Conserving Biodiversity and Sustaining Livelihoods along the
Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Xayabouri and Vientiane
Provinces, Lao PDR The Mekong River above Vientiane, extending
upstream to Luang Prabang, is one of the least-studied sections
of the entire Mekong mainstream. No detailed bird or other fauna
surveys have been conducted in most of this stretch of the
river, which is considered a critical habitat, migration and
breeding corridor for numerous species of conservation and
economic significance. Part of the area is globally recognized
as an ‘Important Bird Area’ (IBA) and may support at least 15
other priority species, including mammals such as Smooth-coated
Otter and Fishing Cat, birds such as Masked Finfoot, Greater
Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, and White-shouldered Ibis, and
reptiles including Asiatic Softshell Turtle and Asiatic Giant
Softshell Turtle. Confirmed breeding populations of regionally
threatened bird species include River Lapwing, Wire-tailed
Swallow, Plain Martin and Spot-billed Duck. I