Protecting populations of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys in Ha Giang

With the support of national and international scientists, especially the organization of Conservation of international wildlife and fauna (FFI), the population of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys is now in Khau Ca forest area of ​​the protected area. Du Gia natural reserve (Yen Minh, Ha Giang) is protected and the number of individuals has increased.

This is one of 25 primates that are at risk of extinction globally and are endemic to our country. Currently there are only four species of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys in the world, of which three are in China and one is in our country.

In 1912, scientists discovered this species in Tran Yen (Yen Bai) and now it is no longer found that this species is present.

From 1992 to 2002, biologists continuously discovered some populations of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys in Na Hang and Tap Chu (Tuyen Quang) and in Bac Can province. In particular, in January 2002, scientists discovered a population of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys with the number of about 80 - 90 in Khau Ca forest area (Ha Giang).

Immediately after discovering this animal in Ha Giang, the International Wildlife and Conservation Organization (FFI) collaborated with Ha Giang Provincial People's Committee and the Provincial Forest Protection Department to carry out conservation and support activities. assisting local authorities and communities to protect populations of the Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys and their habitats . Soon afterwards, the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Project was deployed and after more than four years of operation, this project was not only Help this animal escape the danger of extinction but also recognize the emergence of new individuals. Besides, the project also raises people's awareness of the protection of rare and precious species, especially the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey.

According to the village elders and village leaders in the communes near Khau Ca forest, local people still call this species Lang Tu, Ca Dac or Mo Po. This animal has black fur characteristics. Arms, thighs, face and head are creamy white, black back, belly white. In the past, people went to forest for trapping and hunting, but they still took them to eat and eat high bone. Only later did they know that the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey was in danger of disappearing from this planet (in the Red Book).

According to Mr. Tue, a project coordinator, the activities of hunting, shooting and exploiting forest products of people for many years have seriously threatened the survival of this species. Through the process of surveying with the experts of the project, many times witnessed people entering the forest to hunt and set captive traps. This has a great impact on the survival of the langur. Before 2002, hunting activities of people around the region were limited, but local authorities could not control them.

Although Ha Giang province has implemented a program to seize guns in all villages around Khau Ca area. But, according to a survey of forest rangers: now households living around this area still hide about 25 detonator guns; At the same time, their wildlife hunting activities have not ended. This has directly threatened the survival of this rare primate. In addition to the direct impact, the impact on the external environment changes the habitat is also one of the issues that deserve attention. In particular, the indiscriminate exploitation of forest products, the fact that people graze cattle around the area, although this does not pose a direct threat to the life of the douc, is affecting their lives.

Since the discovery of the langur in Khau Ca area, FFI has carried out very practical conservation activities. Over four years of operation, the project not only preserves the douc individuals that have recorded at least four young calves born in early 2005. The conservation of the Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys will have many new developments, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recently agreed with the proposal of Ha Giang province to establish a Khau Ca habitat conservation area with an area of ​​over two million hectares, of which forest land is 1,875 hectares and 135, 4 ha of land without forest. This is one of the very positive signals for the conservation of this animal. But the key is to raise awareness about the protection of rare genetic resources for the local communities; and help them stabilize their lives and raise their incomes by protecting this resource.

CTV