STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF THE GIANT MUNTJAC MEGAMUNTIACUS-VUQUANGENSIS, AND NOTES ON THE OTHER MUNTJAC SPECIES IN LAOS

The large-antlered, or giant, muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis was d escribed from Vietnam in 1994 and found concurrently in the Annamite M ountains and nearby hill ranges of central and southern Laos. The nort herly and southerly range limits are still unknown. It may occupy a wi de range of habitats and is found sympatrically with the common muntja c Muntiacus muntjak. Another muntjac species, the taxonomic affinity o f which is as yet undetermined, was recently discovered to occur withi n its range. The large-antlered muntjac is probably not threatened wit h extinction in the near future, but in view of its restricted range a nd threats from habitat degradation and hunting, it should be classifi ed as Vulnerable in the Red Data Book. Its future in Laos is largely d ependent on the recently created protected-areas system to maintain la rge tracts of habitat and reduce hunting pressure.