Vietnam Highlands Shelter Unveiled Critically Rare Douc Langur Troup

Vietnam Highlands Shelter Unveiled Critically Rare Douc Langur Troup

In the heart of Vietnam's less-frequented central highlands, a hidden gem of biodiversity called Khe Lim Forest, resides one of the country's rare treasures - the critically endangered gray-shanked douc langur. This elusive primate, nearing extinction with a dwindling population of under 2,000, has just been discovered in a new population, spurring a spark of optimism amidst rapidly vanishing numbers.

The unanticipated group, consisting of one adult male, two adult females, two subadults, and two juveniles, was first spotted in a high-altitude part of the forest. It didn't take long for further surveys with local communities to reveal their presence in multiple locations, hinting at possibly more undiscovered populations lurking in unsurveyed forest areas[2].

Though this news brings a glimmer of hope, it comes paired with concerns. Similar to half of the gray-shanked douc langur's existing habitat, Khe Lim Forest remains unprotected, like a snapshot of the threats this species encounters when such protection is lacking.

Deforestation, causing habitat loss and fragmentation, is a significant concern here. Two of the locations where these primates have been found are experiencing substantial road construction that could result in the loss of up to 10,000 hectares of their habitat nationwide each year[3].

Hunting poses an equally alarming threat to the gray-shanked douc langurs, driving them into captivity for meat, traditional medicine, and the pet trade. During the fieldwork, evidence of terrestrial mammals ensnared in snares suggests ongoing trapping and hunting activities in the area[4].

Previously, new populations of this critically endangered species have emerged. Back in 2016, a survey led by conservation charity Fauna & Flora revealed the presence of 500 langurs in a single Vietnamese province alone, but the looming threats continue to challenge their survival even a decade later.

In the light of this latest discovery, what can be done? The report authors propose a multi-faceted approach to safeguard the grey-shanked douc langurs:

1. A thorough survey of the entire Khe Lim Forest to locate and map these elusive langurs, particularly the unknown and isolated groups[2].
2. Engaging local communities within the buffer zones through outreach efforts, in order to help reduce hunting pressures, promote coexistence, and raise awareness[2].
3. Addressing habitat loss stemming from deforestation and road construction[3].
4. Minimizing illegal hunting and trapping activities, which threaten these langurs, through stronger enforcement and community cooperation[4].

These measures aim to protect existing populations by safeguarding their habitat and reducing direct human threats, thereby stabilizing and increasing the grey-shanked douc langur populations[1]. The urgency of these conservation efforts underscores the uphill battle that the grey-shanked douc langurs face due to ongoing habitat destruction and exploitation[1].

The report on the proposed conservation measures for the grey-shanked douc langurs is published in Oryx.

References:

1. FAUNA & FLORA INTERNATIONAL. 2022. SURVEY OF GRAY-SHANKE DOUC LANGURS IN VIETNAM - 2022. Accessed March 17, 2023, from https://www.fauna-flora.org/media/36525/survey-of-gray-shanked-douc-langurs-in-vietnam-2022.pdf
2. Rüdisühli, F., Nguyen, T. V., Nguyen, L. T., Nguyen, T. V., Nguyen, H. T., Thai, V. H., & Le, H. C. (2023). First records of the critically endangered grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea) in Khe Lim Forest, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Oryx, 57(2), 203-205.
3. IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). n.d. gray-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea). Accessed March 17, 2023, from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22662/207070305
4. Mongabay. (2023, February 21). First records of critically endangered grey-shanked douc langur in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Mongabay. Accessed March 17, 2023, from https://news.mongabay.com/2023/02/first-records-of-critically-endangered-gray-shanked-douc-langur-in-quang-nam-province-vietnam/
5. The discovery of the grey-shanked douc langur in Khe Lim Forest has sparked optimism, but also concerns about their future due to ongoing threats from deforestation, road construction, and hunting.
6. A multi-faceted approach is proposed to safeguard the grey-shanked douc langurs, including thorough surveys, community engagement, habitat protection, and minimizing illegal hunting activities.
7. Research publications, such as the one on conservation measures for the grey-shanked douc langurs in Oryx, are important for raising awareness and mobilizing efforts to protect biodiversity in Vietnam and globally.
8. The survival of endangered species like the grey-shanked douc langur is closely linked to the health and wellness of ecosystems, demonstrating the importance of environmental science and the role it plays in science, medicine, and biodiversity research.

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