I have been pretty lucky to get a decent research team for my work in Nam Kading NPA. The Lao government dictates that I cannot work alone in a restricted area so I have quite a large crew that accompanies me in the field. From Khontao village I hired a local guy who knows how to find gibbons.

Tsing from Khontao Village

The IEWMP (Integrated Ecosystems and Wildlife Management Projects) assigned me two guys who work on the project on a rotating basis.

Somphet from IEWMP

Sangphet from IEWMP and Tsing from Khontao

I also have two guys from the Viengthong District Office.  They are technically military and their job is to “protect” me. I am not sure from what… but they are actually really good workers in the field.

Suree from the Viengthong District Office

Suree in the "trail"

Dua from the Viengthong District Office

I also have a Master’s student, Souliya, from NUoL (National University of Laos) who is studying gibbons for his thesis.

The guys enjoy a traditional Lao dinner at the Naiban’s (headman) house in Khontao.

The research team from left to right Tsing, Souliya, me!, Dua, Somphet, and Suree

More soon!