Vientiane Province Research Articles

Illegal wildlife trade in local markets of Feuang and Mad districts of Vientiane Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has emerged as a hub for illegal flora and fauna trade, more specifically, species in protected categories. However, numerous local species are traded and given less consideration despite their importance. Hence, we observed the local markets in the Feuang and Mad districts of Vientiane Province in summer and winter seasons to determine the species for trade, as well as their volume and conservation status. Altogether, 602 specimens corresponding to 23 genera and 22 species were identified. Among them, the highest number of species was mammals, followed by birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Six species are listed in threatened categories according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and nine under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species categories. The species in trade varied between seasons, as winter was the main poaching season for mammals and birds and summer was for amphibians, reptiles, and insects. This study revealed that food, traditional medicine, and curio production were the main reasons for wildlife trade. The lack of strong regulations, monitoring and law enforcement, and poverty are the major reasons for wildlife trade. Therefore, strong law enforcement, creating alternate income sources, and participatory conservation programs are required to effectively control wildlife trade in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Anaemia among adolescents: assessing a public health concern in Lao PDR

ABSTRACT Background Lao PDR has identified the need to target adolescent public health concerns. Adolescents suffering from poor health and nutrition during rapid growth and development may be at risk of anaemia due to high iron requirements and the rapid depletion of body iron stores. Objective This study assessed the prevalence and severity of anaemia among school adolescents in Pholhong district, Vientiane province, Lao PDR. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 randomly selected school adolescents across 8 high schools in a rural district of Vientiane province. Adolescents aged 10–18, both male and female, were recruited. Haemoglobin concentration from capillary blood was measured. Descriptive statistics were computed for prevalence of anaemia, anthropometric measurements, socio-economic and socio-demographic variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of anaemia among subjects. Results were expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results The prevalence of anaemia among adolescents in the study area was 19.4%. There was no difference in the prevalence of anaemia between younger and older adolescents, but the prevalence of anaemia was higher in female adolescents than among males (crude OR = 3.91, 95% CI 2.20 to 6.96). On univariate analysis, coming from an ethnic minority household was found to be significantly associated with anaemia among these adolescents (p < 0.05). After adjusting for other variables, only the effect of sex remained significant. Other factors showing no significant association with anaemia included parents’ employment status, family size, and living conditions. Conclusions The prevalence of anaemia in this population is of public health concern with adolescents of both sexes at risk of developing anaemia. The national nutrition programme to control and manage anaemia by distributing a weekly iron and folate supplement for adolescent girls together with a deworming programme twice per year appears to have partly successful but could be strengthened.

A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Vientiane Province, northern Laos.

A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Vientiane Province, northern Laos is described based on morphological and molecular data. Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from remaining congeners by the following combination of characters: maximum SVL 83.9 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of dark nuchal loop, nape band and five dark transversal bands between limb insertions; intersupranasals two; dorsal tubercles present on occiput, body, hind limbs and tail base; 15 or 16 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody; lateral folds clearly defined, without interspersed tubercles; 31-37 ventral scales between ventrolateral folds; six precloacal pores and 15 femoral pores in males, which are interrupted by six to eight poreless scales; six precloacal pitted scales plus in total 10-15 pitted femoral scales in females, which are separated by six to eight poreless scales; enlarged precloacal and femoral scales present; two or three postcloacal tubercles; median subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. In molecular analyses, the new species is strongly supported as a member of the Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis species group, and weakly corroborated as a sister taxon to C. pageli. Pairwise genetic comparison shows that it is at least 18% divergent from other congeners in the species group based on a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene.

Thai Tourists Choice of Accommodation based on Marketing Behaviors in Vang Vieng Town, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The objectives of this study are to determine 1) the opinions of Thai tourists on the choice of accommodation 2) the effect of Thai tourists’ staying decisions on the selection of accommodation based on marketing behavior in Vang Vieng Town, Vientiane Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The study employs a questionnaire as the tool to collect data from 430 Thai tourists who travel to Vang Vieng. The sampling method is convenience sampling with quota. The analysis employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and ADANCO 2.1 software estimation. The results revealed that five paths were affected by the decisions of Thai tourists based on marketing, which directly affected 3 routes and indirectly affected 2 paths. The path from the Marketing Mix à Marketing Behavior is the path that was most affected by the decision of Thai tourists to choose based on the marketing mix factors. Therefore, the decision to choose accommodation, according to the marketing mix factors, have a direct positive relation with the behaviors of Thai tourists and affect accommodation selection decisions. In addition, entrepreneurs should determine suitable marketing strategies, especially human resource development.

