Field Observations of the Vulnerable Impressed Tortoise, Manouria impressa, from Southern Laos and Notes on Local Chelonian Trade: Field Observations of the Vulnerable Impressed Tortoise, Manouria impressa, from Southern Laos and Notes on Local Chelonian Trade

Abstract

Observations of wild chelonians in Indochina are uncommon with most records and specimens coming from the commercial wildlife trade. During the surveys of the Xe Sap National Protected Area in southern Laos between February and May 2012, four impressed tortoises, Manouria impressa(IUCN Red List: Vulnerable) were found in three separate field locations. There are few published observations of this species in the wild. We also present data on threats and local value of chelonians in the wildlife trade.