We initiate a new collaborative project that aims to protect an Endangered and endemic species of fish Luciocyprinus striolatus

In 2021, Association Anoulak signed an amendment to our Memorandum of Understanding with the Nakai – Nam Theu National Park Authority to implement a new project from 2022 to contribute to the conservation of a Globally Threatened species of fish at the local (NNT NP) and global level: the Endangered Luciocyprinus striolatus, locally known as Paa Kang.

The project will be implemented with our technical partner FISHBIO, a fisheries and environmental consulting company that offers a fresh approach to fisheries science. FISHBIO has been implementing several projects on fisheries in Laos, with one office located in Vientiane Capital.

This collaborative research and conservation project on Luciocyprinus striolatus aims to develop scientific knowledge and understanding of the abundance, distribution, life cycle and threats of this data-poor endangered species (Luciocyprinus striolatus) in order to conserve and protect the population in Laos.

The overall objectives of the project will include:

• Conduct an assessment of the threats to Luciocyprinus striolatus in Nakai – Nam Theun National Park watershed
• Conduct an assessment of the current presence/absence, distribution, abundance, and ecology of striolatus
• Conduct workshops to discuss conservation action plans for the species (e.g. set up of Community Fish Conservation Zones; awareness raising campaigns)

In February 2022, Mr. Sinsamouth Ounboundisane  (Director of FISHBIO-Lao Program Director/Fisheries Biologist) visited us in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park for a first field mission to assess the local knowledge about the species among local communities within the national park, and select a pilot site for this project.

Two rivers where previous sightings of Paa Kang were reported by local communities were visited as part of this mission: the Nam Theun and the Nam Noy. In both rivers, villagers reported the continuing presence of Paa Kang, upstream. These two sites will therefore be surveyed as part of this pilot project. The next activities in the coming months will notably include environmental DNA survey techniques to confirm the presence of the species and fish tagging to study their life cycle and movements.

Nakai – Nam Theun National Park

Nam Noy

Nam Theun

Background facts about the species:

• Luciocyprinus striolatus (Local names: Pa Khouan-Zai, Pa Kang, Pa Sak) is a species of endangered cyprinid native to parts of Laos and China
• Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
• The abundance of the species is thought to be rapidly declining due to various impacts from human activities including deforestation, infrastructure and hydropower development, low water levels, the use of destructive fishing gears, and climate change
• The species is believed to be already extinct from China, which make Laos the only country to protect the species.
• The distribution of the species in Laos remains little known, as well as the threats it faces where the species has been confirmed.
• There are currently only two locations in the country where the species has been recorded: Nam Pak river, a tributary of the Nam Ou river in Oudomxay Province, northern Laos; and Nam Kading/Nam Theun river, a tributary of the Mekong river, in Khammouan Province, central Laos.