນໄກການນ ໍາໃຊ ້
່ ັ ກາ່ ວ.
ມາດຕະການ ແລະ ທີມງານລາດຕະເວນທອ
້ ງຖີ່ ນ ໃນເຂດບູລິມະສິດດງ

ເພື່ ອປອ
້ ງກ ັນໄພຂ່ມົ ຂູຕ
່ ່ ໍເຂດໃຈກາງຂອງທະນີ ໃນຕອນເໜືອຂອງສອງຫອ
້ ງ
ຄວນສາ້ ງໃຫມ
້ ີ
ຫອ
້ ງການພາກສະໜາມ ຢູໃ່ ນປ່າສະຫງວນ, ຢູເ່ ຂດຂ ົວດິນ ຂອງບາ້ ນນາບອນ/ ນາທົນ ເຊິ່ ງ
ເປັນເຂດທີ່ ມີຄ ົນເຂົ້າມາຈາກບາ້ ນນາດາວ.

້ ນ
ປັບປຸງຂໍມ
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່ ຊາດ
iv The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Summary The Gibbon Conservation Action Plan for Lao PDR, 2011‐2020 identifies Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area (NPA) as a potentially important location for conservation of the southern white‐cheeked gibbon Nomascus siki. This is a globally endangered gibbon species with a highly restricted range centred on Khammouane Province and neighbouring Quang Binh Province in Vietnam. N. siki is one of four species of Nomascus found in Lao PDR, which is crucial for survival of this species. Gibbons of the genus Nomascus are found almost exclusively east of the Mekong River and are considered to be the most threatened genus of gibbons. Phou Hin Poun NPA is located in Khammouane Province and is one of only two NPAs in Lao PDR covering representative samples of the Central Indochina Limestone. About 51.8% of Phou Hin Poun NPA is rugged limestone karst terrain and is relatively inaccessible thus providing some degree of natural protection for gibbons and other wildlife, particularly in the interior. The forest on the limestone mountains is mostly mixed/deciduous forests and changes of forest cover between the dry and wet season are clearly distinguished (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). There are important areas of intact lowland evergreen forest found in depressions in the karst or in the flat‐bottomed valleys (kouan) between the limestone mountains. Other than gibbons, Phou Hin Poun NPA maintains a suite of nationally and globally important fauna including the endemic Lao langur Trachypithecus laotum and two recently described species; the kha nyou Laonastes aenigmamus and bare‐faced bulbul Pycnonotus hualon. As part of the broader biodiversity conservation landscape, particularly linked to Nakai Nam‐Theun NPA it maintains important habitat for large mammals including serow, gaur, elephant and tiger. Since 2010, IUCN and FFI (with support from the Arcus Foundation) have been collaborating to support gibbon conservation in Lao PDR; initially by supporting the Lao government preparing the national gibbon action plan, and since 2011 in supporting conservation of biodiversity at Phou Hin Poun NPA, with gibbons as a flagship species. From 31 January to 11 February 2011, a scoping mission was conducted to assess the significance of Phou Hin Poun NPA for gibbon conservation and the feasibility of establishing a gibbon conservation project. This survey mainly focused on the lowland evergreen forest of the Song Hong area in the north‐east of the protected area. A more detailed gibbon survey was conducted in December 2011 to assess the status and distribution of the gibbon population and identify where to focus conservation measures. The survey team conducted extensive interview surveys in 37 villages around the protected area and field surveys between Kouane Kaja and Bouamlou and around Ban Vieng Louang. This report presents the gibbon survey results of those surveys, and other recent records by the lead author. Thirty seven villages were visited altogether around the NPA (see Table 2), of which 75.67% (28 villages) confirmed their village territories still have gibbons with at least one or two groups per village. From 12 villages (about 32%) there were reports that gibbon songs could be heard from the villages in the morning which is rare in Laos now. Four villages on the west side of the NPA (Sanak, Tha Na, Nateuy and Nong Dong) have a traditional belief system whereby the majority of villagers do not hunt gibbons. There are certain sites where gibbons are considered sacred e.g. Pha Mouang of Ban Tha Na in Khounkham District, Pha Nam Pakan of Ban Sanak in Hinboun district and Ban Nathan for langur conservation. ‐ v ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area In general, almost all the villages in Phou Hin Poun NPA indicated the local presence of gibbons. However at some locations gibbons had neither been neither seen nor heard for a few years. Villages where gibbons were reported to be declining or already absent were Thonglom in the north‐west, Ban Phonekeo, Nathan and Ban Bong in the west, and Houay Yang in the east and Vang Yiem in the south. These villages were all far from the protected area compared to the other villages where interviews were conducted. According to the village interviews and field surveys, the most important areas for gibbons include Kouane Pang and Kouane Thouy of Bouamlou in Hinboun District, Song Hong, Ang Ta Ngon of Ban Konglor and Houy Theuk of Ban Songkhone in Khounkham District. Fewer gibbon groups were reported in southern Phou Hin Poun NPA. From the interviews an estimated 147 gibbon groups in Phou Hin Poun NPA (see Table 3). During 19 days of gibbon field surveys by two teams, 26 records of gibbons were made, of which two were directly observed. Nearly all vocalisations included a great call and thus represented groups, rather than individuals. 14 records were in the Song Hong area, 12 records came from the area of limestone mountains between Kouane Kaja and Bouamlou, but there were no field records in the Ban Nayor and Vieng Louang area (see Figure 9). The highest gibbon density is probably in the northern Song Hong near Ban Konglor. Using a topographic map we estimated the potential area for gibbons in the NPA including limestone mountains and lowland forest to be 536 km2, (134 grid squares x 4 km2), of which about 70% (375 km2) is suitable habitat. Using the topographic maps, we discussed the potential density of gibbon groups in each grid square with villagers, using a technique modified from questionnaires of occupancy. As a result the total number of gibbon groups in the NPA was estimated to be 73 to 207 groups, i.e. 140 groups or 500 individuals (see Table 5). Given that we are confident there could be about 80 groups in key locations, this appears to be a reasonable estimate. Of course, the large range of the estimate reflects some degree of uncertainty inherent in the methods used. The first priority villages for focussing gibbon conservation activities to strengthen protection of core gibbon areas are Konglor, Nabone, Bouamlou, Nadao, Nakheu and Vang Hin. Also other important villages are Kouane Kaja, Houa Na, Songkhone, Tha Na, Bonaeng, Nasa, Natan, Vieng Louang, Phonsi, Doi (Phalaem) and Nayor. Gun hunting and small scale logging currently present the main threats to gibbons in Phou Hin Poun NPA, and village reports suggests a general decline in gibbon numbers in some areas. Even a small level of gun hunting can have a significant impact on gibbon populations, as their reproductive rate is low. These threats are probably manageable, with awareness raising and some enforcement measures through improved protected area management required. Emerging threats could be the location of an army camp proposed in Kouane Houi near Ban Nakheu, an increasing demand for primates from Vietnamese traders, and any increase in illegal logging of lowland evergreen forest. Recommendations The important areas for gibbons are Song Hong, Kouane Pang Kouane Thouy or Kouane Kang and to support gibbon conservation area in those areas priority ‐ vi ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area villages are Konglor, Nabone, Bouamlou, Nadao, Nakheu and Vanghin and the village clusters surrounding them. Initial conservation activities should focus on awareness raising and establishing enforcement mechanisms in those areas as well as local patrol teams. Field stations should be established inside the NPA, at least at Khoua Din, in Ban Nabone/Nathon, which has easy access from Ban Nadao, to prevent threats to the core gibbon area in northern Song Hong. To improve knowledge of the distribution of gibbons, further surveys are needed in Khouan Thouy, Nam Theuk of Ban Songkhone, some parts from Ban Bonaeng crossing to Ban Kang (Konglor cluster), the western edge of the NPA from Ban Bong to Ban Bonaeng (Phontieo cluster) and outside the NPA in Phou Art area in coordination with Nakai‐Nam Theun NPA. The current management plan, prepared in 1999, should be updated and include participation of local stakeholders from provincial and district government agencies and local communities. ‐ vii ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area 1 Introduction The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Fauna & Flora International (FFI) have been collaborating in primate conservation initiatives in Lao PDR since 2010, beginning with joint support to the Lao government for preparation of the Gibbon Conservation Action Plan for Lao PDR, 2011‐2020 (MAF 2011). In January 2011, as part of preparations of that action plan a rapid survey was conducted at Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area (NPA) to assess its potential importance for conservation of the southern white‐cheeked gibbon Nomascus siki and to identify interventions to support conservation of this species. The findings revealed a good population of the species. As a result a gibbon‐focussed conservation project at Phou Hin Poun NPA was initiated in September 2011 by IUCN and FFI with funding from the Arcus Foundation, using the gibbon and Lao langur as flagship species for biodiversity conservation. 1.1 The Southern White­Cheeked Crested Gibbon With six gibbon species in the country, the Lao PDR is considered to have a high diversity of gibbons. Of special interest is that four species of crested gibbons (genus Nomascus) are known from the country and for each of those species, Lao PDR holds globally significant populations. Crested gibbons are the most threatened genus of gibbons globally, reinforcing the global importance of Lao PDR for gibbon conservation (MAF 2011). The southern white‐cheeked gibbon Nomascus siki is one of four Nomascus species found in Lao PDR and is currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It was considered to be a sub‐species of the white‐cheeked gibbon N. leucogenys until quite recently (Groves 2007) and data published in 2010 on the taxonomy and distribution of Nomascus now proposes that its range is much more restricted than previously thought (Thinh, Rawson et al. 2010). N. siki inhabits the forests which straddle either side of the Annamite Mountain Range in Laos and Vietnam. In Lao PDR the precise location of its northern extent remains unclear, but in the lower Nam Kading catchment it seems to be the mainstream itself, from where its range extends south to the vicinity of the Banghiang River (Thinh et al. 2010). In Vietnam its range centres on Quang Binh Province with recent surveys also confirming its presence just to the north and south of Quang Binh in Ha Tinh and Quang Tri Provinces respectively (Rawson at al. 2011). Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (which is contiguous with Hin Nam No NPA in Laos) and surrounding production forests appear to hold the only viable populations of the species. The importance of Lao PDR for global survival of this species has therefore been recognised as highly significant (Duckworth 2008; MAF 2011). 1.2
Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Among the national protected areas lying within the range of this species, Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area has been recognised as one of the priority sites for conservation of N. siki within the Gibbon Conservation Action Plan for Lao PDR (MAF 2011). This protected area is located in Khammouane Province, in central Lao PDR and was established in 1993 through Decree 164/PM to cover 150,000 ha. According to the 1999 Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area Management Plan, it has an area of 225,000 ha and with a proposed extension would cover 281,500 ha (FOMACOP 1999). Some sections of the NPA ‐ 1 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area boundaries have been revised, and boundary demarcation of some key access areas of the NPA has been completed. This is one of only two NPAs in Lao PDR covering representative samples of the Central Indochina Limestone, the other being Hin Nam No NPA, also in Khammouane Province. Although Phou Hin Poun NPA is much drier in the dry season than Hin Nam No NPA. About 51.8% of Phou Hin Poun NPA is rugged limestone karst terrain (FOMACOP 1999) and is relatively inaccessible thus providing some degree of natural protection for gibbons and other wildlife, particularly in the interior. The forest on limestone mountains is mostly mixed/deciduous forests and changes of forest cover between the dry and wet season are clearly distinguished (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). There are important areas of intact lowland evergreen forest found in depressions in the karst or in the flat‐bottomed valleys (kouane) between the limestone mountains. Although much of the original forest in the kouane have been converted to agriculture, settlements or tree plantations in the surrounding areas, a large area of lowland evergreen forest is still found, particularly in the Song Hong area on the eastern side of the NPA in Nakai District. Other than gibbons, Phou Hin Poun NPA maintains a suite of nationally and globally important fauna including the endemic Lao langur Trachypithecus laotum (Phiapalath 2010; Steinmetz et al. 2011) and two recently described species; the kha nyou Laonastes aenigmamus, a new genus of rodent described in 2005 (Jenkins et al. 2005) and the bare‐
