Rhesus monkeys are at the Bến En National Park in Thanh Hóa central province. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Nam

HÀ GIANG — A rare rhesus monkey, whose scientific name is Macaca mulatta, has been released into natural forest environment in the Chí Sán Nature Reserve in Hà Giang northern mountainous province.

The Mèo Vạc District Forest Ranger Department on Thursday said that the rhesus monkey was discovered by Thò Mí Sì, who lives in Há Súa Village, Tả Lủng Commune, Mèo Vạc District.

He caught the monkey in his garden before the Lunar New Year holiday.

After a period of nurturing, the monkey grows bigger and healthier.

Sì’s family handed it over to the forest ranger force.

Recently, the Mèo Vạc District Forest Ranger Department has released many rare animals into the natural forest as part of their conservation efforts.

This meaningful work protects forest animals at risk of extinction while also enriching the natural environment of primeval forests.

The work also helps raise awareness and social responsibility of individuals and organisations in the mission of protecting wild animals at risk of extinction.

The Rhesus monkey is a primate species widely distributed throughout the country that needs protection as regulated in Appendix IIB, Decree No 06/2019/NĐ-CP of the Government.

The decree regulates management of endangered, precious and rare forest plants and animals, and implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

​Releasing wild animals back to their natural habitat is an important and necessary measure that contributes to the conservation and development of wild animals in the Chí Sán Nature Reserve.

Forest managers also advise against keeping wild animals with unknown origins, as they pose numerous risks and can affect both human and animal health and safety.

The Chí Sán Nature Reserve was established in March 2015 with a total area of nearly 5,500ha. It covers five communes and one town in Mèo Vạc District.

The reserve carries out the task of preserving forest ecosystems; conserving and developing plant and animal species, especially rare ones; strengthening watershed and environmental protection capabilities; conserving the nature; and ensuring sustainable development in the northern border mountainous area.

In particular, the reserve maintains water sources for the Mèo Vạc Town. — VNS