Department of Forestry, as the CITES Management Authority of Lao PDR, Monitors Tiger Sterilization Programme under the CITES Compliance Action Plan

Lao PDR, 12–13 June 2026 — The Department of Forestry (DOF), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), acting as the CITES Management Authority of Lao PDR, together with Save Elephant Foundation, Thailand, conducted a joint field mission to monitor and support the implementation of the national tiger sterilization programme. The mission was attended by the President of Save Elephant Foundation, the Foundation’s veterinary team and officials from the Department of Forestry.

The tiger sterilization programme represents one of the key actions under the CITES Compliance Action Plan (CAP) of Lao PDR and forms an integral component of the Government’s efforts to address long-standing challenges associated with the management of captive tigers. The programme demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Forestry, as the national CITES Management Authority, to implementing concrete measures in response to recommendations adopted under CITES.

Under the CITES Compliance Action Plan, the sterilization of male captive tigers that are not part of approved conservation programmes is a principal management measure designed to prevent further population growth within captive facilities. The programme aims to control captive breeding, prevent the introduction and acquisition of additional tigers, and ensure that captive tiger populations remain under effective government oversight.

The Department of Forestry emphasized that the sterilization programme is being implemented alongside broader management measures, including strengthened monitoring of captive facilities, improved animal identification and record keeping, and enhanced oversight of captive tiger populations. These measures contribute to improving both the management and welfare of captive tigers while ensuring compliance with Lao PDR’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The Department of Forestry, in its capacity as the CITES Management Authority of Lao PDR, continues to work closely with Save Elephant Foundation and other relevant national and international partners to implement the tiger management programme. This technical cooperation supports the achievement of the objectives set out in the CITES Compliance Action Plan and strengthens Lao PDR’s institutional capacity to manage captive tigers in accordance with international standards.

The Department of Forestry reaffirmed its commitment to completing the planned tiger sterilization programme by the end of 2026 and to continuing the implementation of all remaining measures under the CITES Compliance Action Plan. Through these coordinated efforts, Lao PDR continues to strengthen the transparent, science-based and accountable management of captive tigers while fulfilling its commitments under CITES and contributing to the conservation of this globally endangered species.