A Tonkin snub-nosed monkey in the Khau Ca conservation area of Ha Giang province (Photo: FFI)Ha Giang (VNA) – The population of Tonkinsnub-nosed monkeys, a rare species indigenous to Vietnam, has developedconsiderably in the northernmost province of Ha Giang thanks to conservationefforts.
In 2002, about 60 Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys werespotted in Khau Ca forest, one of the six special-use forests of Ha Giang.Shortly after that, a conservation project for this species was implementedwith the support of Fauna & Flora International (FFI).
The monkeys live mainly in the districts of ViXuyen, Bac Me, Quan Ba, and Yen Minh – some of which belong to the Dong VanKarst Plateau Geopark, itself a member of the Global Geoparks Network.
Over the years, the FFI and local forest rangershave conducted regular patrols and monitoring in areas habouring Tonkinsnub-nosed monkeys, collected biodiversity data, and stayed updated withinformation about activities affecting the animals’ habitats.
Hoang Van Tue, former head of the naturalconservation division at the province’s forest protection sub-department, hasspent over 10 years researching and monitoring the development of Tonkinsnub-nosed monkeys. He said the species’ population has recovered considerablyin Ha Giang, with many scientists and local residents having seen adult andbaby monkeys.
There are about 200 Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys inthe world at present, some 180 of which can be found in Ha Giang province.
According to FFI experts, although efforts havebeen made, conservation activities still face certain obstacles. While theawareness of residents in the Khau Ca preservation area remains modest, theirlivelihoods are still largely dependent on natural resources and some stillpractice hunting. Additionally, the habitat of this species is wide and indifficult-to-access areas, challenging communication efforts.
Bui Van Dong, head of the provincial forestprotection sub-department, said that in order to promote conservation, hisagency will continue working with relevant forces to step up communications toraise public awareness of the species protection and consolidatecommunity-based groups for forest protection and fire prevention in livingareas of Tokin snub-nosed monkeys.
More attention from the FFI and support fromlocal authorities and people are also necessary, he added.
In August 2015, the Prime Minister issued adecision on the establishment of the Du Gia National Park in Dong Van KarstPlateau. This national park was set up based on the merger of the Du Gia NatureReserve and the Khau Ca Tonkin snub-nosed monkey conservation area. It covers atotal of over 15,000 ha in the communes of Tung Ba (Vi Xuyen district), MinhSon (Bac Me district), and Du Gia (Yen Minh district).
The park’s establishment is believed to helpwith the conservation of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys, as well as other animals inHa Giang. –VNA
In 2002, about 60 Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys werespotted in Khau Ca forest, one of the six special-use forests of Ha Giang.Shortly after that, a conservation project for this species was implementedwith the support of Fauna & Flora International (FFI).
The monkeys live mainly in the districts of ViXuyen, Bac Me, Quan Ba, and Yen Minh – some of which belong to the Dong VanKarst Plateau Geopark, itself a member of the Global Geoparks Network.
Over the years, the FFI and local forest rangershave conducted regular patrols and monitoring in areas habouring Tonkinsnub-nosed monkeys, collected biodiversity data, and stayed updated withinformation about activities affecting the animals’ habitats.
Hoang Van Tue, former head of the naturalconservation division at the province’s forest protection sub-department, hasspent over 10 years researching and monitoring the development of Tonkinsnub-nosed monkeys. He said the species’ population has recovered considerablyin Ha Giang, with many scientists and local residents having seen adult andbaby monkeys.
There are about 200 Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys inthe world at present, some 180 of which can be found in Ha Giang province.
According to FFI experts, although efforts havebeen made, conservation activities still face certain obstacles. While theawareness of residents in the Khau Ca preservation area remains modest, theirlivelihoods are still largely dependent on natural resources and some stillpractice hunting. Additionally, the habitat of this species is wide and indifficult-to-access areas, challenging communication efforts.
Bui Van Dong, head of the provincial forestprotection sub-department, said that in order to promote conservation, hisagency will continue working with relevant forces to step up communications toraise public awareness of the species protection and consolidatecommunity-based groups for forest protection and fire prevention in livingareas of Tokin snub-nosed monkeys.
More attention from the FFI and support fromlocal authorities and people are also necessary, he added.
In August 2015, the Prime Minister issued adecision on the establishment of the Du Gia National Park in Dong Van KarstPlateau. This national park was set up based on the merger of the Du Gia NatureReserve and the Khau Ca Tonkin snub-nosed monkey conservation area. It covers atotal of over 15,000 ha in the communes of Tung Ba (Vi Xuyen district), MinhSon (Bac Me district), and Du Gia (Yen Minh district).
The park’s establishment is believed to helpwith the conservation of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys, as well as other animals inHa Giang. –VNA
VNA
