Researchers have recently completed a joint Chinese – Laotian plant diversity survey in Laos from October 17 to November 7, at the invitation of the Faculty of Forestry at the National University of Laos. The joint expedition was organized by Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), in collaboration with South China Botanical Garden (SCBG), Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB), and others.

The researchers carried out systematic surveys and specimen collection across multiple nature reserves in Champasak, Salavan, and Savannakhet. A total of 1,217 vascular plant specimens (nearly 5,000 duplicate sheets) were collected, along with over 15,000 photographs of plants and habitats, and more than 120 accessions of germplasm resources. Several potentially new species were identified.

Their field surveys covered diverse habitat types, including freshwater swamp wetlands, dry deciduous dipterocarp forests, tropical lowland rainforests, and gravel riverbed floodplains. They surveyed areas spanning southern and south-central Laos, complementing the first expedition of the year to the northern and central provinces of Houaphanh and Khammouane.

After completing fieldwork, the researchers organized specimens at the National Herbarium of Laos (FOF). All collected specimens will undergo systematic taxonomic identification in collaboration with specialists of various genera and families, and the results will directly support the compilation of the Flora of Laos and China-Laos cross-border biodiversity conservation cooperation.

Prior to the expedition, Prof. Zhang Dianxiang and Prof. Li Bo of XTBG were invited to attend the 9th Annual National Conference on Biodiversity Conservation held at the National University of Laos. They made an invited presentation titled “Exploring the Vascular Plant Diversity in Laos”.

The expedition was selected as a filming subject for the third season of Cross-Border Ark.

main habitats surveyed.

Field expedition.

Expedition team.

Expedition team.