Satellite view of northeast Thailand Photograph by USGS   Southeastern Asia: Northeastern Thailand, extending into Laos Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests   6,500 square miles (16,800 square kilometers) -- about the size of Hawaii Critical/Endangered

· The Valley of Life
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
More Photos

The Valley of Life

Along the moist, sandy valley of the Mekong River, as it turns west near the capital of Laos, you can find a rich tableau of mammals and birds. This ecoregion harbors several endangered species that live in the forests as well as out on the exposed areas of bedrock and along sandy shoals.

Special Features

Some sections of the Mekong River in this ecoregion are outstanding examples of riverine habitat, providing birds ample places to gather on sand bars and bedrock. These areas are virtually covered by Homonoia riparia scrub. In the forests you can travel from patches of dry evergreen to moist deciduous stands of forest. The average annual rainfall is about 65 inches (160 cm).

	Although clouded leopards are much smaller than lions, tigers, jaguars, and other leopards, they have the longest canine teeth in the cat family (relative to their size). These teeth can be up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and are used for biting the back of a victim’s neck to kill it and for tearing the prey’s flesh into pieces for eating. The leopards prey on such animals as small deer and wild pigs.

Wild Side

Several endangered species roam the northern Khorat Plateau. Pileated gibbons can be found eating fruits and leaves in a variety of forest habitats. Asian elephants eat in the morning and at night, preferring to rest during the day. Threatened sun bears can be seen scampering up trees to find food. Clouded leopards and common leopards are top predators. Along the riverbanks, lucky observers can spot a few endangered birds, including great thick-knees, river lapwings, and plain martins. The Homonoia riparia scrub is thought to support Southeast Asia’s largest population of the rare Jerdon’s bushchat as well.

Cause for Concern

Unfortunately, most larger bird and mammal species in this ecoregion have been greatly reduced or eliminated altogether. A few elephants remain in a local wildlife sanctuary. Hunting by Laotians is even more widespread than in northern Thailand, so even common birds are more scarce here than elsewhere. The use of fire by hunters and farmers is degrading forestlands. Other human uses, including fishing, recreation, and ferry traffic, are also threatening the river and its surrounding habitats.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.