In Laos, we are highlighting the notable efforts of the forest patrol teams in Xesap, which was newly designated as a National Park (NP) under a Prime Minister's Decree in June 2024. Xesap NP has been a priority conservation site for WWF-Laos over the past decade, with technical support and well-trained patrol members playing a crucial role in safeguarding this park.
- As of June 2024, Xesap National Park has a total of 24 patrol team members.
- Divided into 4 teams, each team conducts patrols once a month, lasting 10-15 days.
- They have identified and acted on 117 illegal activities.
- Over 50 illegal camps have been destroyed, and nearly 600 snares removed.
A Commitment to the Hard Work of Conservation:
Xesap NP has 24 patrol team members, which are divided into four teams of six people, and include authorities from the park management office, the district agriculture and forestry office, and community members.
Between January and June 2024, the teams completed over 16 patrols, spanning approximately 169 days and monitoring 1,009 kilometers, equivalent to 51,300 hectares, of the park. This includes the 27,900 hectares of the Totally Protected Zone. During this period, they removed and destroyed nearly 600 snares set in the park, and detected 117 instances of illegal activities, including logging camps, poaching activities, and forest encroachment. Some wildlife, snared but still alive, were rescued and released by the patrol teams.
The Crucial Role of Patrol Teams in Xesap NP:
During their patrols, team members document the presence of key species by collecting signs and other evidence, and setting camera traps to capture images of the forest's inhabitants. They also record threats such as the presence of invasive species, deforestation, illegal logging, and snares. Their priority activities include developing and acting on collaborative management plans, which include forest protection, wildlife monitoring, and raising conservation awareness among the local communities. They promote forest and wildlife laws and report illegal activities that exceed their level of responsibility to higher authorities.
The work done by the patrol teams is contributing significantly to the protection and management of Xesap NP which is an important biodiversity hot spot in Laos, home to some of the most iconic endemic species, including the elusive Roosevelt's muntjac, vibrant red-shanked douc, the rare Annamite striped rabbit, and the stunning crested argus. Notably, Xesap NP is also one of the few places in the Annamites where the legendary Saola—known as the 'Asian Unicorn'—has been sighted and is thought to have high potential as a site for population recovery. The data collected during patrols is used to enhance the management plans and operations of the park in order to better protect these and other key species.
Join Us in Celebrating the Great Work of the Rangers:
As we celebrate World Ranger Day, let us acknowledge and support the incredible work of rangers. Their dedication and bravery are crucial in protecting our natural heritage. Thank you to all the rangers for their courage, commitment, and unwavering dedication to conservation.
Happy World Ranger Day, 31 July 2024!
