Nam Thuen Conservation Area

The NNT NBCA represents Lao PDR's largest (3,710 km2) and most diverse natural forest area. Three of the last five large mammals to be discovered or re-discovered world-wide occur in the NNT Conservation Area.

The most distinct of these remarkable discoveries is the Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis. Other newly discovered species, a small dark muntjac and Giant Muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis also have restricted world ranges centred on NNT Conservation Area. The Indochinese Warty Pig Sus bucculentus was recently rediscovered in the area after being considered extinct. Field surveys indicate that mammal communities within the protected area are exceptionally diverse. At least nine species of primate occur, including four threatened taxa to which the NNT NBCA represents a global stronghold.