faced bulbul Pycnonotus hualon, which was first described in 2009 (Woxvold et al. 2009). The sooty babbler Stachyris herberti is a limestone endemic species for which Phou Hin Poun represents globally significant habitat and the population of wreathed hornbill Rhyticeros undulates may also be nationally important (Timmins 1997). Forty‐three bat species have been recorded in the protected area, the highest for any protected area in Laos and 14 key turtle species (FOMACOP 1999). As part of the broader biodiversity conservation landscape, particularly linked to Nakai Nam‐Theun NPA it maintains important habitat for large mammals including serow, gaur, elephant and tiger (FOMACOP 1999). August 2010 Figure 1. Deciduous limestone forest in wet season ‐ 2 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area January 2011 Figure 2. Deciduous limestone forest in dry season The NPA lies within parts of six districts. There are 115 villages (with over 64,000 people today) which have direct and indirect use in the area, of which 89 villages are located inside (village type I) and adjacent (village type II) to the protected area (see Table 1). The rest are quite far from the protected area but they still use some forest resources there. Table 1. Population of villages around Phou Hin Poun NPA Village type II III 28 6 District Villages Khounkham 34 I Hinboun 20 20 16,768 Thakhek 12 6 4 2 2,377 Mahaxay 14 12 2 6,146 Gnommalath 25 4 13 8 10,291 Nakai 10 7 3 7,332 Total 115 24 66 10 15 64,641 IV Population 21,727 The ethnicity of people in the villages around the NPA are mainly Lao Loum including Kaleung, Tai Bo, Tai Sam and Meuy sub groups; and Lao Theung, including Makong (Kwa, Tro sub groups). Lao Theung is the main population to the east of Phou Hin Poun NPA. Since early 2012, the management of the NPA has been transferred from the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO) to the Conservation Unit within the newly established Provincial Office for Natural Resources and Environment (PONRE). The NPA is supported by five main district offices (Hin Boun, Khounkham, Thakhek, Gnommalath and Nakai) each staffed with 2 to 3 staff (or volunteers). 1.3 Objectives of the surveys In February 2011, a scoping mission was conducted to assess the significance of Phou Hin Poun NPA for gibbon conservation and the feasibility of establishing a gibbon conservation project there. Once the project was established, a more detailed gibbon survey was conducted in December 2012 to assess the status and distribution of the gibbon population and identify where to focus conservation measures. During that survey, records of Lao langurs and other key wildlife were also made. Survey resources were focussed in the ‐ 3 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area northern and central parts of the protected area, where previous survey work by the lead author and the topography and forest conditions suggested the more significant part of the gibbon population remained. In addition, surveys for Lao langurs had previously been conducted in 2010 by the lead author, which included records of gibbons. Also, some villages of the Phalaem village cluster were revisited in March 2012. This report presents the gibbon survey results of all those surveys. 2 Survey Methods 2.1 Itineraries and survey teams Two main gibbon surveys were conducted in February and December 2011 respectively. 2.1.1 First survey – 31 January to 11 February 2011 The first gibbon survey ran from 31 January to 11 February 2011. Opportunistic and rapid village interviews were conducted in six key villages in different parts of the NPA; Ban Nathan and Khonkeo in the west, Ban Doi in the south, Konglor and Nabon/Nathon1 in the north and Vang Hin on the east. The team stayed one night in Konglor village. These interviews focussed mainly on gathering local knowledge on the presence of gibbons and the Lao langur. Two teams were organised to conduct the survey in the main lowland evergreen of the Song Hong area, in the territories of Konglor, Nabone, Nathon and Nadao villages, in Khounkham and Nakai Districts. Song Hong was considered to have more appropriate gibbon habitat as it supports lowland evergreen forest with less karst. Due to its high biodiversity values the area has been included as part of the totally protected zone of Phou Hin Poun NPA (FOMACOP 1999). Team 1 heading out from Konglor spent three days in the forest in the northern Song Hong area of Nong Pakek. Team 2 starting from Nabone to Tham Phai, Khoua Din and Nadao intended to cover the central and southern Song Hong and spent six days in the forest. Gibbons were listened for either at the campsite or locations close‐by based upon recommendations of the local guides. Figure 3. Nabone Survey Team at Survey Camp 4 ‐ 4 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area 2.1.2 Second survey – 15 to 31 December 2011 The second survey was conducted from 15 to 31 December 2011. Two teams conducted village interviews around Phou Hin Poun NPA prior to the field surveys, covering 37 villages including some previously surveyed villages. Almost all village interviews were carried out from 16 to 20 December prior to the field surveys and close to NPA boundaries. All villages visited were in Nakai, Khounkham, Gnommalath and Hinboun Districts. No villages were visited in Mahaxay District, which has only a small number of villages located close to the NPA and in the south of the NPA. The first team was led by the lead author visited villages in the Nabone/Nathon area and along the Hinboun River from Ban Thonglom, Pahang to Songkhone then Pak Theuk and Natoey. The second team conducted interviews from Ban Nayor to Phon Khaen, Vieng Louang, Pon Phoun, Vang Yiem, Vang Hin, Donekeo and Nadao. The field surveys were conducted from 23 to 31 December 2011. The first team covered the core area of Ban Kouane Kaja and Bouamlou in Hinboun District and conducted some additional village interviews in these villages (see Figure 4). The second team covered Ban Nayor and Vieng Louang in Nakai District. Before the surveys, the two teams were trained on how to conduct field surveys, receiving basic skills in village interviews, cross‐checking data, field techniques, song types, data recording and use of maps. Figure 4. Village interviews on wildlife at Ban Kouane Kaja Prior to the surveys above some field surveys on Lao Langurs were conducted by the lead author from March to December 2010 and included gibbon records (Phiapalath 2010), visiting many of the villagers revisited during the gibbon surveys in December 2011. Although it was a Lao Langur survey, gibbon songs were recorded along with information on the presence and absence of gibbons in the survey areas. 2.2 Interview techniques Village interviews were conducted to understand a preliminary status of gibbons around key villages through discussions with key informants, particularly hunters and village authorities. The two teams of the second survey were trained on village interview skills, identification of ‐ 5 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area key informants and some other interview techniques. The teams asked if any gibbons were present in village areas, using as references name of locations (e.g. kouane, flat ground, plains between hills; phou, mountain; pha, cliff; houy, river), distance in km or time taken to walk, direction from the villages and estimated number of gibbon group per particular area. A topographic map (1:100,000) was used to roughly locate where villagers reported gibbons to be. The gibbon locations reported by villagers were marked on the map but firstly the team gave orientation and explanation of the map and locations, identifying land marks around their villages such as rivers and roads. We cross‐checked with different people to ensure that the data was consistent. Using the 2x2 km grid squares from the topographic maps, we discussed the potential density of gibbon groups in each particular grid. This technique is modified from questionnaires of occupancy (MacKenzie et al. 2002) which is used widely for understanding species distribution (presence and absence). The presence, status and any conservation practices related to Lao langurs were also specifically discussed, and then more generally other wildlife using the Guide to Mammals of Lao PDR (Parr 2008) to help discussion. The presence of 23 other key wildlife species was asked in each interview village. In the village discussion we also inquired about existing conservation practices such as village regulations, their traditional beliefs and law enforcement. We usually took approximately one to two hours in each village. 2.3 Field surveys Field surveys were conducted to verify locations of gibbons reported by villagers and assess habitats. We listened to gibbons calling in the early morning from about 6.00 am, waking at about 5.40 am. We tried to camp at high locations to hear gibbon songs better, however, it was not always possible, depending upon the terrain and water availability. The teams were small so only single listening posts were used each time. If gibbon songs were heard coming from different directions they were considered to be different groups and if from the same direction and estimated same distance although more than one song, we considered that it was just one group. If a great call was heard we concluded that it was a group, otherwise solo calls were considered likely to represent solo individuals. In the late morning and afternoon, we also conducted surveys along treks and around the camps. The distance of gibbon song locations were roughly estimated based upon how loud they were, but no more than 1.5 km. We planned that successive camps should not be too close to each other to avoid double counts of the same groups, so on average camps should be 2 km apart. Figure 5. Climbing along a steep cliff and gathering water from climbers ‐ 6 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Figure 6. Evergreen forest at foothills 3 Results 3.1 Village interviews Thirty seven villages were visited altogether (see Table 2), of which 75.67% (28 villages) confirmed their village territories still have gibbons with at least one or two groups per village. These were all villages within or closest to the NPA. From 12 villages (about 32%) there were reports that gibbon songs could be heard from the villages in the morning. Four villages on the west side of the NPA (Sanak, Nateuy, Nong Dong and Tha Na) have a traditional belief system whereby the majority of villagers do not hunt gibbons. There are certain sites where gibbons are considered sacred e.g Pha Mouang of Ban Tha Na in Khounkham District, Ban Sanak in Hinboun district and Ban Nathan for langur conservation. In general, almost all the villages in Phou Hin Poun NPA indicated the local presence of gibbons. However at some locations gibbons had neither been neither seen nor heard for a few years, and villages where they were reportd to be declining or already absent were Thonglom in the north‐west, Ban Phonekeo, Nathan and Ban Bong in the west, and Houay Yang in the east and Vang Yiem in the south. These villages were all far from the protected area compared to the other villages where interviews were conducted. ‐ 7 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Table 2. Gibbon reports from village interviews No 1 Village Nakheu Village cluster Nakheu District Hin Boun 2 Nasa Bonaeng Hin Boun 3 Ban Bong Bonaeng Hin Boun 4 Bonaeng Bonaeng Hin Boun 5 Bouamlou Houa Na 6 Houa Na 7 Gibbon present locally Gibbon heard from village Taboos Gibbon Langur Hin Boun Houa Na Hin Boun Kouane Kaja Houa Na Hin Boun 8 Sanak Houa Na Hin Boun 9 Khonekeo Nathan Hin Boun 10 Nathan Nathan Hin Boun 11 Konglor Konglor Khounkham 12 Ban Kang Konglor Khounkham 13 Nateuy Nano Khounkham 14 Nong Dong Nano Khounkham 15 Phahang Neua Tha Na Khounkham 16 Tha Na Tha Na Khounkham 17 Thonglom Tha Na Khounkham 18 Songkhone Songkhone 19 Ban Doi 20 Khounkham Phalaem Thakhek Ban Phontong Phalaem Thakhek 21 Naniyom