What should be done to protect wild animals?

Many of Laos’ animal populations have been decimated by illegal hunting, while pollution from factories has also had a negative impact on wildlife and forests. On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, which is observed on March 3, Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on ways to protect wildlife and the environment.

Ms Nang, a resident of Luang Prabang province: Wild animals have dramatically decreased in number all across Laos. This is mainly because of hunting and the ongoing trade in wildlife, including with other countries, which is proliferating. We know it’s illegal to hunt and sell animals, but they are on sale at markets in both rural and urban areas. The authorities should prevent this trade by penalising hunters and traders. I urge people not to catch animals that are pregnant or breeding, because this is another cause of dwindling animal populations.

Mr Noy Khantivong, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: I think we should train more people in modern agriculture and livestock farming. If people can earn a decent income from farming, it might encourage them to give up hunting animals for food and to sell, which is very damaging. Too much modern technology can also have an adverse effect. It’s crucial to protect the environment because it’s a vital part of our planet. We need to protect our ecological systems and make sustainable use of our natural resources. I would like people to stop trading in wildlife because it’s illegal and depletes our natural resources. We should also plant more trees instead of cutting them down for our own benefit.

Ms Phonmany, a resident of Xayaboury province: Well, wild animals are crucial for our lives but they help provide nutritious meals and protein for a lot of people. Recently, their numbers have been greatly reduced. It’s not because there are more people in Laos but because we don’t care enough about the environment, and animals are being indiscriminately killed while rivers are being polluted by effluent from factories as well as the indiscriminate use of chemicals. Wild animals have to contend with many man-made predicaments, and many species have become extinct or will disappear because the laws protecting them are not adequately enforced.
 
Ms Chansamai Ounkhamthip, a resident of Vientiane: It’s rare to see wild animals such as tigers, deer and wild water buffaloes these days but unfortunately their meat is on sale in some markets, even though it’s illegal. We should get serious about this problem and think about what we can do to stop the hunting and selling of wild animals and make people fear the law. The authorities should do more to tackle illegal fishing methods, such as the use of electrical devices to kill fish, which often occurs in both urban and rural areas.

Mr Souban Boulommavong, a resident of Hadxaifong district, Vientiane: I feel the authorities are doing more to protect forests and swamps and trying to stop more trees being felled, as these areas are home to a huge number of wildlife species. Despite their efforts I often see many kinds of animals on sale in markets, some of which are highly endangered. Sources quoted on the Internet state that Laos has a high volume of illegal wildlife trade compared to other countries. Aquatic creatures are also under threat because of the chemical run-off from crop plantations and the waste discharged by factories.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update March 4, 2022)