งานวิจัยและบทความ

The trade in wildlife meat and parts was surveyed (I) in and around Vientiane, the capital city of Lao P.D.R., (2) in Savannakhet, Southern Laos, (3) along the Thai Lao border from Amphoe Chiang Khan, Loei Province to Amphoe Nam Yun, Ubon Ratchathari Province and (4) in Northeast Thailand. Information on the trade in Attapeu was obtained from Chazee (1990). A detailed study on the wildlife meat trade was made at That Luang Fresh Food Market in Vientiane during January to April and July to October 1991. Wildlife trade in Lao P.D.R. is not for subsistence since wildlife meat is much more expensive than meat from other domestic animals. Wildlife trade around Vientiane and intercountry trade with Thailand pose a threat to wildlife populations in central Lao P.D.R. The cross-border trade, especially in trophies, with Thailand is also a major threat to wildlife resources in southern Lao P.D.R. The continued demand for wildlife products in China, through Yunnan, has been a major factor causing depletion of wildlife resources in northern Lao P.D.R. A pangolin tannery at Ban Don Du near Vientiane produces pangolin leather for export on a large scale, which will jeopardize pangolin populations in the future.

The following immediate actions are recommended: (I) wildlife meat trade at the That Luang Fresh Food Market should be discouraged and limited to certain species. (2) The pangolin tannery at Ban Don Du and its supply and distribution network should be closed down. (3)Attempts should be made both by Thailand and Lao P.D.R. to disco border wildlife trade. Authorities at Champassak Province should be informed so that the ourage cross-trade in trophies at Ban Mai opposite Amphoe Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani Province, can be stopped. (4) The commercial trade in wildlife meat and products should be recognized as a major threat to wildlife resources in Lao P.D.R.

Wildlife trade is international and the demand is impossible to control. Lessons from Thailand have indicated the consequences of failing to recognize this factor, which eventually encouraged a large network of illegal wildlife trade. Non-systematic control of commercial wildlife cropping and legal possession of wildlife by the private sector are factors jeopardizing wildlife conservation and management in both Thailand and Lao P.D.R.