Nase Thakhek 22 Nayor Nase Thakhek 23 Ban Kouane Kouane Sam Nakai 24 Nadao Kouane Sam Nakai 25 Vang Hin Kouane Sam Nakai 26 Ban Xong Houay Yang Nakai 27 Donekeo Houay Yang Nakai 28 Houay Yang Houay Yang Nakai 29 Mouang Louang Muang Louang Nakai 30 Nabone Nabone Nakai 31 Nathon Nabone Nakai 32 Natan Natan Nakai 33 Phon Khaen Phon Khaen Gnommalath 34 Pom Khoun Vieng Louang Gnommalath 35 Phonsi Vieng Louang Gnommalath 36 Vang Yiem Vang Yiem Gnommalath 37 Vieng Louang Vieng Louang Gnommalath ‐ 8 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area White circles indicate villages where gibbons were reported to be present nearby. Dark circles where interviews report gibbons not present. The red line indicates the boundary of Phou Hin Poun NPA (source: World Database on Protected Areas). Figure 7. Villages where interviews were conducted on the presence of gibbons According to the village interviews, the most important areas for gibbons include Kouane Pang and Kouane Thouy of Bouamlou in Hinboun District, Song Hong, Ang Ta Ngon of Ban Konglor and Houy Theuk of Ban Songkhone in Khounkham District. In these areas gibbon groups were reported at a high density. Fewer gibbon groups were reported in southern Phou Hin Poun NPA. From the interviews an estimated 147 gibbon groups were recorded in Phou Hin Poun NPA (see Table 3). Most villagers reported the presence of gibbons was usually within 1 to 4 km walk (average 2 km). Therefore, large areas far from these villages, probably had gibbons present anywhere with suitable habitat. ‐ 9 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Table 3. Summary of gibbon records from village interviews No Village 1 Nakheu Location Kouane Houi Kouane Thalang Kouane Nangsa Kouane Pa 3 Ban Bong 4 5 Group estimate >2 Direction North‐east Distance 5 hrs walk Threat Low East 2 km walk Low 1 North 2 km walk Low 1 North‐west 2 km walk Low 1 Bonaeng Pha East Unknown Poaching >2 Bouamlou North South South South North West 5 hrs walk 4 hrs walk 10 hrs walk 1.5 day walk 2 km walk 1 km walk Low Some hunting Some hunting Low Low Low, inaccessible >20 2 6 >7 2 1 West 1.5 km Low 2 East 2 km walk Low 2 Kouane Pang Kouane Kha Kouane Song Kouane Thouy Nam Pakan Pha Thamlot Kouane Makfai Kouane Sa Ngea Pha Sa Ngea South 2 km walk Low 2 Kouane Kaja Kouane Or Kouane Phai Pha Ban South‐east South North 7 hrs walk 5 hrs walk 1 hr walk Low Low Low 2 4 1 8 Sanak Nam Pakan North 1.5 km walk Low 1 Pha West 2 km walk Low 2 9 Khonekeo 10 Nathan Pha Tham 11 Konglor Ang Ta Ngon Phasoung Khou Hai Tham Bua Tham Khouy South‐east South‐west South‐east South North‐east 7 hrs walk 5 hrs walk 6 hrs walk 3 hrs walk 1 hr walk Low Low Low Low Low 12 Ban Kang 13 Nateuy Nong Xang Pha Natouey East East 1 km walk 2 km walk Low Low 2 1 14 Kouane Labam East 2 km walk Low 1 Kouane Thea East 1 km walk Low 1 16 Nong Dong Phahang Neua Tha Na Pha Mouang Pha Louang East East 1 km walk 1 km walk Unknown Unknown >2 2 17 Thonglom 18 Songkhone Nam Theuk East 2 km walk Low >7 Pha Yai Pha Kongkao East East 2 km walk 1 km walk Low Low 2 2 19 Ban Doi Pha Sangka North‐west 4 km walk High 1 2 6 7 15 Nasa Houa Na ‐ 10 ‐ >7 >3 >5 2 1 The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Group estimate 1 No Village 20 Ban Tong Location Sangka area Direction North‐east Distance 4 km walk Threat High 21 Naniyom 22 Na Yor Kouane Ya Kouane Khisi North‐west North 0.5 day walk Some hunting 1 day walking Some hunting 1 1 23 Kouan West 10 km walk Some hunting 1 South‐west 2 km walk Some hunting 1 24 Nadao Kouane Nai Kouane Savong Kouane Sam West 10 km walk Some hunting 5 25 Vang hin Kouane Haer West 1 km walk Some hunting 3 26 Ban Xong Pha Koi Pham Kang South‐west West 3 km walk 1 day walk Low Low 5 4 27 Donekeo Pha Poun West 1 km walk Poaching 2 Phou Ark North Unknown Poaching 4* 28 Houay Yang 29 M. Luang 30 Nabone Nong Pha West 3 hrs walk Disturb./hunting >2 Pha Noi West 10 hrs walk Disturb./hunting >2 Phou hai West 14 hrs walk Disturb./hunting >2 Tham Phai West 3 hrs walk Disturb./hunting >3 31 Nathon Phou Ark North‐east 3 km walk Unknown 2* 32 Natan Pha Natan West 2 hrs walk Low 2 33 Phon Khaen 34 Pon Phoun 1 35 Phonsi Phabet West 10 km walk Some hunting >2 36 Vang iem 37 Vieng Louang Pha Nak Kouane Song Kouane Kala Pha Nangdoi South‐west South‐west North‐west North‐west 10 km walk 1 day walk ½‐1 day walk 3 km walk Disturbance Not hunt gibbons Not hunt gibbons Not hunt gibbons 1 4 >2 >2 Total estimated gibbon groups from interviews >147 Note: * not in Phou Hin Poun NPA, but part of the corridor with Nakai‐Nam Theun NPA so this number is excluded from the total estimate. The Songkhone area along the Hinboun River still supports a good population of Lao Langurs. Serow, silvered pheasant, siamese fireback, kha nyou and sooty babbler were also well reported and probably maintain high populations in Phou Hin Poun NPA. Some species were reported to be abundant in some places but absent in other places. Kha Nyou was well reported in Phalaem area and partly in villages in Gnommalath, but reported unknown in Ban Xong, Vang Hin, Vieng Louang and Nadao. Bare‐faced bulbuls were well known in Bouamlou and Kouane Kaja but not in Ban Doi, Phalaem, Nayor, Ban Xong, Vang Hin, Nabone, Vieng Louang, Nadao, Thonglom and Songkhone. Table 4 below shows results of village interviews for key wildlife species in Phou Hin Poun NPA. Detailed descriptions by village can be found in Annex 2. ‐ 11 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area v Nabone Vieng Louang Based on the village interviews, the people would be important resource persons for key forest zones: Song Hong, Ban Konglor (Mr. Phomma and Loung ki) Song Hong, Tham Phai, Ban Nabone (Mr. Khamsay and Sida in Ban Nathon) Kouane Pang, Ban Bouamlou (Mr. Air, Mr. Na and Saikeo) Kouane Thouy, Koun Wa, Ban Bouamlou (Mr. Air and Mr. Na) Kouane Houi, Ban Nakheu (Mr. Sivilay and Mr. Kone) Kouane Phai, Ban Kouane Kaja (Mr. Pae and Mr. Noud) Kouane Kang, Kouane Koi, Ban Xong (Mr. Xai, Mr. Tai, Mr. Mak) Kouane Phabet, Ban Phon Si (Mr. Khamtheung and Mr. Khamki) 3.2 Gibbon survey records During 19 days of gibbon surveys in two field surveys by two teams, 26 records of gibbons were made, of which two were direct observations of groups. The areas surveyed are shown in Figure 9. Nearly all vocalisations included a great call and thus represented groups, rather than individuals. 14 records were in the Song Hong area, 12 records came from the area of limestone mountains between Kouane Kaja and Bouamlou, but there were no field records in the Ban Nayor and Vieng Louang area (see Figure 9). In the Song Hong area, gibbons were heard on all days apart from two. Unfortunately the central area between Ban Bouamlou and Ban Nadao was not surveyed, as survey team 1 in the second field survey had to curtail their mission. This area probably represents good habitat for gibbons given the survey results for Song Hong and the Kouane Kaja‐Bouamlou area. A detailed list of gibbon records is given in annex 2 and detailed survey notes are given in annex 3. The highest gibbon density is probably in the Northern Song Hong near Ban Konglor. At two campsites in Ang Ta ‐ 12 ‐ Tha Na Thong Lom Kouan Vang Hin Done Keo Xong Doi Nayor Tiger Elephant Leopard Clouded Leopard Marble Cat Golden Cat Fishing Cat Leopard Cat Gaur Sambar Serow Great Hornbill Brown Hornbill Rufous‐necked Hornbill Wreathed Hornbill Oriental Pied Hornbill Silver Pheasant Siamese Fireback Green Peafowl Bare‐faced Bulbul Sooty Babbler Kha Nyou Bear Kuane Kaja Village Species Bouamlou Table 4. Reported presence of key wildlife species from village interviews The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Ngon area 6 to 7 groups were reported (Feb 4–5, 2011) and in Kouane Pang of Ban Bouamlou about 3 to 4 groups (Dec 27–31, 2011) per camp, while, a high density of gibbons was also reported at Kouane Thouy. In principle, gibbon songs can carry as far as 2 km depending on the location. During the surveys in Phou Hin Poun NPA we often could not reach hilltops as listening posts, so we stayed close to campsites. Therefore, the distances of gibbon groups we heard from our campsites were probably shorter than 2 km. In this regard, within 4 km2 (400 ha) of the areas mentioned above as having high gibbon density, there would be about 4 to 5 groups for the semi‐limestone areas such as the northern Song Hong or Kouane Thouy and about 3 to 4 groups in the limestone areas such as Kouane Pang. During these surveys gibbons were rarely seen, mainly just heard, with groups of 3 and 2 observed in February 2011. The lead author saw groups of 4 and 3 animals in August 2010 in northern Song Hong and in March 2011, Mr. Jean‐Francois Reumaux saw a group of 6. The December 2011 survey indicates that the gibbon population is also high in some limestone forest areas of Phou Hin Poun NPA, especially where evergreen forest is found on foothills and in valleys, indicating that the large limestone range is important for gibbons. The survey results indicate the highest densities of gibbons being Song Hong, Kouane Pang and Kouane Kang (Thouy / Kouane Ya). The northern Song Hong area could have at least 20 groups, based upon additional survey information from February 2012, which included the participation of the lead author. In one area “Pha Patukhong” (part of the Northern Song Hong) between Ban Nathon and Ban Nabone, survey participant Mr. Jean Francois Remaux heard 8 groups in one morning; the high figure perhaps attributed to surveying from a higher location. In addition, drawing from survey results and local knowledge there may be 20–30 groups in Kouane Pang, 20 groups in Kouane Kang (Thouy/Kouane Ya2/Kouane Wa) and 10 groups in the Songkhone area (Ban Songkhone and Ban Tha Na). We expect that the home range of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun NPA probably would vary as it might be smaller in Song Hong area but larger in intensified limestone, because there may be greater abundance of food throughout the year in the Song Hong area Figure 8. Lowland evergreen forest at Khoua Din, Song Hong area 2
Kouane Thouy and Koua Ya are the names used by people in Ban Bouamlou. Kouane Kang and Kouane Wa are the names used by people in Nakheu and Vieng Louang ‐ 13 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Figure 9. Gibbon and langur survey areas and important locations for gibbons Kronglor
Natan
Songkhone SONG HONG Kouane Kaja
KOUAN PANG
Areas where gibbons were often recorded during surveys Core gibbon area based upon interviews and surveys to date. Nadao
KOUAN Bouamlou
KANG
Vieng Louang
No gibbon records from this area during the field survey Villages 3.1 Habitat descriptions Some of the Song Hong area, especially in the north, supports lowland evergreen forest similar to that at Hin Namno NPA regarding limestone characteristics, distribution and forest structure (Phiapalath 2009), so the habitat supports a variety of food species available for primates particular in the wet season and local villagers collect forest products. Parts of the ‐ 14 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area area in the south close to Ban Nadao, Vang Hin and Ban Kouane Kaja have undergone swidden agriculture and comprise a lot of regenerating forest (see Figure 10). Figure 10. Fallow land recovering from swidden agriculture in southern Song Hong area. The gibbon population is also high in the limestone forest of Phou Hin Poun NPA where evergreen forest, especially on foothills and in valleys, provide important habitat. The limestone mountains have a patchwork of deciduous and evergreen forests and scrub interspersed with bare rock (see Figure 11). During the dry season, from a distance there appear to be scattered plots of swidden agriculture, although this is not the case, but rather these are areas with short bushes which have lost their leaves. Some Ficus tree species which had lost their leaves in the dry season still bear fruits Error! Reference source not found.and would be important food resources for for primates and birds such as bare‐faced bulbuls at this time of the year. These Ficus were observed in Kouane Pang, the valleys have semi‐evergreen/mixed deciduous forests, which would be particularly important for gibbons. Based upon the amount of suitable habitat perceived from observations in the limestone, particularly areas with less human disturbance, we considered that about 70% of the limestone mountains of identified 134 grid squares (536 km2) in Phou Hin Poun with evergreen and deciduous forest still maintained potential habitat for gibbons (see section 3.2 below). ‐ 15 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Figure 11. Patterns of evergreen and deciduous forest in the dry season Other habitats found in Phou Hin Poun NPA include mixed dry dipterocarp forest found mainly in Kouane Houi and small wetlands e.g Nadao Wetlands (17°48.477'N, 104°51.578'E), Bungsat closes to Tham Phai of Ban Nabone and Kouane Houi wetland of Ban Nakheu. These water resources available all the year round play an important role for some water birds and many wildlife species since water scarcity is an issue in limestone. Nevertheless, local people use the area around the wetlands for fishing and farming, particularly at Nadao, which limits access for wildlife during critical times of the dry season. 