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Xe Pian contains the highest number of bird species recorded in any NPA, including 7 species not recorded in any other NPA. Key species protected in this unique range of habitats include giant and white-shouldered ibis, sarus crane and white-winged duck and the white-rumped, slender-billed and red-headed vultures. Siamese fireback and great hornbill have been recorded.
Xe Pian’s wetlands are hugely important for large water birds such as giant and white-shouldered ibis, sarus crane, masked finfoot, lesser adjutant and woolly-necked stork.
The Xe Khampho-Xe Pian-Xe Kong river plain has the greatest abundance of these birds - one of the best areas to see them in Southeast Asia.
In December, over 1000 egrets roost at Bung Gnai-Kiet Ngong Marsh, along with large numbers of pond herons and over 50 harriers. Several thousand red-throated pipits and yellow wagtails winter in the area, an example of Xe Pian’s significance to migratory birds.
Surveys in Xe Pian have documented many endangered species, including at least 13 globally and 12 regionally threatened mammals. Gaur, sun bear, Asiatic black bear and yellow-cheecked crested gibbon are present, with the Xe Pian-Dong Hua Sao NPA gibbon population of major global conservation significance. Tiger, Asian elephant, banteng and Irrawaddy dolphin are classified as Acute National Conservation Priority. For the diverse bat species it is an important refuge. Xe Pian protects significant biodiversity, with 44 recorded species of reptiles and 21 species of amphibians, including endangered freshwater crocodiles and monitor lizards, reticulated python and king cobra.
Surveying and Recording Wildlife in Xe Pian
Lao NPAs operate on a basis of participatory management. In Xe Pian, Forestry Department staff is supplemented by volunteer monitoring teams from seven key villages. Teams have undertaken wildlife surveys to estimate wildlife species and populations in the area. Footprints in muddy areas and dung revealed numerous pigs, small terrestrial carnivores, otters, deer and mouse deer, and in some areas wild cattle and elephants. Tiger, leopard and banteng prints have been photographed and measured, bear scratch marks were recorded throughout the forested areas and two freshwater turtle species have been found in wetlands.
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