Natural radioactivity in the soil of Thoulakhom district in Vientiane province, Laos

Results of the first investigation of the activity concentration of the surface soil samples collected at various locations of Thoulakhom district of Vientiane province of Laos People's Democratic Republic (PDR) are presented in this work. The activity concentration of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples were determined by gamma spectrometer using a highenergy resolution semiconductor detector HPGe. The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides were in the range from 11.28 to 31.46 with the mean of 21.76 Bq.kg-1 for 226Ra, from 7.13 to 44.47 with the mean of 21.85 Bq.kg-1 for 232Th and from 8.96 to 581.52 with the mean of 112.89 Bq.kg-1 for 40K. These mean values of the activity concentration were lower than the average worldwide ones, which were 33, 45 and 420 Bq.kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. The results indicate dthat the radiation hazard from natural 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides in all investigated soil samples taken from area under investigation in this work was not significant.

Cross-species transmission of poultry pathogens in backyard farms: ducks as carriers of chicken viruses

ABSTRACTIn backyard farms of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, mixed-species rearing of poultry is a breeding-ground for cross-species transmission. Here, the epidemiology of viruses circulating among backyard poultry in Vientiane Province was assessed to guide future control strategies. Oral/tracheal and cloacal swabs, collected from 605 poultry (308 ducks, 297 chickens) between 2011 and 2015, were screened by PCR for Newcastle disease virus (NDV), coronavirus (CoV) and chicken anaemia virus (CAV). Chicken sera were screened for anti-NDV antibodies by ELISA. Statistical and phylogenetic analyses revealed transmission patterns and relationships.Closely related strains co-circulated in chickens and ducks. While CoV RNA was detected in oral/tracheal swabs of 9.3% of the chickens and 2.4% of the ducks, rates were higher in faecal swabs of both species (27.3% and 48.2%). RNA of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and duck CoV was found in faecal swabs of chickens (19.7% and 7.1%) and ducks (4.1% and 44.1%). Moreover, DNA of the generally chicken-specific CAV was detected in oral/tracheal swabs of chickens (18.1%) and, sporadically, of ducks (2.4%). Despite serological evidence of NDV circulation or vaccination (86.9%), NDV RNA was not detected. We found a high prevalence and indication for cross-species transmission of different CoV strains in backyard poultry. Interestingly, ducks served as biological, or at least mechanical, carriers of viral strains closely related not only to IBV, but also to CAV. Bird containment and poultry species separation could be first steps to avoid cross-species transmission and emergence of novel strains with broad host range and enhanced pathogenicity.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSHigh rates of avian viruses were detected by PCR in backyard poultry from Lao PDR.Diverse coronavirus and chicken anemia virus strains co-circulated.Phylogenetic analyses suggested virus transmission between chickens and ducks.Serological evidence of Newcastle disease was found, but viral RNA was not detected.

Два новых вида рода бегония (Begonia L., Begoniaceae) из центрального Лаоса

Begonia comprises at least 1850 species, most of which are local endemics. The greatest genus diversity is observed in tropical zone of America and Asia with particular rich area in Indochinese Peninsula. Meanwhile, the inventory of the genus in this region remains far from acceptable completing. Until recently, only 20 species were documented in Laos. Two more species are described here. Both are local endemics found in small sporadic limestone formations in central Laos. The first species, B. quadripetiolata (expectedly sect. Platycentrum) is endemic of Vientiane province (Vang Vieng district). In morphology of staminate flowers, it allies to B. subhowii described from southeastern Yunnan. From B. subhowii and related B. howii, new species differs in larger leaves, entire leaf margin, leaf petiole quadrate in cross section and very small, caducous inflorescence bracts. Leaf petiole quadrate in cross section, is unique character in the genus. The second species, B. tatianae (sect. Diploclinium) named after its discoverer and grower – Mrs. Tatiana Maisak, allies to B. cladotricha, B. gesneriifolia and B. hinnamnoensis originated from limestone formations associated with Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area (central Laos and Vietnam). From allied species, our plant differs in miniature habit, glabrous leaves above dark green, with large diffuse white spot (with small white crystalloid bodies), few stamens, pistillate flowers normally having 4 tepals and ovary bearing wings of distinctly unequal size. Both described species represent characteristic native element of aboriginal limestone flora of lowland karstic formations in central part of Laos.