3.2 Estimating the gibbon population from interviews During the second survey 2x2 km (4 km2) grid squares of the topomaps (scale: 1/100,000) were used to roughly estimate potential habitat in the limestone areas, i.e. the percentage of evergreen forest, and other forest types, we observed. Using the topographic map we estimated the area of limestone mountains and lowland forest to be 536 km2, (134 grid squares x 4 km2), of which about 70% is suitable habitat therefore about 375 km2. For those areas not visited we consulted local hunters and villagers (see section 3.1) and used the habitat potential and distance from the settlement to estimate the presence of gibbons in each grid square of the topographic map. We cross‐checked in some areas, for example, the area in Kouane Pang is mainly limestone as just some proportion of evergreen forest (see Figure 11) but we encountered quite high gibbon density based on song record per camp. For each square of the grid, the number of gibbons present was estimated based upon the following criteria, and the results displayed on a map (see Figure 12): Not present: Hunters from adjacent villages did not mention it, area is close to villages, easy to access or mainly bare limestone with little or no vegetation. 0‐1 groups present (G) light grey: Hunters and key informants from adjacent villages reported its potential presence, area is not very close to settlements and there is potential habitat. 1‐2 groups present (G+) light brown: Hunters and key informants from adjacent villages reported at least one group, in an area with potential habitat, not very close to villages and possible to access. 2‐3 groups present (G++) dark brown: Hunters and key informants from adjacent villages reported at least two groups based on their experience of having been there, with high potential habitat including healthy evergreen forest and being far from any villages and some difficult to access. 3‐4 groups present (G+++) black: Hunters and key informants from adjacent villages reported at least three groups based on their experience, very high potential habitat with healthy evergreen forest and being very far from any villages and difficult to access. ‐ 16 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area 3‐4 Groups
2‐3 Groups
1‐2 Groups
0‐1 Groups
Figure 12. Gibbon distribution in Phou Hin Poun NPA based upon village interviews. The total number of gibbon groups was estimated to be 73 to 207 groups, i.e. 140±67, as shown in Table 5, which correlates with the figure from village interviews of 147 groups (see Table 3) Given that we are confident there could be about 80 groups in key locations, based upon the field survey, this appears to be a reasonable estimate, but the large range reflects the uncertainty inherent in the approach. Table 5. Estimated number of gibbon groups from interview survey Group Score G+++ G++ G+ G Total No. of grid squares 1 19 32 82 134 Estimated groups/ grid square Low High 3 4 2 3 1 2 0 1 Total estimated no. of groups Low High 3 4 38 57 32 64 0 82 73 207 The estimated gibbon density was calculated by dividing the estimated population by the area of potential habitat as follows: 140±67/375 km2=0.37±0.17 groups per km2. ‐ 17 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area By comparison, a survey of N. siki in lowland evergreen forest in another protected area dominated by limestone, Phong Nha‐Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam, recorded 37 groups in approximately 5,400 ha giving a group density of 0.69 groups/km² (Le Trong Dat et al. 2009), i.e. 2.7 groups per 400 ha. The gibbon population can be estimated using the average group size, for which there are limited records in Phou Hin Poun with groups recorded with 4, 3, 6, 3 and 2 individuals giving an average group size of 3.6. Other estimated records of groups size in Laos are at Hin Namno NPA for the same species with 3.8 individuals per group (Phiapalath, 2009) and 3.6–
3.8 for the Western black gibbon in Nam Kan NPA (Geissmann, 2007). Using a group size of 3.6, the gibbon population at Phou Hin Poun can be calculated to be 140±67 x 3.6 = 504±241 individuals or 263 to 745 individuals. 3.3 Other wildlife records during the field surveys 3.3.1 Northern Song Hong, survey 1, team 1, February 2011 The survey team regularly observed traces of wild pigs Sus scrofa. At both saltlicks (17°55.761'N, 104°45.602'E and 17°52.741'N, 104°45.923'E) wild pig tracks were the most numerous. Pits where wild pigs were digging for roots were often encountered. At both saltlicks, the fresh tracks of muntjak, a cat cats and civets were also observed. Langurs were heard calling from the second saltlick. Several pangolin burrows and claw marks of a climbing bear on a tree were seen close to a campsite (17°53.085'N, 104°46.15'E. A Cambodia striped squirrel was observed close to Konglor village. A great hornbill was seen flying over the second campsite 17° 54.403'N, 104° 46.816'E). The two local guides reported that they occasionally see golden cats, leopards and particularly binturong. Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis was reported to have been seen once by the older brother of a guide from Kronglor (Phouma) in 2000 in the northern Song Hong. Other animals reported from the area by guides include Dhole Cuon alpinus (but probably no longer present), Gaur (about 5 individuals), Stump‐tailed macaque Macaca artoides, tapir rat, Kajak (an unfamiliar animal seen in August 2010, see Figure 13). 3.3.2 Central Song Hong, survey 1, team 2, February 2011 On the morning of 4 February, we saw a very fresh tracks of a wild cat species on a mud just by the water source of Tham Phai (the campsite 1), believed to be a clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa or marble cat Pardofelis marmorata. The footprints look larger than the leopard cat’s. The seasonal wetlands at Bungsat (17°51.343'N, 104°50.547'E) had clear wild pigs’ tracks. Tracks of sambar Cervus unicolor and muntjac Muntiacus muntjak were observed at a dry saltlick 17°50.506'N, 104°49.235'E. One group of Lao langurs was encountered and filmed at 3.20pm one afternoon (about 5 individuals, but only three directly sighted). When the group saw us they made alarm calls and fled into the closed canopy trees. Two groups of macaque species were seen. The first group of nine animals was seen at noon (1.15pm; 17°50.533'N, 104°50.357'E) crossing a forest canopy gap. They were all silver colour but we believed they would be a long‐tailed macaque Macaca fascicularis rather than Indochinese lutung Trachypithecus germaini. The second group was seen twice at the same location (17°49.050'N, 104°50.524'E); the first time at 3.23pm, only a few individuals and the second time we saw about 30 animals at 6.10pm. Langur sleeping sites were seen during the survey and we believe that were recently used because yellow urine stains were observed (see Figure 14). ‐ 18 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Figure 13. Kajak and (left) and bear claw marks on a tree (right) Figure 14. Roosting site of langurs in southern Song Hong Figure 15. Lao Langur ‐ 19 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area 3.3.3 Kouane Kaja and Bouamlou, survey 2 team 1, December 2011 Two groups of Lao langurs were seen. Mr. Noud saw six Lao langurs just 250 m north‐east of the camp site in Kouane Ore (17°50.273'N, 104°440.719'E). Lao langur sleeping sites were found in several places but Kouane Ore is particularly well known for them close to Ban Kouane Kaja. On 29 December while walking from camp 3 to camp 4, a group of 8 individuals was seen at 2pm. Serow dung was seen at several places in several places in Kouane Pang. Numerous bare‐faced bulbuls were seen and photos and video taken (see Figure 16). We saw “rock squirrels” (according to Lao name) several times in the Kouane Pang area. This may be a sub‐species of variable squirrel Callosciurus finlaysonii (Francis 2008) The village guides said this species is abundant in the area and many were seen in captivity in Thakhek (see Figure 17). Brush‐tail porcupines were regularly seen and heard at night at camps 3, 4 and 5, especially under the fruit tree (Mai hean). Hornbills were heard on two occasions. Figure 16. Bare‐faced bulbul Figure 17. Lao rock squirrel ‘limestone species’ 3.3.4
Thong Nayor, Kouane Nyai and Vieng Louang, survey 2, team 2, December 2011 Even though we heard no gibbon songs from our camps we saw and found evidences of other wildlife including Lao langurs, macaques, wild pigs, bears and leopard cat. We saw six Lao langurs in Tham Hongmor (UTM: 1945849 N, 496466E) at 8am one morning. Also, we found three roosting sites with dung in Kouane Nyai and Tham Hongmor. We only found dungs of serows once in Kouane Nyai and tracks in Tham Hongmor. Three macaques were seen on a hill slope, believed to be stump‐tailed macaques by village guides. We also heard their calls. The southern part of the area probably has a low gibbon population, with only a few locations reported by villagers. 3.4 Human activites in gibbon habitat The most detailed records on threats were recorded from the lowland evergreen forest Song Hong area. This area is more accessible and readily coverted to other land uses, than much of the majority of the limestone mountains, which dominate Phou Hin Poun NPA. Threats were low in the north of Song Hong area relative to the south and a key area is around Ban Nadao and Vang Hin, which provides access to Kouane Sam and central Song Hong. Hunting represents the main short‐term threat to gibbons in Phou Hin Poun, as a small amount of hunting can have a significant impact. Primate bones were being collected by Vietnamese traders in Vieng Louang. A planned army camp at Nakheu, would make it difficult to control gun hunting in the the core gibbon area in Kouane Thouy of Ban Bouamlou, so close ‐ 20 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area engagement with the army by the NPA would be necessary to identify measures to mitigate this. The lowland evergreen forest of Song Hong is susceptible to rapid deforestation as a result of development pressures, especially if there were commercial logging interests. 3.4.1 Northern Song Hong area – Survey 1, Team 1 February 2011 Although the pressures on this area are lower than further south, hunting is ongoing. A man with a musket was encountered entering Konglor village from the forest at the end of one afternoon. Five abandoned campsites were encountered in the area. The furthest south was at the Nong Pakek saltlick (17° 52.741'N, 104° 45.923'E), although this one, along with one of the others, was not recent. Plucked feathers were found at two locations. One group of people was encountered in the forest on the way back to Ban Konglor, about one and a half hours from the village. They claimed to be collecting resin. Holes were often seen in trees at about chest height where resin had been collected. A large tree with a diameter of approximately 70‐80 cm had recently been felled from a point on the trunk 3 m above the ground. 3.4.2 Central and southern Song Hong area – Survey 1, Team 2 February 2011 In the central and southern Song Hong, two camps were found, which appeared to be used very often due to being close to water sources; one close to Nabone at the survey’s first camp site, the other about 1 km to the west. At the latter, the hunters had constructed an enclosure for keeping captured animals, including porcupines (see Figure 18).). The lead author often saw these in Hin Namno NPA, used because live animals fetched three times the price as dead ones. At 10pm of 4 February 2011 we heard one gunshot. The local guides suggested that it might be the people from Ban Vang Hin or Ban Nadao. At Tham Phai, one group of five people and a dog was encountered at 4pm walking through the camp, a two hours walk from the village. They claimed to have been collecting snares. In the morning of 5 February we met a couple at 9.30am fetching water near the first campsite; they claimed to be collecting their snares. A tractor was encountered carrying four people with two guns heading from Ban Nadao to Khoua Din. Some logs were found along the trek access to Khoua Din. Figure 18. Enclosure for keeping captured animals ‐ 21 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area 3.4.3 Logging in general Small‐scale logging was observed at various locations throughout Phou Hin Poun NPA; including Konglor, Kouane Sam, Kouane Lai, Ban Vieng Louang (access to Tham khouy), Nayor (in Phou Dou), Ban Phon (the area connectsed to Ban Kouane Kaja), Sanak and Bouamlou. Significant swathes of the southern Song Hong area had been degraded by swidden agriculture for rice cultivation and was regenerating in places. 