What should be done to protect aquatic species and wild animals?

Laos’ wildlife and aquatic creatures are being decimated by hunting, habitat loss and weather extremes. The death last week of the last surviving Irrawaddy dolphin in the Mekong River is a sad reflection of the prospects for wildlife in Laos. Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on the current status of efforts to protect animal species.
 
Mr Paengkham Saengvong, a government official in Xieng Khuang province: These days we don’t often see wild animals such as boar, deer and civet cats in our forests, but unfortunately they often appear for sale in markets, even though it’s illegal to trade in wild animals. We should get serious about this problem and think about what we can do to stop the hunting and sale of wild animals and make people fear the law. More is done to protect aquatic species, especially fish, because there are protected sections of rivers, as well as ponds. Recently, people in the south of |Laos stopped using bamboo traps. However, the authorities should do more to stop illegal fishing methods such as the use of electricity, as this is common in both urban and rural areas.
 

--Photos WWF-Laos

Ms Nid, a resident of Vientiane province: It is essential that efforts to protect wildlife and aquatic species begin with us. It’s not just a matter for the authorities, ordinary people have to do their bit to stop animals and wildlife products being bought and sold, especially in markets. Because of climate change and an increase in pollution, hot weather has affected many countries. In short, it would be great if everyone ensured that development takes into consideration the climate, environment and ecological systems. We should do everything we can to make sure development doesn’t affect natural resources.
 
Ms Vinthong Sipaserth, a government official in Vientiane: The best way to protect wildlife and aquatic species is for the authorities to regularly remind people about the impacts of hunting. And I have seen many problems caused by tree felling in forests and the use of electricity by fishermen. Humans are causing a lot of environmental damage and we need to do more to protect our planet, and get children involved. Wildlife is threatened because forest cover is shrinking and we must plant more trees. You can begin at home by planting a tree, which will help reduce global warming as well as provide you with cleaner air.
 
Mr Sisouvan Duangphichit, a government official in Luang Prabang province: Both aquatic species and wild animals have decreased in numbers across Laos, and the loss of the last Irrawaddy dolphin is very troubling. As far as I know, nothing was done to protect the dolphins, even as their numbers dwindled. One of the reasons for the declining animal and bird populations is because so many people like to eat their meat. We know it’s illegal to hunt and sell animals but people continue to sell and buy their meat at markets across the country. The authorities should do more to stop the wildlife trade by punishing both hunters and sellers. In particular, I urge people not to catch fish or capture animals that are pregnant or breeding because this is another reason why their populations are decreasing.
 
Ms Bounthong, a resident of Xaysettha district, Vientiane: Wildlife conservation is part of our socio-economic development. Without animals, people will struggle to eat, because everything on this planet depends on species supporting each other. People should be taught to respect the regulations governing the conservation of wild animals. I think every effort should be made to protect rare and endangered animals, and if possible they should be bred in captivity. At weekends, lots of people travel to the countryside, where they fish. Humans and animals must co-exist peaceably and wild animals must be protected as part of the sustainable development process.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update February 22, 2022)