First Record of Petinomys setosus (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Pteromyini) from Lao PDR

The first known occurrence of Petinomys setosus in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) was recorded from a single specimen collected at Na Mouang village in Vientiane province, which is approximately 240 km from its nearest known distribution in northwestern Thailand. We describe the morphological and cranial features of this specimen and discuss its occurrence in Lao PDR. The focal Laos specimen is similar in pelage color to those from northwestern Thailand, particularly on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the body, gliding membrane, face, and tail. The cranio-dental characters (bullae and dental patterns) are also similar.

Five new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae) from Indochina and Thailand

Five new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae), S. honbaense, S. phamhoangii and S. yersinii from Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, S. phoukhaokhouayense from Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Vientiane Province, Laos, and S. scabrum from Bung Khla, Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, Buengkan Province, Thailand, are described and illustrated. Photographs, vernacular names and preliminary conservation assessments are provided for them.

Influence of Block Dimension and Equipment Selection On the Final Pit Determination of Small Coal Deposit At Bojan Village, Heenherp District, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR

Influence of Block Dimension and Equipment Selection On the Final Pit Determination of Small Coal Deposit At Bojan Village, Heenherp District, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR

Methamphetamine-type stimulant use in Lao PDR: qualitative findings from users aged 15\u201325\xa0years in Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province

BackgroundMethamphetamine is one of the most widely used illicit drugs in several Southeast Asian countries, including the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The purpose of this study was to examine the socio-cultural context of its use in Lao PDR.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional qualitative survey among young people, aged 15–24 years, who use methamphetamine (or Yaba as it is commonly known in the region) in Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province, Lao PDR. In total, we conducted 21 in-depth interviews (6 female, 13 males and 2 transgender) and 8 focus group discussions with 47 participants (10 female, 29 male and 8 transgender). The data analysis drew on the theory and insights of the social theorist Pierre Bourdieu (1990, 1997) to understand the Yaba consumption practices among young Laotians.ResultsYaba consumption among young people in this study was used to enhance both productivity and pleasure. Its pleasure-producing affects were often linked to core Laotian notions of having fun, partying and being together. Its increased productivity effects on the other hand, were used to pursue goals related to self-betterment within an emerging market economy.ConclusionsThis study highlights the complex interaction between agency and identity, structure, context and practices. In terms of public health policy and programme responses, developing proper interventions implies a good understanding of how young people interpret Yaba consumption, its dynamics and the relationships and resources that mediate the behaviours.

Amorphophallus ravenii, a New Species of Amorphophallus (Araceae) from Laos

Amorphophallus ravenii V. D. Nguyen & Hett., a new species of Araceae, is described from material collected in Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos. This species is similar to A. khammouanensis A. Galloway and A. croatii Hett. & A. Galloway, but differs by having an appendix about half the length of the male zone, stigmas about 1.5 times as broad, unwinged rachises of the decompound leaf blade, and a subglobose tuber.

Gentiana laotica, a new species of Gentianaceae from Laos

A new species of Gentiana (Gentianaceae), G. laotica Soulad., Tagane & Yahara, from Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Vientiane Province, central Laos, is described. Photographs, vernacular name, DNA barcodes of rbcL, matK and ITS, and preliminary conservation status are provided for the new species.

Thismia nigricoronata, a new species of Burmanniaceae (Thismieae, Dioscoreales) from Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Laos, and a key to subgeneric classification

Thismia nigricoronata is described as a new species in family Burmanniaceae. Both morphological and phylogenetic analyses indicate that this new Lao endemic is allied to T. taiwanensis in section Glaziocharis, and it can be differentiated on the basis of its longer vestigial stem leaves, reflexed free outer perianth lobes and ornamented, vibrantly coloured outer surface of the perianth tube. The infrageneric taxonomy of Thismia is reviewed, the genera Geomitra and Scaphiophora are officially reduced to sectional status in Thismia, and all species are enumerated in systematic order. A key to all currently accepted subgenera, sections and subsections is presented to facilitate further examination of their phylogenetic integrity in light of apparent conflict between the traditional morphology-based system and the emerging DNA-based classification.

Reproductive season, age estimation and growth in a striped snakehead Channa striata population in Nasaythong District, Vientiane Province, Central Laos

Reproductive season, age estimation and growth in a striped snakehead Channa striata population in Nasaythong District, Vientiane Province, Central Laos

Rabies surveillance in dogs in Lao PDR from 2010-2016.