4 Recommendations Drawing from the results of village interviews and field surveys the key areas for gibbon conservation are Song Hong, Kouane Pang and Kouane Kang. These areas are connected and priority villages for those areas include Konglor, Nabone, Bouamlou, Nadao, Nakheu and Vang Hin. Focal activities in the first four villages should be building ownership for gibbon conservation through awareness raising, identifying key contact persons and establishing village patrol teams. To curbing threats to the Song Hong area, Ban Nadao and Vang Hin are key villages, especially to prevent encroachers from outside. Lower priority, but important villages are Kouane Kaja, Houa Na, Songkhone, Tha Na, Bonaeng, Nasa, Natan, Vieng Louang, Phonsi, Doi (Phalaem) and Nayor. Kouane Kaja may be relocated to join Ban Bouamlou because of the greater availability of suitable paddy land. Conservation awareness raising should be carried out in these villages. Contact persons for this project should be identified, through support from Mr. Viengsavanh (previous director of Phou Hin Poun NPA) who he has established contacts in the some villages already. All the above‐mentioned villages should be visited from time to time by NPA staff to prevent illegal logging, hunting and wildlife trade by Vietnamese. Ideally, field stations should be established inside the NPA, at least at Khoua Din, in Ban Nabone/Nathon, which has easy access from Ban Nadao, to prevent threats to the core gibbon area in northern Song Hong. This facility will make it easier for monitoring and patrolling the area. Village patrol teams should be formed and receive training. To improve knowledge of the distribution of gibbons some general gibbon surveys are needed in Khouy Thouy, Nam Theuk of Ban Songkhone and some parts from Ban Bonaeng crossing to Ban Kang. Some villages along the western edge of the NPA from Ban Bong to Ban Bonaeng (Phontieo) were not been visited. Further field surveys would best be organised during November, when gibbons are most active. Survey participants should be fit, well motivated and receive comprehensive training on survey techniques and conservation principles. For Nomascus siki conservation, there should coordination with Nakai‐Nam Theun NPA to conduct a gibbon survey in the Phou Art area, especially to identify corridors for gibbons between the two NPAs. Gibbons are flagship species in their own right, but can also serve to support overall biodiversity monitoring, particular as indicators for hunting pressure. Success in gibbon conservation will benefit other wildlife species especially Lao Langurs. Gibbon monitoring areas should be established. At present the priority area would be Song Hong. Currently from most villages gibbons are still heard, which establishes baseline for the area. Monitoring and recording gibbon songs from the villages of Phou Hin Poun NPA would be one way of gibbon monitoring in the area. ‐ 22 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area For the sake of Phou Hin Poun NPA biodiversity conservation as a whole, the existing management plan needs to be updated with more focus on gibbons and Lao Langur conservation, among priority species. The plan should take a community‐based approach and include participation of local stakeholders from provincial and district government agencies and local communities. The management plan should define roles and responsibilities, regulations and zoning. To support the plan, NPA regulations are needed based upon consultation among local communities and stakeholders. Once regulations are approved, physical demarcation of zones should be carried out on the ground. Detailed village regulations may vary from village to village. Participatory planning and zoning with local villages should be carried out, particularly in Hinboun and Nakai Districts. Working in limestone karst forest is difficult due to limited water sources and steep rocky terrain. During the second survey, team 1 was stuck in limestone for almost three days without food and very little water and had to be rescued with the assistance of provincial government. Gibbon monitoring teams should be based in locations close to water source such as Tham Phai and Khoua Din. In addition, insect bites add diffculties for surveying in the dry season in April and May. We highlight these to bear in mind for project design and preparation for field surveys. 5 Conclusions This report presents a preliminary status of gibbon distribution and conservation in Phou Hin Poun NPA, identifying core gibbon population areas as Song Hong, Kouane Pang and Kouane Kang in the north and centre. In the south of Phou Hin Poun the status of gibbons appears to be much more serious, due to hunting and logging, although the Lao langur remains more prevalent. 28 villages (75.67% of village surveyed) reported the presence of gibbons nearby, and estimates based upon village interviews total 147 gibbon groups. Estimating the gibbon population, based upon habitat potential produced a similar figure 140±67 groups throughout the whole of Phou Hin Poun NPA. Even though this calculation still contains some degree of uncertainty, it is clear that Phou Hin Poun NPA has high significance for gibbon conservation. Gibbons were reported to still be heard from 13 villages, which is unfortunately now unusual for Lao PDR. The gibbons in Phou Hin Poun NPA receive protection not only from the limestone, but in some areas because many villagers maintain a traditional belief not to hunt gibbons. The first priority villages for focussing gibbon conservation activities to strengthen protection of core gibbon areas are Konglor, Nabone, Bouamlou, Nadao, Nakheu and Vang Hin. Also important are Kouane Kaja, Houa Na, Songkhone, Tha Na, Bonaeng, Nasa, Natan, Vieng Louang, Phonsi, Doi (Phalaem) and Nayor. Gun hunting and small scale logging currently present the main threats to gibbons in Phou Hin Poun NPA, and village reports suggests a general decline in gibbon numbers in some areas. Even a small level of gun hunting can have a significant impact on gibbon populations, as their reproductive rate is low. These threats are probably manageable, with awareness raising and some enforcement measures through improved protected area management required. ‐ 23 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Emerging threats could be the location of an army camp near Nakheu, an increasing demand for primates from Vietnamese traders, and any increase in illegal logging of lowland evergreen forest including Kouane Kha of Ban Bouamlou. 6 References Duckworth, J. W. (2008). Preliminary gibbon status review for Lao PDR 2008, Fauna & Flora International. www.fauna‐flora.org FOMACOP (1999). Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area Management Plan. Volume 1: Summary Management Plan. Forest Management and Conservation Program, Khammouane Department of Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Groves, C. P. (2007). Speciation and biogeography of Vietnam’s primates. Vietnamese Journal of Primatology(1): 27‐40. Jenkins, P. D., C. W. Kilpatrick, M. F. Robinson and R. J. Timmins (2005). Morphological and molecular investigations of a new family, genus and species of rodent (Mammalia: Rodentia: Hystricognatha) from Lao PDR. Systematics and Biodiversity 2 (4): 419–454. Francis C.M. (2008). Mammals of South‐East Asia. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd. ISBN 9781845377359 Le Trong Dat, Do Tuoc, Dinh Huy Tri, Le Thuc Dinh and Dang Ngoc Kien, 2009, Census of Southern White‐Cheeked Crested Gibbons in U Bo and adjacent bufferzone forests, Phong Nha‐Ke Bang National Park. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) ‐ Vietnam Primate Programme, Hanoi Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), 2011. Gibbon Conservation Action Plan for Lao PDR. Division of Forest Resource Conservation, Department of Forestry. Vientiane, Lao PDR. MacKenzie, D. J., Nichols, D. J., Lachman, G. B., Droege, S., Royle, J. A. and Langtimm, C. (2002). Estimating site occupancy rates when detection probabilities are less than one. Ecology. 84: 2200–2207. Parr, J. (2008). Handbook to Mammals of Lao PDR. WWF Lao, Vientiane. Phiapalath P. (2009). Distribution, Behavior, and Threat of Red‐shanked Douc Langur Pygathrix Nemaeus in Hin Namno National Protected Area, Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. School of Biology, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand. 144 p. Phiapalath, P. (2010). Brief Report of Lao Langur Trachypithecus laotum Survey in Phou Hin Poun NPA, Wildlife Conservation Association. Report to Provincial Agriculture and Forestry. Rawson, B. M, Insua‐Cao, P., Nguyen Manh Ha, Van Ngoc Thinh, Hoang Minh Duc, Mahood, S., Geissmann, T. and C. Roos, C. (2011). The Conservation Status of Gibbons in Vietnam. Hanoi, Fauna & Flora International/Conservation International. Steinmetz, R., Timmins, R. J. and Duckworth, J. W (2011). Distribution and Conservation Status of the Lao Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus (francoisi) laotum). Int J Primatol (32): 587‐604. Thinh, V. N., B. Rawson, C., Hallam, M., Kenyon, T., Nadler, L., Walter and Roos, C. (2010). "Phylogeny and Distribution of Crested Gibbons (Genus Nomascus) Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene Sequence Data." American Journal of Primatology (72): 1047‐1054. Timmins, R. J. (1997). Notes on wildlife and habitats in Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Khammouan Province, Lao PDR. Vientiane, Wildlife Conservation Society. Vientiane Woxvold, I. A., Duckworth, J. W. and Timmins, R. J. (2009). "An unusual new bulbul (Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae) from the limestone karst of Lao PDR." Forktail (25, 2009): 1‐12. ‐ 24 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Annex 1. Detailed records of village interviews Thakhek District Ban Doi, 17°33.254'N, 104°49.272'E Ban Doi belongs to Phalaem village cluster. Villagers Mr. Loun and Mr. Khampha reported that gibbons were present about 5 km from the village at a location called Kouane Sangka, just inside the NPA and close to Ban Tong. The area has been fairly disturbed, but still supports large trees and probably suitable gibbon habitat. Gibbons could be found in limestone hills and descend to lower areas occasionally, espeically in the wet season. About 10 years ago gibbon songs were heard from the village but not today. Hunting, particularly for gibbons, rarely occurs. During Lao langur survey work in the area we did not hear gibbon songs in the area. There are several Lao langur sleeping sites (Dann) and langurs were heard calling from 11 locations. From interviews and observations we understand that there are two forms of the langurs found in this area Lao Langur (Trachypethicus laotum) and Black Langur (Trachypethicus hatinhensis) but the white ear form (pinna) (see Figure 19). The key sleeping sites are Pha Chia, Phi Sua, Empheum, Kouane Kao. Phalaem is the boundary between Lao Langur (khoung) and Black Langur (khong) with Lao Langur in the north and Black Langur in the south. Figure 19 Lao Langur (left) and Black Langur ‘pinna’ (right) Ban Nayor, UTM 1932749 N, 491767E Villagers Mr. Bounlert, Bounlai and Phomma reported two groups of gibbons still found in Kouane Nyai and Kouane Khisi. These areas are quite far from the village (0.5–1 day walk). Although the village has no regulations they have some traditional belief not to hunt gibbons. Enforcement is quite weak in the area due to lack of regular visits by officials. The white‐headed form of the Lao langur is reported nearby in Pha Yor, about 0.5 km from the villages. ‐ 25 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Other key wildlife species were reported in this representative village as well as the Thakhek District that partly belongs to Phou Hin Poun NPA (see Table 4). Table 6. Key wildlife species reports in Thakhek District Species 1. Tiger 2. Asian Elephant 3. Leopard 4. Clouded Leopard 5. Marble cat 6. Golden cat 7. Fishing cat 8. Leopard cat 9. Gaur 10. Sambar 11. Serow 12. Great Hornbill 13. Brown Hornbill 14. Rufous‐necked Hornbill 15. Wreathed Hornbill 16. Oriental Pied Hornbill 17. Silvered Pheasant 18. Siamese Fireback 19. Green Peafowl 20. Bare‐faced Bulbul 21. Sooty Babbler 22. Kha Nyou 23. Bear Present Remarks some, only tracks were seen but rare to find Close to the village – Ban Tong high, in limestone hills Medium to high, Kouane Sangka, Kouane Kang some, Kouane Sangka, Kouane Kang some, Kouane Sangka, Kouane Kang some, Kouane Sangka, Kouane Kang Don’t know but report by Ban Xiong and Medium High, villagers