Field observations of larger mammals in Laos, 1994-1995

Mammal records are presented from surveys in eleven extensive forest areas in Laos. Most surveyed areas were south of 18 degrees 40'N but one site was in the far north of the country. Particularly significant information was gathered on two newly described ungulates, Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis an d Large-antlered Muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis and another unidentifie d species of muntjac probably referable to Muntiacus truongsonensis. A (sub )species of Francois's Langur endemic to Laos Semnopithecus (francoisi) lao tum was recorded for the first time in at least 25 years, at five locations . Globally Threatened species (sensu IUCN 1996) recorded were: Pygmy Loris Ny cticebus pygmaeus (provisionally identified), Pig-tailed Macaca nemestrina, Assamese M. assamensis and Bear Macaques M. arctoides, Douc Langur Pygathr ix nemaeus, Dhole Cuon alpinus, Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus, Back-s triped Weasel Mustela strigidorsa, Clouded Leopard Pardofelis nebulosa, Tig er Panthera tigris, Asian Elephant Elephas maximus, Gaur Bos gaurus, Southe rn Serow Naemorhedus sumatraensis, Saola and Inornate Squirrel Callosciurus inornatus. Data Deficient species (sensu IUCN 1996) recorded were: Francoi s's Langur, Phayre's Langur Semnopithecus phayrei, Gibbon sp. Hylobates, Su n Bear Ursus malayanus and Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata. A record of Sp otted Linsang Prionodon pardicolor was one of few anywhere in recent years. Attention is drawn to the scarcity of records of Banteng Bos javanicus rela tive to Gaur. There remain few recent Lao records of Inornate Squirrel comp ared with its congeners, and it merits its recent inclusion in the list of Globally Threatened species. The distribution of Black Giant Squirrel Ratuf a bicolor paralleled that of gibbons (rather that of the smaller squirrels) at several sites, suggesting a similar sensitivity to habitat degradation and/or hunting. An apparently undescribed form of Variable Squirrel Callosciurus finlaysoni was found in the limestone mountains of Central Laos. Records of Silvered Langur Semnopithecus cristatus, Berdmore's Squirrel Menetes berdmorei and L esser Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista elegans represented extensions of kn own range. A major structured programme of collecting is required to clarify the compl ex taxonomy of the squirrel genera Tamiops and Callosciurus in Laos.