Research & Article

We recorded natural resource use at nine wetlands in and near Xe Pian National Protected Area, Lao People's Democratic Republic, during two brief visits in April and June 2005 (total 10 days). We observed eight categories of human activities at these wetlands: hunting and wildlife trade, fishing, burning of wetland and forest vegetation, logging, cultivation, livestock grazing, collection of non-timber forest products, and powerline construction. All activities except for powerline construction were recorded in the reserve 5-12 years previously by other authors. We conclude that, despite a relatively intensive history of 'integrated conservation and development' projects in the reserve, most threats to wetland biodiversity remain, and follow-up activities are urgently required to regulate regional development, human population growth and natural resource use in the reserve.