hunt very often, not in Ban Xong Some, far from the village Not many key wildlife species are reported in this district, except kha nyou and serow, which are well reported. Threats to wildlife and the protected area are quite high in Ban Phalaem area due to its close proximity and easy access to Thakhek (14 km). Much of the area around these villages is production forest concessions (about 20,000ha) belonging to the Japanese Oji Forest Plantation (Thai Hua Company), which has helped improve road access to villages. Some buffer zone areas of the NPA are converted to plantations. Nakai District Natan village cluster (kum ban) is the key village cluster of Phou Hin Poun NPA belonging to Nakai District. Six villages belong to this village cluster namely Ban Natan, Phonkham, Namuang, Phadang, Nabone and Nathon. Vang Hin, Nadao and Donekeo belong to the Kouane village cluster located in the southern end of the Song Hong area. Threats to the Song Hong area are mostly in the south through Ban Nadao and Ban Vang Hin. Ban Natan, UTM 1985590 N, 479772 E Hunters reported that gibbons could be found deeper in the forest of Phou Hin Poun NPA both to the west and east but it was difficult to access directly from the village due to the large limestone escarpment. They still heard gibbons calling occasionally from the west of the village. However, they did not know how many gibbon groups were in their village area. ‐ 26 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area The villagers do not hunt gibbons and are usually busy with other work such as tourism and farming. If they do hunt they prefer to enter the Nakai‐Nam Theun NPA side because it is more accessible and there are fish available to catch. This village has about 60 households, with about 24 home‐stays for tourists and some villagers have trained in tourism services by the Provincial Tourism Office. Most of the villagers are farmers, growing rice, tobacco and raising livestock. In addition, this village is large and with a good village status, as demonstrated by their houses, tractors, motorbikes etc. It is the centre of the Natan village cluster. There is a junior secondary school in this village. Ban Xong, 17°44.459'N, 104°57.583'E Villagers estimated about five gibbon groups in Pha Koi to the south‐west (3 km walk) and four groups in Phakang to the west (1 day walk). This village has its own regulations for wildlife and forest conservation. The wildlife threat in the area is very low. Even though the village has no sacred sites or taboos, some villagers believe they should not hunt gibbons. Ban Nabone, 17°58.533'N, 104°51.411'E Ban Nabone is the main village and its sub‐village is Nathon. This village area still supports good a gibbon population in the escarpment between Song Hong and the village. During a biodiversity survey ('Radeau des Cimes' project’) in February 2012, Mr. Jean Francois reported that at one camp he heard as many as eight groups one morning from “Pha Patukhong located between Ban Nabone and Ban Nathon” but the area is difficult to access. There were no reports of gibbons being hunted by this village. The villager, Mr. Khamsay reported that gibbons were present both in Phou Hin Poun and Nakai‐Nam Theun NPAs. Ban Nathon, 17°53.139'N, 104°52.090'E Close to and due south of Ban Nabone, Nathon is a small sub‐village of Nabone and very important because most villagers in the Natan village cluster access Phou Hin Poun NPA for snaring and collecting forest products through this village. There were no reports of gibbons hunted by this village. The local guides, Mr. Khamsay and Sida, reported that gibbons were present in both Phou Hin Poun and Nakai‐Nam Theun NPAs. Ban Nadao, 17°47.001'N, 104°54.185'E Mr. Bong, village elder and retired solder, reported an abundance of wildlife 15 years ago, including many gibbons, but only a few groups remain in the village area today, while higher in Kouane Sam to the south of the village as an important area for gibbons and other wildlife. The gibbon population in Kouane Sam is considered good and they can be heard gibbon singing widely in the limestone hills. Gibbons songs could be heard occasionally from the village, the limestone hills found on the south‐west of the village. Mr. Bong mentioned that hunting is an issue in his village. Villagers of Ban Vang Hin and Nadao enter the Song Hong area for hunting with snares and guns but he found it difficult to control them. In February 2011 we saw a group of five hunters with two army guns driving towards Khouan Din on a tractor where we just heard two gibbon groups a few days before. The village guides suggested that they might stay at survey camp 3 where the only water source was available. Road access from Ban Vang Hin up to Nadao wetland (17°48.477'N, 104°51.578'E). Other key wildlife species reported in these villages as well as the Nakai District are shown in Table 7. Wildlife reports in this area are good and some species, including some species not reported in other areas, such as gaur and elephant. Some reports probably refer to the ‐ 27 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area species occurrence in Nakai‐Nam Theun NPA when they mentioned Phou Ark because these villages are located in the corridor between Nakai‐Nam Thuen and Phou Hin Poun NPAs. Wildlife threat, logging in Kouane Sam and hunting with snares by Hmong from Laksao are well reported but hard to control. Illegal logging has occurred for years and continues. Logging in the area could have a big impact on gibbons the long term, especially at Kouane Sam, which connects to Kouane Wan, Kouane Ya of Ban Bouamlou – the most important gibbon habitat. Table 7. Key wildlife species reports in Nakai District Species 1. Tiger 2. Asian Elephant 3. Leopard 4. Clouded Leopard 5. Marble cat 6. Golden cat 7. Fishing cat 8. Leopard cat 9. Gaur 10. Sambar 11. Serow 12. Great Hornbill 13. Brown Hornbill 14. Rufous‐necked Hornbill 15. Wreathed Hornbill 16. Oriental Pied Hornbill 17. Silvered Pheasant 18. Siamese Fireback 19. Green Peafowl 20. Bare‐faced Bulbul 21. Sooty Babbler 22. Kha Nyou 23. Bear Present Remarks 5 animals, conflicts with Ban Vang Hin/Nadao Only in Nabone area – maybe 6 individuals High, include Phou Art, Naki‐Nam Theun NPA Medium High, particularly in Nabone and Nathon High, particularly in Nabone, Nathon, Nadao High, particularly in Nabone, Nathon, Nadao High, particularly in Nabone, Nathon, Nadao Medium in limestone area High in limestone area Some, more in Ban Donekeo Medium Gnommalath District Vieng Louang UTM 1945831 N, 496462 E Villagers Mr. Khampasong, King and Leunkon reported gibbons quite far from the village; perhaps four groups in Kouane Song (1 day walk, in south‐west), some groups in Kouane Kala (0.5‐1 day walk, in north‐east) and Pha Nak (10 km walk, in south‐west). Of which, Kouane Song is important for gibbon conservation in the village. No hunting occurs in the area. Village regulations are followed quite effectively. Nevertheless, Kouane Nak has been disturbed by illegal logging, at the same locations where black langurs have been well reported. Vietnamese traders visit the village area to purchase primate bones and other wildlife products, which is a serious issue. Other records of key wildlife species in this representative village as well as the Gnommalath District that partly belongs to Phou Hin Poun NPA are shown in Table 8. Only a few key ‐ 28 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area wildlife species were reported in Gnommalath District; serow, silvered pheasant and Siamese firebacks. Although many other villages mentioned a high density of bare‐faced bulbul and sooty babbler they were not reported in this area. Anyway, it could be concluded that the villagers do not recognize these species. Table 8. Key wildlife species reports in Gnommalath Species 1. Tiger 2. Asian Elephant 3. Leopard 4. Clouded Leopard 5. Marble cat 6. Golden cat 7. Fishing cat 8. Leopard cat 9. Gaur 10. Sambar 11. Serow 12. Great Hornbill 13. Brown Hornbill 14. Rufous‐necked Hornbill 15. Wreathed Hornbill 16. Oriental Pied Hornbill 17. Silvered Pheasant 18. Siamese Fireback 19. Green Peafowl 20. Bare‐faced Bulbul 21. Sooty Babbler 22. Kha Nyou 23. Bear Present Remarks High, just around the village and further Low, Kouane Phanak, Pha In Medium, Kouane Phanak, Pha In Low High, Kouane Phanak, Pha In High, Kouane Phanak, Pha In Khounkham District Two areas in Khounkham District were visited; Konglor village cluster within Phou Hin Poun NPA and along the Hinboun River “Songkhone area”, to the west of the NPA. Ban Konglor, 17°57.721'N, 104°44.749'E Villagers Mr. Phomma, Loungki, Bounthavi and Sali (deputy village head) reported important gibbon populations in the Song Hong area to the south: Nong Pakek and Ang Ta Ngon (>7 groups), Phasoung >3 groups, Khou Hai (>5 groups). Mr. Phomma who in early 2012 joined the biodiversity survey 'Radeau des Cimes' focussing on gibbons, reported that gibbons were heard often with about 3‐4 groups per camp, and they roughly estimated at least 20 gibbon groups in their survey area in the northern Song Hong. This figure matches the previous estimate of the area from the first survey in February 2011 There were many reports of Lao langurs being readily seen, only some villagers claimed that gibbons could sometimes be heard from the village itself. Mr. Bounthavi, the owner of ‐ 29 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Konglor Ecolodge, reported to sometimes hear gibbon songs in November from his guesthouse. Lao Langurs are also occasionally found in dry season. Mr. Boun Liang, the owner of Eco‐care Guesthouse verified that Lao langurs descending to feed in the foothills, close to his guesthouse. He also occasionally heard gibbon songs from his guesthouse. There are about three groups on a hill close by, one of which is apparently habituated to people now. Ban Konglor is already a well‐developed tourist site, with the main point of interest for tourists being the remarkable 7km Konglor cave, which passes through a local limestone mountain to Nabone village in Nakai District. According to Mr. Sali, last year 6,000 tourists were received and about 50 boat trips are made each day, providing substantial benefits to the village. Wildlife is considered abundant in this village area and the whole northern part of Song Hong belongs to this village. As a result, the Konglor area and Song Hong is a key area for gibbons. The villagers in Ban Konglor do not tend to going to the forest for hunting as they have a strict rule to not allow the people to hunt for wildlife, although a man with a musket was seen emerging from the forest next to Konglor village in February 2011. The people in Ban Konglor understand that they are not allowed to hunt at any time in any areas. They have village regulations for wildlife and forest management. Village militia are assigned to conduct patrols in their village territory and pay a role in law enforcement. The main incomes for villagers are from tourism service and tobacco plantation, so there is little interest in hunting now. Khounkham District, along the Hinboun River The area around Songkhone village is an important area for biodiversity which a number of gibbons and langurs are reported, between Ban Thonglom to Ban Pak Theuk and Nong Dong. Ban Thonglom, UTM 1983439 N, 438202 E Mr. Eb, village militia, reported no gibbons in the village area but Lao langurs were often seen. Villagers reported an abundance of Lao langur in Pha Chuan and Pha Tham En, sooty babbler, bare‐faced bulbul and kha nyou, also some cat species e.g marble cat and leopard cat. The west bank of the Hinboun River is not part of Phou Hin Poun NPA, but the proposed extension for Nam Kading NPA where gaurs, red‐shanked douc langurs, sambars and some cat species, are reported. They also mentioned tiger, which is unlikely. Sambars are reported as abundant and destroy young rubber trees by feeding on them. Villagers understood that the area is protected area, and there are inconsistent village regulations for wildlife and the protected area e.g it is prohibited to hunt sambars, but not langurs and they are not aware that this species is protected by the Lao Wildlife Law. Villagers’ livelihoods suffer from flooding every year, since the Hinboun Dam became operational and releases a great quanitity of water in the wet season. They stock water in the dry season for a week or so, in order to harvest fish; a practice which may have a long‐
