ere are still tigers present in the park remains to be reconfirmed.
Two herds of Asian Elephant live inside the park. They have formed two groups, who apparently do not mingle or interbreed with each other. While one smaller herd is living in the north-eastern part (Nam Mang/Long Xan valley), the other group of about 40 to 50 heads is roaming near Ban Na in the southern periphery of the park.
There are many different bird species in the park.
The most remarkable one is the majestic Green Peafowl. This once
very common bird of the Mekong lowlands is now confined to only
five tiny enclaves in southern Laos. Amongst other birds are the
Blue-breasted Quail, Siamese Fireback, Red-collared Woodpecker,
Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Grey-headed Lapwing, Jerdon’s
Baza, Fish Eagle and Purple Heron. The park is also home to a large
number of butterflies and countless other insect species.
The people in and around the park belong to different
ethnic origins, from Lao-Tai to Mon-Khmer to Hmong-Mieu groups.
To the north of the park, the picturesque Long Xan valley is home to four different ethnic groups: Hmong, Yao, Khmu and so-called Lao Loum. Here you can discover the traditional way of life and specific handicraft of these friendly peoples.
There are only two villages left inside the reserve. They are located in the western part of the park. But there are many villages along the periphery of the park, more than 70 in the 5-kilometre buffer zone alone! All of them utilize the park one way or the other for their livelihood.
Such activities include (unsustainable) agricultural practices, livestock grazing, timber extraction, infrastructure development, forest burning, collection of non-timber forest products, hunting and fishing.
Any unsustainable use of the nature reserve is now, hopefully, gradually being reduced with the help of community-based ecotourism. The park management protects the park by controlling any illegal use of the nature reserve.
derived from the forest other than timber which is used by mankind
(such as animals and plants) is called ‘non-timber forest
product’. Such ‘minor’ forest products have always
been critical to meeting the basic needs of the rural people.
Of major importance is food such as meat, fish,
fruit, edible oils and spices. Medicines are equally important,
as well as fuel wood and charcoal. Structural materials are rattan,
bamboo, essential oils, gums, latexes, tannins and dyes. Animal
products such as honey, eggs, birds nests, silk, reptile skins,
feathers and other decorative wildlife products are also commonly
exploited, as well as living animals and ornamental plants.
Unfortunately, with the rapid decline of the forests and overexploitation of their resources, the forest dwellers’ existence is seriously threatened. In addition, large-scale resource extraction in tropical forests has a tremendous ecological impact. Phou Khao Khouay park authority is trying to diminish this impact by punishing any illegal use of the park’s natural resources - but also to generate understanding through education and participation.
For your own safety, and for the preservation of
the nature reserve, we ask you to read our Rules
and Regulations and Safety
Code before entering the park. Thank you for your understanding.
Enjoy your stay at Phou Khao Khouay Natural Protected Area!