Field observations of larger mammals in Laos, 1994-1995

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2000
Authors:Evans, TD, Duckworth, JW, Timmins, RJ
Journal:Mammalia
Volume:64
Pagination:55-100
Date Published:2000
Keywords:Bos gaurus, Cuon alpinus, Elephas maximus, MAMMALIA, Mustela strigidorsa, Neofelis nebulosa, Panthera pardus, Panthera tigris, Pardofelis marmorata, Petaurista elegans, Prionodon pardicolor, Ratufa bicolor, Trachypithecus phayrei, Ursus thibetanus
Abstract:

Mammal records are presented from surveys in eleven extensive forest areas in Laos. Most surveyed areas were south of 18 Àö40'N but one site was in the far north of the country. Particularly significant information was gathered on two newly described ungulates, Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis and Large-antlered Muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis and another unidentified species of muntjac probably referable to Muntiacus truongsonensis. A (sub)species of Francois's Langur endemic to Laos Semnopithecus (francoisi) laotum was recorded for the first time in at least 25 years, at five locations. Globally Threatened species (sensu IUCN 1996) recorded were: Pygmy Loris Nycticebus pygmaeus (provisionally identified), Pig-tailed Macaca nemestrina, Assamese M. assamensis and Bear Macaques M. arctoides, Douc Langur Pygathrix nemaeus, Dhole Cuon alpinus, Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus, Back-striped Weasel Mustela strigidorsa, Clouded Leopard Pardofelis nebulosa, Tiger Panthera tigris, Asian Elephant Elephas maximus, Gaur Bos gaurus, Southern Serow Naemorhedus sumatraensis, Saola and Inornate Squirrel Callosciurus inornatus. Data Deficient species. (sensu IUCN 1996) recorded were: Francois's Langur, Phayre's Langur Semnopithecus phayrei, Gibbon sp. Hylobates, Sun Bear Ursus malayanus and Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata. A record of Spotted Linsang Prionodon pardicolor was one of few anywhere in recent years. Attention is drawn to the scarcity of records of Banteng Bos javanicus relative to Gaur. There remain few recent Lao records of Inornate Squirrel compared with its congeners, and it merits its recent inclusion in the list of Globally Threatened species. The distribution of Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor paralleled that of gibbons (rather that of the smaller squirrels) at several sites, suggesting a similar sensitivity to habitat degradation and/or hunting. An apparently undescribed form of Variable Squirrel Callosciurus finlaysoni was found in the limestone mountains of Central Laos. Records of Silvered Langur Semnopithecus cristatus, Berdmore's Squirrel Menetes berdmorei and Lesser Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista elegans represented extensions of known range. A major structured programme of collecting is required to clarify the complex taxonomy of the squirrel genera Tamiops and Callosciurus in Laos.

Taxonomic name: 
Thu, 2014-03-20 12:47 -- admin
https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5ade1b012674ce3dd941e2ea5dd15cc1.jpg?d=https%3A//mammals.indianbiodiversity.org/sites/all/modules/contrib/gravatar/avatar.png&s=100&r=G
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith