Laos is a country where most of it's western is demarcated by the Mekong River. Being one of the most pristine natural landscapes, Laos plays host to a diverse animal kingdom. Its topography is largely mountainous, and this steep terrain is blanketed by northern Laos's tropical rain and monsoon forests. An estimated half of these are untouched primary forests, which are still home to one of the most elusive primate species rarely sighted in the wild. The highly endangered black-crested gibbon. Offering a small glimpse into their mysterious world they introduce us to the ways of the gibbon, the shrill call of a family of lar gibbons rings out across the jungle as they swing like pendulums through the trees- a true acrobat in South East Asia's highest canopies. The wetlands around the Mekong's tributaries are also home to a curious looking primate, impressive stump-tailed macaques are lounging around the forest floor, youngsters learn the ways of the troop as babies enjoy their special bond with their mother. These open landscapes also provide the perfect habitat for many bird species to nest in; brightly coloured sparrows fashion basket-like nests in the canopy whilst velvet-fronted nuthatches conceal their nests inside the hollow of a tree trunk. The constant supply of freshwater also offers buffet for many birds and a home to a multitude of fish eating birds. The striking and intricately marked pied king fisher hovers and swoops for it's meal. Laos is central to the survival of countless enigmatic and endangered creatures, once widely spread over most of Laos. The highly endangered green peafowl shoes off it's dazzling display, an animal which is only found in very discrete pockets of habitat. This is a country of outstanding natural beauty and the Mekong carves out pockets of ancient forest that provide refuge for some of the most beautiful and elusive creatures on Earth.