Distribution and ecology
The Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Laos. © M. Webber
The kha-nyou is believed to be endemic to Khammouan Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic in southeast Asia
Laonastes aenigmamus has a range of less than 5,000 km2, largely confined to the Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area.
Laonastes aenigmamus, tends to be found amongst limestone boulders on the steep slopes surrounding the karst formation.