uncontrolled slash-and-burn, which includes burning dry grasses for animal grazing (MoNRE, 2013). There are, however, no records of burned areas. Over-exploitation of natural resources: Overhunting and over-harvesting contribute greatly to the loss of biodiversity, killing numerous species over recent years. There is a long tradition of hunting in Lao PDR; rural communities are dependent on hunting and harvesting of wild products to supplement seasonal rice harvests.
Hunting for trade has a greater impact on wildlife than hunting for local subsistence and is often conducted by outsiders; even where locals are the main hunters, they are usually acting to supply externally initiated opportunities. In Lao PDR, especially in the rural area, hunting is more related to men and collection of NTFPs can be more with females depending on the NTFP. Men are more involved in timber collection. Commercialization and trade in wildlife products has also increased with higher prices and improved access to previously remote areas. The wildlife trade is threatening the very existence of certain species and natural communities.
The pressure on NTFPs and wildlife in the Lao PDR has also increased greatly because of internal and external trade demand. The majority of the Lao population is highly dependent on forest and NTFPs for their subsistence. NTFPs are a traditional and important component of the subsistence livelihoods of the majority of Lao’s population. Some NTFPs such as Styrax benzoin (the resin extracts from Styrax tonkinensis and use for incense), resins, sticklac, cardamom were traded locally amongst the Lao population as well as with the neighbouring countries (Stuart-Fox, 1998).
It has become increasingly common to find villagers using NTFP sales as means of obtaining rice, their staple food, in addition to the more normal household and other cash requirements. Nevertheless, traditional hunting (only for consumption) may not have too much impact to NTFPs. But a commercial market for wild animals, dead or alive, which have bought people to go hunting, For example, animal parts required for traditional medicines or valued meat increases the threat of over harvesting.
There is, however, a growing trend among the younger generation to reject the perception that these animal based medicines are of any value, and there is a trend towards stopping to eat meat from endangered species. Wildlife however is still at great threat from the existing generation's demands. Invasive Alien Species: Many Invasive Alien Species (IAS) have been introduced into the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) region for economic and aesthetic purposes, while several others have entered accidentally (Miththapala, 2007). The spread of IAS in the region has been aggravated by rapid development activities such as modification of inland water systems for water management projects (e.g. 19