Numbers of rare primates in Ha Giang on the rise

The rare snub-nosed langur (Rhinophihecus Anvurculus) has seen its numbers increase in Ha Giang Province thanks to conservation efforts. - FFI photo

HA GIANG - A community of rare snub-nosed langurs has seen its numbers increase to about 100, thanks to conservation efforts in the northern province of Ha Giang.

The snub-nosed langur (whose scientific name is Rhinophihecus anvurculus) was detected in the province in 2002, according to Hoang Van Tue, head of management board of the Khau Ca Species and Habitat Conservation Area.

Tue said that in 2002, the number of these primates in the area accounted for nearly one fourth of the world's total population of snub-nosed langurs, which was at 250.

Tue said a 2,024sq meter conservation area established in 2008 in Ha Giang had greatly contributed to increasing snub-nosed langur numbers from 60 in 2002 to the current level.

Last June, authorities from the three communes of Tung Ba, Yen Dinh and Minh Son which partly cover the conservation area, signed an agreement to co-ordinate with the area's management board to protect the forest from destruction, said Tue.

Accordingly, the co-operation will help to ensure the sustainable development of the primates and other flora and fauna in the area.

He added that the fund from Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Vietnam Programme and support from local people have also contributed to expanding the langur population. - VNS