term impact on fisheries and the aquatic ecosystem. Ban Tha Na, UTM 1983439 N, 442999 E This village is downstream of Ban Thonglom and reports similar wildlife, but importantly still reports gibbons. About 1 km walk to the west there were at least two groups in Pha Muang and some groups in Pha Luang. Lao Langurs are also well reported in the area. Gaurs have been reported in this village (Phou Sa Nga). Although, there are no village regulations for ‐ 30 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area wildlife management in the area, threats to gibbons appear to be low. The village had a traditional belief in gibbon conservation at one sacred site at Pha Muang where one group of gibbons is present. Songkhone, 17°58.120'N, 104°43.634'E About seven groups of gibbons were reported in Nam Theuk area (2 km walk, to the east) and at least two groups in each of two more sites; Pha Nyai and Pha Kongkhao. Although, they have no village regulations, hunting in the area is considered low. The village has a traditional belief in gibbon conservation. Therefore, this village is high potential for gibbon conservation. Lao langurs have also been reported in many locations as quite common, but hunting this species is common. Local livelihoods have similar flooding issues to Ban Thonglom and other villages along the river. Villagers adapted to cultivate dry crop season using a large water pump for irrigation. Howeve, they claimed to pay quite a lot for fuel. They have been informed that they may have to move to higher land about 2km to the west. Nong Dong 17°49.382'N, 104°33.093'E This village lies on the boundary of Phou Hin Poun NPA and only one group of gibbon was reported 2 km to the east at Kouane Labam. Lao langurs were reported to be quite far from the village. The village has a traditional belief not to hunt gibbons, but it is not very strong. Threats to wildlife are low and villagers do not usually enter the NPA due to difficult access. They fish in the Hinboun River or use forest resources in the Ban Songkhone area. Some families work in eucalyptus plantations of Oji Company. The village is reported to follow NPA/PAFO regulations for wildlife and protected area management. This village also has problems with annual floods. Nateuy 17°48.370'N, 104°34.153'E Two groups of gibbons were reported and heard. In 2011, illegal logging along the foothills disturbed the gibbons. The village has both NPA regulations and some traditional belief in protecting gibbons. Hunting is low in this area and villagers do not enter the protected area due to difficult access. Like villages upstream, they lose crops annually from flooding. Other key wildlife species reported in these representative villages in Khounkham District are shown in Table 9. Along the Hinboun River particularly in the Songkhone area there is a good gibbon population and presence of sooty babbler and kha nyou, but few reports of other key wildlife species. Table 9. Key wildlife species reported along the Hinboun River Species 1. Tiger 2. Asian Elephant 3. Leopard 4. Clouded Leopard 5. Marble cat 6. Golden cat 7. Fishing cat 8. Leopard cat 9. Gaur Present Remarks Songkhone, Nam Theuk Song Khone, Nam Theuk Only Ban Tha Na ‐ 31 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Species 10. Sambar 11. Serow 12. Great Hornbill 13. Brown Hornbill 14. Rufous‐necked Hornbill 15. Wreathed Hornbill 16. Oriental Pied Hornbill 17. Silvered Pheasant 18. Siamese Fireback 19. Green Peafowl 20. Bare‐faced Bulbul 21. Sooty Babbler 22. Kha Nyou 23. Bear Present ? Remarks On right bank, Thonglom area Medium, many places Songkhone, Nam Theuk High, limestone High limestone Hinboun District Nakheu, UTM 1950484 N, 478762 E Mr. Noukone, the village cluster chief, and his staff reported the important areas for gibbons in his village were Kouane Houi, Kouane Song and Kouane Sam. Kouane Song and Kouane Sam are far from the village, bordering Ban Bouamlou and Nadao. Lao Langur was well reported very close to the village, and three were observed (possibly of a group of five) using binoculars from Khoun Kongleng on 23 November 2011 at 2.35 PM. This species is abundant in the area especially in Kouane Houi area, where 6 sleeping sites have been identified (Phiapalath, 2010). Kouane Houi has been subject to logging in the past and there is a proposal to establish an army camp there and to raise cattle. The first proposal to establish the army camp was objected to by the village, but the plan is still on‐going. Should this camp be established, it would have a great impact on gibbons, Lao langurs and other wildlife in Kouane Houi, and possibly impact the core gibbon location at Kouane Kang (Kouane Thouy, Kouane Ya and Kouane Wa) because these sites are connected to Kouane Houi. The villagers receive income from tourism services including acting as tour guides and home stays. They are 11 home‐stays in Ban Nakheu and they have been trained by the Provincial Tourism Office. Apart from visiting Khoun Kongleng, the villagers take tourists to visit Tham Chia (bat cave) located deeper in the protected area, but without previous consultation with the Khammouan Provincial Protected Area Division. Bouamlou, 17°46.01'N, 104°42.08'E Mr. Air, Mr. Na and other villagers reported that gibbon songs were still heard from the village, to the north (Pha Nam Pakan), to the west (Pha Thamlot, the inaccessible limestone hills between the Bouamlou and Nathan), and to the south (Kouane Kha). The areas with the highest gibbon populations were reported to be Kouane Pang (>30 groups) because it was large intact limestone forest with likely no disturbance, then Kouane Kang (Kouane Thouy/Kouane Ya, Kouane Wa) and some locations around valleys (e.g. Kouane Kang located between Ban Nakheu, Nadao, Bouamlou and Phonsi). The villagers considered that this area is an important gibbon location due to their high density and it supporting healthy evergreen ‐ 32 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area forest, a lowland area with few people accessing the area. Mr. Air visited the area in January 2012 and heard about 5 groups at Kouane Thouy camp. Gibbons were also reported in Kouane Song, 10 hours walk away. Lao Langurs were also well reported in the area and considered common. They are quite often hunted, but gibbons only occasionally. Small scale of logging by a Vietnamese company based in Ban Sanak was found in Kouane Kha. This could extend into the core gibbon area of Kouane Song then Kouane Thouy if no action is taken soon. This village has a large agricultural land, but the paddy fields are flooded annually resulting in rice shortages, therefore they rely on forest resources to earn income to buy rice. Kouane Kaja, 17°52.19'N, 104°41.14'E Villagers, Mr. Noud, Mr. Pae and Mr. Phone, reported two gibbon groups in Kouane Ore and four in Kouane Phai and considered these areas important habitats for gibbons and other wildlife.They sometimes hear gibbon songs in the north. This village is difficult to access with no road and they have to walk up a hill, so materials for house construction must be carried. There is insufficient clean water supply. They do shifting cultivation and rely on forest resources. This village may be moved close to Ban Bouamlou if the irrigation system there is improved. Ban Houa Na, 17°50.574'N, 104°39.420'E During a brief visit, gibbons were reported at three locations; Kouane Makfai (1.5 km to the west), Kouane Sa Ngeo (about 2 km each to the west and south). Lao langurs are also found quite often in the village area. Gibbons are quite well protected compared to other animals. Ban Sanak, UTM 1968199'N, 465869'E The village chief, Mr. Lae, and Khamphone reported two gibbon locations in their village; a limestone hill close to Nam Pakan about 2 km to the south from where they sing often, and a group of about six in the west, 3 km away. The village has strong regulations for fish conservation and some for wildlife conservation particularly gibbons. The regulations for fish protection are very effective and there is plentiful fish in Nam Pakan in the village area. This village is next to Ban Bouamlou and they have good cooperation in managing fisheries. Ban Nathan, 17°45.419'N, 104°39.447'E Mr. Bouala, the village head and head of village cluster, reported hunting in the area included gibbons was mostly for household consumption. In 2010, four gibbons were shot in the village area. One gibbon was being kept as a pet after its mother was shot in 2010, but it was given to visiting relatives from Vientiane. Gibbons are heard singing in November in the Bouamlou area and have been seen eating figs in March. Another villager confirmed that two gibbons were shot recently in Bouamlou area. Villagers considered that the wildlife abundance in Bouamlou was decreasing. Villagers also reported that Lao langurs were regularly seen in the Bouamlou area, especially in March and April. Ban Nathan has a traditional sacred forest area, which provides protection to the resident langurs. The villagers believe that all wildlife in the sacred forest are spirits so there is a taboo against hunting there. Ban Khonekeo, 17°41.192'N, 104°42.073'E Villagers had not heard gibbon songs in their area for about four years. They often encountered Lao langurs nearby especially in November and December while harvesting rice. The people interviewed were able to give a convincing description of the white ‐ 33 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area markings on the Lao langur’s head and reported the Lao langur (white‐head) and Black Langur (all black). The limestone karst close to the village has deciduous forest, which apparently was used by gibbons. Ban Nasa, UTM 1990871 N, 453315 E Ban Nasa is located in the far northern end of the Phonetieo/Bonaeng area (called Xumbone, the old village name, on the topographic map). Three gibbon groups were reported in the area as sometimes heard often from the village; one group at Kouane Tha Lang to the east, another at Kouane Nangsa to the north and another at Kouane Pa to the north‐west, each about 2 km or 2 hours walk from the village. Three or four years ago they used to hunt gibbons. Now there is a regulation to stop hunting, but nevertheless some people still go hunting. Hunting gibbons is only opportunistic. It is only done by local people and not for trade. The villagers expressed their interest in conservation, likes to hear gibbon songs and there is the need to protect animals for future generations. They are also interested to participate in project implementation as there have been no projects working in this village so far. This village is one of about 10 villages, known as the Bonaeng or Phontieo village cluster. This cluster is a mining area and some villagers are employed by the mining companies. However, it is reported that mining impacts local livelihoods by affecting water resources and livestock. Also, workers and solders in the area were involved in wildlife hunting and logging in and beyond the mining concession. Other key wildlife species reported in Hinboun District are shown in Table 10, mainly in the Ban Bouamlou area covering Kouane Pang, Kouane Thouy, Khouy Ya, Kouane Wa, Koaune Phai and Kouane Houi. Table 10. Key wildlife species reported in Hinboun District Species 1. Tiger 2. Asian Elephant 3. Leopard 4. Clouded Leopard 5. Marble cat 6. Golden cat 7. Fishing cat 8. Leopard cat 9. Gaur 10. Sambar 11. Serow 12. Great Hornbill 13. Brown Hornbill 14. Rufous‐necked Hornbill 15. Wreathed Hornbill 16. Oriental Pied Hornbill 17. Silvered Pheasant 18. Siamese Fireback 19. Green Peafowl Present Remarks Low, Kouane Pang Medium to High High, High, Kouane Thouy, K. Wa and K. Pang Low, High, Kouane Thouy, K. Wa and K. Pang High, Kouane Thouy, K. Wa and K. Pang High, Kouane Thouy, K. Wa and K. Pang ‐ 34 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Species 20. Bare‐faced Bulbul 21. Sooty Babbler 22. Kha Nyou 23. Bear Present Remarks High, Kouane Pang, Bouamlou, K. Kaja High, Medium, Medium, ‐ 35 ‐ Time start finish ~06.30 ~07.00 ~06.30 ~07.00 ~06.30 ~07.00 05/02/2011 Song Hong 17°54.403' 104°46.816' 04.00 ~05.00 from Konglor 17° 54.308' 104°47.322' 07.15 07.30 17° 55.079' 104°46.506' 10.00 Team 2: Ban Nabon to Tham Phai, Koua Din and ending in Ban Nadao 04/02/2011 Song Hong 17°51.454' 104°51.195' 06.20 06.45 (Tham Phai) 1 km from campsite 05/02/2011 17°51.454', 104°51.195' 06.10 07.20 06.25 07.20 06/02/2011 Song Hong 17°49.496' 104°50.066' ~06.07 06.40 (Khoua Din) ~06.07 06.40 07/02/2011 17°48.531' 104°51.155' 08/02/2011 17°48.248' 104°58.360' Second survey Team 1, Ban Kouane Kaja, Ban Bouamlou, access in Kouane Kaja 23/12/2011 Nam Pakan, 17°49.140' 104°43.252' 06.15 ~06.25 24/12/2011 Ban Kouane 17°50.273' 104°44.719' Kaja Date Area Coordinates N E First survey Team 1: Ban Konglor, northern Song Hong area 04/02/2011 Song Hong 17°53.022' 104°46.089' from Konglor 1 0.5 >1 <1 >1.5 ~1 1 N W N NE N N N ‐ 36 ‐ Distance (km) Direction E SE NW SW S Annex 2: Records of gibbons during the field surveys Notes Close to campsite Close to campsite Close to campsite From campsite From campsite One or two groups Seen at this location and fled on sight .7 Km north, on hill top No gibbons call, usually they do No gibbons heard, high disturbance No gibbons heard Both groups