Capital

Vientiane

Official Language

Lao

Fun Fact

Home to a mysterious, ancient archaeological site where thousands of giant, carved stone jars are scattered across the landscape

National Animal

Asian Elephant

National Bird

Siamese Fireback

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Animal Laws of Laos

The Animal Laws of Laos PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Laos. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Laos

Siamese Fireback

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Siamese Fireback is a colorful pheasant found in the forests and woodlands of mainland Southeast Asia. Males are recognized by their glossy gray plumage, bright red facial skin, crimson legs, and long, graceful tail feathers, while females are brown for camouflage. Siamese Firebacks feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates as they forage on the forest floor. As the national bird of Thailand, they are an important symbol of the region's rich biodiversity.

Asian Elephant

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Asian Elephant is the largest land mammal in Asia, found in forests and grasslands across South and Southeast Asia. Recognized by its smaller ears and more rounded back than its African relatives, it lives in close-knit family groups led by a matriarch. Asian Elephants feed on grasses, leaves, bark, and fruit and play a vital role in shaping forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds and creating pathways. Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict have made the species endangered.

Saola

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Saola is one of the world's rarest large mammals, found only in the remote forests of the Annamite Mountains. Often called the "Asian unicorn," it is recognized by its slender build, dark coat, white facial markings, and long, nearly parallel horns. Saolas feed on leaves, shoots, and other forest vegetation and are extremely elusive, with very few ever seen in the wild. Habitat loss and accidental capture in wire snares have made the Saola critically endangered.

Red-shanked Douc Langur

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Red-shanked Douc Langur is a striking primate found in the forests of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Often called one of the world's most beautiful monkeys, it is recognized by its bright red legs, gray body, black face, and white tail. Feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and flowers, it spends most of its life in the forest canopy. Habitat loss and hunting have made this remarkable species endangered.

Clouded Leopard

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Clouded Leopard is a secretive wild cat found in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. It is recognized by its large cloud-shaped markings, powerful build, and exceptionally long tail, which helps it balance while climbing. An excellent climber, the Clouded Leopard hunts monkeys, birds, deer, and other small mammals, often moving through the forest canopy with remarkable agility. Habitat loss and poaching have made this elusive predator vulnerable across much of its range.

Great Hornbill

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Great Hornbill is one of the largest hornbill species, found in the tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia. It is recognized by its enormous yellow bill topped with a prominent casque and its striking black, white, and yellow plumage. Feeding mainly on fruit, along with small animals, it plays a vital role in dispersing seeds throughout the forest. Habitat loss and hunting have caused population declines, making conservation of this impressive bird increasingly important.