Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area
Khammouan
Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area, located in Khammouane Province, Laos, is a striking limestone tower karst landscape within the Annamite Range. It features rugged, cave-riddled terrain with over half the area covered by rocky outcroppings, complemented by dry evergreen forest and scrubland shaped by a tropical savanna climate. This diverse habitat supports an impressive array of wildlife including 113 mammal species, 160 bird species, 81 reptiles, 47 amphibians, and 145 fish species. Notably, it is home to the Laotian rock rat, a species so unique it was initially placed in its own family and later linked to a lineage thought extinct for millions of years. Other rare mammals include the Indian elephant, Indochinese tiger, critically endangered saola, giant muntjac, Assam macaque, François' langur, and black giant squirrel. The area also hosts 41 bat species, with one cave sheltering 22 of them. Birdlife is rich with species like the grey peacock-pheasant, hill myna, red-collared woodpecker, sooty babbler, and wreathed hornbill. Despite its biodiversity importance, the site receives minimal governmental protection and funding, highlighting the need for conservation awareness. This unique natural feature offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of Laos' karst ecosystems.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during the dry season for easier access and better wildlife viewing opportunities. Due to limited infrastructure and protection, it is advisable to arrange guided tours through local operators knowledgeable about the terrain and species. Advance planning is recommended to secure permits or permissions if required. Visitors can benefit from bringing appropriate gear for rugged karst landscapes and cave exploration. No specific ticketing system exists, but supporting local conservation efforts is encouraged.
Interesting facts
- •Phou Hin Poun is home to the Laotian rock rat, a species thought extinct for 11 million years until its discovery here.
- •One cave, Tam Houay Si, shelters 22 of the 41 bat species found in the area.
- •The area hosts the critically endangered saola, one of the world's rarest large mammals.
- •Phou Hin Poun's karst landscape comprises over 50% rocky outcroppings, creating a unique habitat mosaic.
- •A new genus of Old World rats and mice, Saxatilomys paulinae, was discovered within this conservation area.
History
Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area was formerly known as Khammouane Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area and is one of 21 designated biodiversity conservation areas in Laos.
It was established to protect the unique karst landscape and its rare species, though government funding and protection remain minimal.
Over the years, it has become notable for the discovery of rare species such as the Laotian rock rat and new genera of rodents, marking it as an important site for biological research and conservation.
The area's human population is approximately 29,603, reflecting a coexistence of local communities with the natural environment.