On a Night Safari in Laos
While in the gorgeous nation of Laos, we decided to do the boat-based 2-hour long Nam Nern Night Safari located in the dense jungles of the north of the county. This area is known as one of the best places to witness some of Lao's last pockets of rare wildlife. Drifting down the river at night with experienced guides, we were able to use a spotlight to find animal eye-shine in the forest. We noticed several Spotted Owlets (Athene brama) perched high in the trees within 20 minutes of setting off. Soon, our guides picked out the yellow eyes of rare Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor), faintly and from a distance. An hour in to the 2-hour, mesmerizing experience, one of our guides spotted the eyes of a Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), as it feasted on figs atop a large tree. Next in line was two Red Muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjac) running up a hill into a thicket of wild bananas. We kept spotting more, distant Sambar Deer--the rains had repelled most of them from the river, into the thick grass and brush where they feed. However, towards the end of the night safari, we hit the jackpot: two female Sambars had been feeding close to the river. As they moved away, we were able to snap our only picture of this incredible wildlife viewing tour! Cold but happy, we returned to the safari's very own camp to get a good night of rest.
Additions to my Life List:
Sambar Deer - 12
Red Muntjacs - 2
Common Palm Civets - 1
Eurasian Kingfishers - 4
Spotted Owlets - 2
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