BackgroundRabies is a fatal viral disease that continues to threaten both human and animal health in endemic countries. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a rabies-endemic country in which dogs are the main reservoir and continue to present health risks for both human and animals throughout the country.MethodsPassive, laboratory–based rabies surveillance was performed for suspected cases of dog rabies in Vientiane Capital during 2010–2016 and eight additional provinces between 2015–2016 using the Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFAT).ResultsThere were 284 rabies positive cases from 415 dog samples submitted for diagnosis. 257 cases were from Vientiane Capital (2010–2016) and the remaining 27 cases were submitted during 2015–2016 from Champassak (16 cases), Vientiane Province (4 cases), Xieng Kuang (3 cases), Luang Prabang (2 cases), Saravan (1 case), Saisomboun (1 case) and Bokeo (1 case). There was a significant increase in rabies cases during the dry season (p = 0.004) (November to April; i.e., <100mm of rainfall per month). No significant differences were noted between age, sex, locality of rabies cases.ConclusionThe use of laboratory-based rabies surveillance is a useful method of monitoring rabies in Lao PDR and should be expanded to other provincial centers, particularly where there are active rabies control programs.

Evaluation of the dynamics of the leaf area index (LAI) of rice in farmer's fields in Vientiane Province, Lao PDR

Evaluation of the dynamics of the leaf area index (LAI) of rice in farmer's fields in Vientiane Province, Lao PDR

Present Situation of Opisthorchiasis in Vientiane Capital, Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic.

Opisthorchiasis is the commonest liver disease caused by Opisthorchis viverrini in Thailand, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) and Cambodia, which will be a major cause of future human cholangiocarcinoma in these regions. In this short review, we describe the epidemic aspects of this parasite infection and the outline of results of our recent surveys of the fluke in humans and its intermediate hosts in Vientiane Capital, where information on the opisthorchiasis epidemic is insufficient. We examined the stool from a total of 296 persons living in the Phailom village (population, 1545, 1999) from 2011 to 2012. As a result, the intestinal parasitism rate was very high from 54 to 59%. Among intestinal infections, O. viverrini infection was observed at highest rates from 51 to 53%. On the other hand, the rate of infection by nematodes was very low. We also conducted intermediate-host investigations in the river and damp areas at 3 villages in the Vientiane capital and 2 villages in Vientiane Province in 2012. As shown by these results, no Opisthorchis species was detected in 147 samples of the host genus Bythinia. However, metacercariae were detected in 3 samples of Cyclocheilichthys sp. and in a Hampala sp. in 303 cyprinid fishes collected from the Haikham village area of Vientiane Capital.

Studies in Asian Nervilia (Orchidaceae) VII: Nervilia kasiensis, a new Lao endemic

A new species belonging to the terrestrial orchid genus Nervilia is described from Kasi District, Vientiane Province, northern Laos. Referable to the widespread and species-rich N. adolphi/punctata alliance on account of its solitary flower, slender white and violet-marked labellum and glabrous, angular leaf, N. kasiensis is morphologically most closely allied to N. muratana of southern China and northern Vietnam. As in that species, the flowering and leafing phases overlap, an unusual feature among members of the genus. The new species can be distinguished from N. muratana by its shorter inflorescence, its weakly spreading perianth with beige sepals, its narrower labellum with a central pubescent strip on the epichile, its arched column, and by its faintly tessellated leaf. A morphological description, line drawing and notes on the species’ ecology and conservation status are presented.

Orchid Flora of Laos: findings from a survey of limestone karst vegetation in Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Laos

A major project to study the phytodiversity of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot was initiated by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong, in 2011, with the aim of surveying primary forest fragments and identifying conservation priorities within this expansive but highly threatened ecoregion. The Vang Vieng area of Vientiane Province, northern Laos, was chosen as a focus for a pilot expedition, since it features an extensive karst landscape that has barely been explored. Together with officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Lao PDR, surveys of three sites were conducted in April 2012, at the end of the dry northeast monsoon season. A total of 283 herbarium specimens were collected. These collections comprised nearly 180 specimens from the family Orchidaceae, of which approximately 136 were unique taxa. At least one of these is a species new to science and a further nine represent new distributional records for Laos. A list of the species encountered during the study is presented and the significance of the findings is discussed. Major threats to the natural environment in northern Laos are highlighted.