heard simulataneously From campsite From campsite 3, no adult ♀ Observation 1♂ 1♀ Great call, but not clear Great call Great call Great call Great call Great call Great call Type of call Great call Great call Great call Solo Great call Great call The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Coordinates N E 17°50.273' 104°44.719' 17°49.140' 104°43.252' 17°48.389' 104°43.310' 17°48.609' 104°42.587' 17°48.609' 104°42.587' 07.25 ‐ 37 ‐ NW Direction N E S E SE W W W S N 08.00 Time start finish 06.10 06.24 06.15 06.40 06.15 06.40 06.15 06.40 06.15 06.40 06.00 07.10 06.00 07.10 07.35 08.00 07.20 07.30 Team 2. Ban Nayo and Vieng Louang, access in Kouane Nyai 24/12/2011 Kouane Nyai 17°51.590' 104°41.142' 25/12/2011 26/12/2011 27/12/2011 28/12/2011 Tham 17°51.590' 104°41.142' Hongmor 29/12/2011 Other field records of Phaivanh Phiapalath in 2010 and 2012 March 2010 Kouane Houi 17°55.03' 104°38.474' March 2010 Kouane Noy March 2010 Kouane Kalao 17°34.563' 104°50.120' April 2010 Kouane 17°40.072' 104°54.382' Phabet 05/03/2012 Kouane Houi 17°38.031' 104°47.358' Area Kouane Ore Kouane Pang Kouane Pang Kouane Pang Pha Bouamlou Date 25/12/2011 26/12/2011 27/12/2011 29/12/2011 30/12/2011 >1 1 Distance (km) 1.5 1 0.3 0.5 1.5 1.7 0.7 1 0.3 0.7 Great call and song bouts One group One group One group Several groups Type of call Observation Great call and song bouts Great call, but not clear Great call and song bouts Great call, but not clear Great call, but not clear Great call, but not clear Great call and song bouts Great call and song bouts Great call and song bouts Great call, but song bouts not clear Great call, but song bouts not clear The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area No gibbons heard Close to cave near Nakheu No gibbons heard No gibbons heard No gibbons heard No gibbons heard No gibbons heard Notes From up the hill close to the campsite From up the hill close to the campsite Close to the campsite No gibbons heard From the campsite 19/08/2012 17/08/2012 16/03/2012 23/08/2012 13/08/2012 16/08/2012 07/03/2012 06/03/2012 12/03/2012 06/03/2012 Date Phasung ‐ Song Hong Kouane Sam Area Tham En Kouane Noy, Bonaeng Kouane Kalao Nonghoy Ban Phabet, Vieng Louang That maknoy Houy Thot Kouane Noi Xiengbua 05.61 104°38.474' 06.0 17°54.072 17°54.542' 17°57.016' 17°55.037' 17°54.394' 104°47.341 104°38.545' 104°36.571' 104°38.472' 104°46.504' 06.09 06.15 09.25 06.00 06.06 06.00 06.00 06.00 06.05 06.17 15.00 07.11 07.15 06.55 06.49 07.13 06.45 07.10 Time start finish 17°34.563' 104°50.120' 06.0 17°35.194' 104°49.402' 06.0 17°40.072' 104°54.382' 05.57 17°55.030' Coordinates N E ‐ 38 ‐ N S W S W E E >1.5 >1 >1 >1.5 2 >2 0.5 1 1.5 Great call and song bouts Great call and song bouts Feeding 3♂ 1♀? 1 group 1 group 1 group 1 group Great call and song bouts Great call and song bouts saw feeding, 2♂ 1♀ 1 infant Great call and song bouts 1 group 1 group Great call and song bouts by district staff by Hinboun district staff by Hinboun district staff by Hinboun district staff by Hinboun district staff by Hinboun district staff by Hinboun district staff Observation Notes Great call and song bouts 1 group Direction Distance Type of call (km) The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Annex 3. Detailed survey records Survey 1 Team 1 February 2011: northern Song Hong from Konglor Ban Konglor, access in northern Song Hong area. Opportunity to see gibbons during daytime in this survey, a good gibbon population and low threats from hunting. Survey team: Paul Insua‐Cao, FFI Chanthone Phothitay, Division of Forest Resource Management, Department of Forest Resource Management Khomvilay Kiathikoun – Hinboun District Agriculture and Forestry Office Phomma (village guide from Konglor) Loungki (village guide Konglor) 4 February Campsite 1: 17°53.022'N, 104°46.089'E Camped close to Nong Pakek salt lick where some water sources were available and walked to the saltlick to listen to gibbons. 5 February Campsite 2: 17°54.403'N, 104°46.816'E Ang Ta Ngon area, three groups were heard from this campsite and one solo call, one male and one female were seen on approach to Kronglor village. Previous reports from the area from a survey in August 2010 by Phaivanh Phiapalath: At the first survey camp (17°54.391'N, 104°46.507'E) gibbons were heard from 6.40am to 7.00am quite far to the east. During the transect walk (17°54.073'N, 104°47.346'E) 2010 we saw two groups of gibbons; four individuals (1 female) feeding close to the limestone at 3.00pm, three individuals (black) also on feeding at 9.25am. We had the opportunity to take a video and observed them for a half‐an hour. Survey 1 Team 2 February 2011: central Song Hong Area via Nabone Ban Nabone to Tham Phai, Koua Din and ending in Ban Nadao. Survey team: Phaivanh Phiapalath, IUCN Simon Khamsakvilay, Provincial Division of Forest Resource Management, Khammouane Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office Souli Thammavong, Nakai District Agriculture and Forestry Office Sida (village guide from Ban Nathon) Khamsay (village guide from Ban Nabone) 4 February Campsite 1: 17°51.454'N, 104°51.195'E, locally known as Tham Phai Water available all the year round and a popular campsite for hunting parties from Nabone, Vang Hin/Kouane village cluster. We walked several hundred metres from the campsite to two groups in the north and west. The village guide saw one group of three large black individuals, which we believed to be the group heard in the west on 5 February. ‐ 39 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area 5 February Campsite 2: 17°51.454'N, 104°51.195'E. There was no water available at this camp site during dry season. Local hunters camp in this area in the wet season. We heard two groups of gibbons from two different directions; >1 km to the north Great call 6.10–7.20am, and <1 km to the north‐east 7.20am. 6 February Campsite 3: 17°49.496'N, 104°50.066'E, locally known as Khoua Din Water available all year around, but quite difficult to collect in a cave of 15 m deep. We heard two groups of gibbons from different directions; one group 1.5 km to the south 6.07–
6.40am great call, and one group 2. 1 km to the east, great call and song bouts. 7 February Campsite 4: 17°48.531'N, 104°51.155'E, Nong Nadao No water resources available, on the path to Nadao area. This site is quite disturbed with secondary forest and fallows swidden. No gibbons were heard. 8 February Campsite 5: 17°48.248'N, 104°58.360'E, Nadao Secondary forest, mostly fallow swidden and some degraded forest, while to the south is good forest dominated with limestone hills. No gibbons were heard. Survey 2 Team 1 December 2011: Bouamlou – Kouane Kaja Access from Ban Houa Na to Ban Kouane Kaja then to Kouane Ore and Kouane Pang (Bouamlou). Survey team: Phaivanh Phiapalath, Lao WCA/ IUCN Consultant Ba Soudthilath, Hinboun Project Coordinator, Provincial DFRM Wan Manithong, Khounkham Project Coordinator, Provincial DFRM Mr. Pae and Noud, Ban Kouane Kaja, Mr. Lae and Khamphone, Ban Sanak 23 December Campsite 1: 17°49.140'N, 104°43.252'E We camped at Nam Pakan on 22 December 2011, about 0.7 km from the limestone hills where the gibbons were reported from the Ban Sanak. In early morning we went to the foothill and at 6.15 am heard gibbon songs to the north in the upper hills for 10 minutes. Although villagers in this area have some traditional belief in gibbon conservation and this group has been seen occasionally the animals are not shy and often sing for longer. 24 December Kouane Kaja: 17°51.590'N, 104°41.142'E On 23 December we stayed overnight in Ban Kouane Kaja, from where villagers reported they sometime hear gibbon singing on the limestone hill next to the village, about 1.5 km away in the north‐east. Unfortunately, we did not hear gibbon songs the next morning. 25 December Campsite 2: 17°50.273'N, 104°440.719'E ‐ 40 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area At Kouane Ore, we heard two groups gibbons calling at around 6.10 and stop at 6.25 am; one group about 1.5 km to the north, which was quite difficult to hear clearly, and the other group about 1 km to the east. 26 December Campsite 3: 17°49.140'N, 104°43.252'E Four gibbon groups were heard from a position about 30 m above the camp from 6.15 to 6.40 am; group 1, 0.3 km to the south (great call and song bouts); group 2, 0.5 km to the east (great call and song bouts); group 3, 1.5 km to the south‐east (unclear great call), and group 4, 1.7 km to the west (unclear great call). 27 December Campsite 4: 17°48.389'N, 104°43.310'E We heard three gibbon groups from close to camp; group 1 about 0.7 km to the west (great call and song bouts, 6‐7.10 am); group 2 about 1 km to the west (great call and song bouts, 6‐7.10 am); group 3 about 0.3 km to the south (great call and song bouts, 7.35 to 8.00am). 28‐29 December Campsite 5: 17°48.609'N, 104°42.587'E We stayed at this camp two nights. The first morning we did not hear any gibbon songs and the following morning on 29 December we heard two groups: group 1 from 7.20 to 7.30am 0.7 km to the north, and group 2 from 7.25 to 8.00am, about 1 km to the north‐west. Both were great calls but unclear if there were any song bouts. It was at this campsite that the team was stuck and needed rescuing on 30 December, as there was no clear way down the escarpment to Bouamlou. Survey 2 Team 2 December 2011: Ban Nayor and Vieng Louang through Kouane Nyai Survey team: Anita Bousa, IUCN Keolakhone – Provincial Project Coordinator, Provincial DFRM Bongsouvanh Thakhek Project Coordinator, Provincial DFRM Ki, keo and Viet, Ban Nayor King and Done, Ban Vieng 25 December Campsite 1: UTM 1935984 N, 496523 E We camped in Kouane Nyai, although villagers reported gibbons in this area we did not hear any gibbon songs. Then, we walked to Kouane Maiphayban and Kouane Khisi. 28 December Campsite 2: UTM 1945849 N, 496466 E We camped at Tham Hongmor. No gibbons were heard. Before this camp we started walking from Phanak, Pha In to Kouane Phalert and Tham hongmor. The following day we walked to Kouane Phon Dou. Both camps there were highly disturbed, hunting and illegal logging particularly in Phon Dou. ‐ 41 ‐ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area Annex 4. Location names The following table shows the transliteration into English from Lao of village and distrct names used in this report. ລ/ດ
No ບາ້ ນ
Village ຊື່ ລາວ
Lao Name ກຸມ
່ ບາ້ ນ
Village cluster ຊື່ ລາວ
Lao Name ເມືອງ
District ຊື່ ລາວ
Lao Name 1 Nakheu ນາຄື
Nakheu ນາຄື
Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ
2 Nasa ນາສາ
Bonaeng ບໍ່ ແໜງ Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 3 Ban Bong ບາ້ ນບ ົງ
Bonaeng ບໍ່ ແໜງ Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 4 Bonaeng ບໍ່ ແໜງ
Bonaeng ບໍ່ ແໜງ Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 5 Bouamlou ບວມລູ
Houa Na ຫ ົວນາ Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 6 Houa Na ຫ ົວນາ
Houa Na ຫ ົວນາ Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 7 Kouane Kaja ກວານກະຈາ
Houa Na ຫ ົວນາ Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 8 Sanak ສະນາກ
Houa Na ຫ ົວນາ Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 9 Khonekeo ຄອນແກວ
້
Nathan ນາທານ
Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 10 Nathan ນາທານ
Nathan ນາທານ
Hin Boun ຫີນບູນ 11 Konglor ກອງລໍ
Konglor ກອງລໍ
Khounkham ຄູນຄາໍ
12 Ban Kang ບາ້ ນກາງ
Konglor ກອງລໍ
Khounkham ຄູນຄາໍ 13 Nateuy ນາເຕີຍ
Nano ນາທານ
Hin Boun ຄູນຄາໍ 14 Nong Dong ໜອງດ ົງ
Nano ນາທານ
Hin Boun ຄູນຄາໍ 15 Phahang Neua ຜາຫາ້ ງເໜືອ
Tha Na ທາ່ ນາ
Khounkham ຄູນຄາໍ 16 Tha Na Khounkham ຄູນຄາໍ 17 Thonglom ທົ່ ງລ ົມ
Tha Na Khounkham ຄູນຄາໍ 18 Songkhone ສອງຄອນ
Songkhone ສອງຄອນ
Khounkham ຄູນຄາໍ 19 Ban Doi ບາ້ ນດອ
່ ຍ
Phalaem ຜາແຫລມ
Thakhek 20 Ban Phontong Phalaem ຜາແຫລມ
ທາ່ ແຂກ
Thakhek 21 Naniyom ນານິຍ ົມ
Nase ນາເສ
Thakhek 22 Nayor ນາຍໍ
Nase ນາເສ
Thakhek 23 Ban Kouane ບາ້ ນກວານ
Kouane Sam ກວານສາມ
Nakai ນາກາຍ
24 Nadao ນາດາວ
Kouane Sam ກວານສາມ Nakai ນາກາຍ 25 Vang Hin ວ ັງຫີນ
Kouane Sam ກວານສາມ Nakai ນາກາຍ 26 Ban Xong ບາ້ ນຊ ົງ
Houay Yang ຫວ
້ ຍຍາງ Nakai ນາກາຍ 27 Donekeo Nakai ນາກາຍ 28 Houay Yang Nakai ນາກາຍ 29 Mouang Louang ເມືອງຫລວງ
Mouang Louang ເມືອງຫລວງ
Nakai ນາກາຍ 30 Nabone ນາບອນ
Nabone ນາບອນ Nakai ນາກາຍ 31 Nathon ນາທົນ
Nabone ນາບອນ Nakai ນາກາຍ 32 Natan ນາຕານ
Natan ນາຕານ
Nakai ນາກາຍ ທາ່ ນາ
ບາ້ ນໂພນຕອ
້ ງ
ດອນແກວ
້
ຫວ
້ ຍຍາງ
Tha Na Houay Yang Houay Yang ‐ 42 ‐ ທາ່ ນາ
ທາ່ ນາ
ຫວ
້ ຍຍາງ ຫວ
້ ຍຍາງ ທາ່ ແຂກ ທາ່ ແຂກ ທາ່ ແຂກ The status and distribution of gibbons in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area ລ/ດ
No ບາ້ ນ
Village ຊື່ ລາວ
Lao Name ກຸມ
່ ບາ້ ນ
Village cluster ຊື່ ລາວ
Lao Name ເມືອງ
District ຊື່ ລາວ
Lao Name 33 Phon Khaen ໂພນແຄນ
Phon Khaen ໂພນແຄນ
Gnommalath ຍ ົມມະລາດ
34 Pom Khoun ປອມຄູນ
Vieng Louang ວຽງຫລວງ Gnommalath ຍ ົມມະລາດ 35 Phonsi ໂພນສີ
Vieng Louang ວຽງຫລວງ Gnommalath ຍ ົມມະລາດ 36 Vang Yiem ວ ັງຢຽ້ ມ
Vang Yiem ນາບອນ Nakai ຍ ົມມະລາດ 37 Vieng Louang Vieng Louang ວຽງຫລວງ Gnommalath ຍ ົມມະລາດ ວຽງຫລວງ
‐ 43 ‐