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Laos
has one of the most
pristine ecologies in South East
Asia. An estimated haft of its woodlands consist of primary forest, in
particular the tropical rain forest. Unlike the vegetation, which grows
in the
climate Europe and the United States, tropical rain forest is composed
of three
vegetative layers. The top layer features single-trunked, high-reaching
tree
called dipterocarps. The middle canopy consists of hardwood such as
teak. Beneath,
small trees, grass and sometimes bamboo can be found.
In
addition to its
fascinating vegetation, Laos plays host
to a diverse animal kingdom. Several exotic mammals are endemic such as
leopard
cats, Javan monoose, goat antelopes as well as rare species of gibbons
and
linger, Malayan sun bear, Asiaticblack bear and guar. The discovery of
the
Saola Ox, a breed of deer-antelope, in Vietnam a few years ago caused a
sensation. This extremely rare animal inhabits the eastern border
regions of
Laos. It is thought that these remote areas probably still hide other
unknown
species.
In
the
south of Laos, near
Khong Island,
Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit the Mekong River.
While many species
of wildlife are shy and can rarely be seen, spectators will generally
be able
to spot the dolphins in spring when the water level of Mekong
is lowest. Laos
is also rich in resident and migrating birds. One of the more notable
ones is
the tare Green Peafowl.
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