The Wildlife Rescue Programme of the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project (Lao PDR)

E-ISSN： 1958-556x|19|issue|407-428

ISSN： 1147-9213

Source： Hydroecologie appliquée, Vol.19, Iss.issue, 2016-03, pp. : 407-428

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Abstract

During inundation of the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project a wildlife rescue programme was conducted to respond to animal rescue needs. Based on a series of field surveys conducted in 2007, priority species were identified for rescue and translocation. Once filling of the Nam Theun 2 Reservoir commenced and islands started to form, animals trapped on these islands were captured by various means and translocated to the Nakai – Nam Theun National Protected Area managed by the NT2 Watershed Management and Protection Authority (WMPA) on the north shore of the reservoir. Various data was collected on these animals and a number of these animals were radiotracked after translocation to assess their survival. Such rescue efforts are often considered a mere act of animal welfare or a public relation exercise. The experience of the Nam Theun 2 wildlife rescue programme shows however that a carefully conducted wildlife rescue programme can provide not only invaluable scientific and ecological insights but significantly contribute to conservation of the biodiversity in the area.