In Laos, while the term ‘ranger’ may not yet be formally recognized, patrolling work is actively carried out in many protected areas by forest and wildlife authorities, along with local communities – from rivers to forests. One ongoing example is the forest patrol team of Nam Poui National Protected Area (NPA) – a site recently designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park in October 2024. 

Nam Poui NPA has been a priority conservation site for WWF-Laos for over a decade. Through technical support and sustained collaboration with government partners, WWF-Laos has contributed to building a strong and effective patrolling system led by trained forestry authorities, including those from the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, protected area management unit, and representatives from local communities.

“When I first joined, I didn’t really understand what patrolling meant or what they actually do. But over time, I realized it’s not just about walking through the forest – it’s about being part of something bigger, something that protects what really matters. Now, I’m proud to be part of it,” shared Phetmany Phommasy, known by his nickname Aiy, a WWF-Laos intern supporting patrolling efforts in Nam Poui NPA.

Born and raised in Vientiane Capital, Laos, Aiy comes from an urban background but has embraced fieldwork with energy and passion. Since joining the WWF-Laos project in Nam Poui NPA as an intern in early 2023 he has become an active member of the patrol team, and an integral part of their work. Now 25 years old, he contributes not only by joining patrols, but also by collecting data related to patrolling efforts, wildlife monitoring, camera trapping, and more.

“I still remember my first time joining the patrol in Nam Poui,” Aiy recalled. “Spending six days and five nights deep in the forest, sleeping in a tent, surrounded by darkness – it felt overwhelming and unsafe at first. But the warmth and support from the team made me feel part of something important. From my second patrol onward, I started to love it. I began to miss the forest, the simple meals shared under the trees, and the spirit of teamwork. Being part of this work is something I’m truly proud of – it’s more than a job; it’s a purpose.”

Aiy is part of one of the five patrol teams in Nam Poui NPA, with his team consisting of six members, including himself. Each month, they carry out patrols lasting five to six days – sometimes extending up to 10 days, especially when deploying or retrieving camera traps. For Aiy, patrol work often involves risk and uncertainty. There’s the danger of accidents, encounters with large wildlife like elephants, or venomous animals like snakes. Access to clean water is also a challenge – during the rainy season, water sources often become cloudy, while in the dry season, rivers can run extremely low or even dry out.

“At first, my family didn’t understand what I was doing – why I kept going into the forest and spending days and nights out there,” shared Aiy. “But after I explained what patrolling really means and the role I play, they began to understand. I’ve also seen how dedicated the patrol teams are – they’re not just doing a job; they’re protecting nature with heart and purpose.”

To help manage these risks, all team members have received training in basic first aid and field safety, equipping them to better handle emergencies and navigate difficult conditions. Despite these hardships, Aiy finds meaning in the work, knowing that his efforts contribute to the protection of this critical landscape and the wildlife that call it home.

In just the first half of 2025, Nam Poui NPA’s five patrol teams, made up of over 30 trained members, completed 150 patrol days covering 2,650 kilometres. Their work led to the detection of over 150 illegal activities – including illegal logging, hunting, camps, and snares – all found within the strictly protected zone. The teams also deployed 155 camera traps and collected nearly 350 elephant dung samples for scientific analysis, contributing to wildlife monitoring and research.

The work carried out by patrol teams directly contributes to adaptive management of the protected area. Their efforts help preserve ecological integrity, protect key species, and inform data-driven conservation strategies. These teams routinely conduct field operations to monitor biodiversity, deter illegal activities, and enforce forest and wildlife protection laws. Their role is central to the conservation of Nam Poui NPA – one of the last strongholds for wild Asian elephants in Laos and a vital biodiversity hotspot.

They do this for people, for nature, and for future generations.

During their patrols, team members not only collect valuable ecological data but also identify and report threats such as invasive species, illegal logging, and wildlife crime. Their responsibilities go beyond enforcement – they also engage with local communities to raise awareness, promote conservation laws, and escalate serious offenses to the relevant authorities.

As we mark World Ranger Day, we recognize the courage, dedication, and impact of those protecting the world’s natural heritage – including those undertaking this challenging work in Laos. Their unwavering commitment is helping build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for both people and nature.

“We’re just a small team trying to protect a big forest. We all rely on nature, but without balance and boundaries, there won’t be anything left for the next generation,” Aiy reflected.

Everyone has a role to play in conservation – from raising awareness and making environmentally friendly choices, to contributing directly like the patrol teams in Nam Poui NPA and beyond. Valuing their critical and often challenging work means putting in place stronger policies, greater recognition, and better support. With the right protection and assistance, patrol teams across Laos and around the world can continue safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations.

Nam Poui NPA spans more than 191,000 hectares and is home to species such as gaur, sun bear, Asiatic black bear, clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, dhole, Indochinese grey langur, and a remnant population of white-handed gibbon. The area also holds high potential for tiger recovery due to its connectivity with protected areas in Thailand.

WWF-Laos remains a committed partner to the Lao government in supporting the management of Nam Poui NPA. Alongside ongoing collaboration through the One Health Project, we have been working with the government to prepare for the launch of the Climate Adaptive River Basins Project – a GEF-funded initiative (2026–2031) aimed at strengthening watershed management across four key river basins in Sayaboury Province surrounding Nam Poui NPA.

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Click here to read a similar story – a previous publication on wildlife and patrolling activities in Nam Poui NPA.