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.
The IEWMP (Integrated Ecosystems and Wildlife Management Projects) assigned me two guys who work on the project on a rotating basis.
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.
I also have a Master’s student, Souliya, from NUoL (National University of Laos) who is studying gibbons for his thesis.
More soon!
What an entourage! I love reading your updates and seeing the people you work with! Keep up the good work over there saving the gibbons!