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The world's rarest ape

The eastern black crested gibbon, Nomascus nasutus, is the rarest and most Critically Endangered species of ape on the planet. Historically it lived in southern Yunnan Province and east of the Red River in Vietnam and on Hainan Island in China.

There are two known populations, generally considered to represent two subspecies: in Vietnam, Nomascus nasutus nasutus, known as the Cao Vit gibbon, and on Hainan Island, Nomascus nasutus hainanus, also known as the Hainan gibbon.

In 2002 Fauna & Flora International biologists in Vietnam confirmed the presence of at least 26 Cao Vit gibbons in the forest straddling Phong Nam and Ngoc Khe Communes in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, on the border with China. Interviews and field surveys suggest that the species has been extirpated everywhere else within its historical range in Vietnam. Three subsequent surveys in 2004 and 2005 confirmed the presence of eight groups and more than 30 individuals.

A core conservation zone and buffer zone were quickly agreed upon by the Commune People’s Committees and conservation agreements were signed by households in the nearby villages. A community patrol group was established to patrol the core zone, affording immediate on-the-ground protection for the gibbons. The group also conducts awareness raising activities to highlight the plight of this vanishingly rare species and instill pride among local communities.

In order to reduce fuel wood extraction and reduce tree felling, 23 domestic biogas operations have been constructed. These use livestock manure to generate gas for cooking. Additionally, Fauna & Flora International carried out a programme to construct 400 fuel-efficient stoves in 17 villages. The cultivation of tree plantations for fuel wood outside the protected area has also reduced the need to enter the forest.

Day-to-day awareness raising is the responsibility of the community patrol group. The project provides support by providing training and educational materials. We also carry out awareness activities, such as the development of an environmental curriculum for nearby schools.

Plans are now under way to provide the highest level of national protection for the gibbon’s habitat through the establishment of a protected area. Local agreement on the proposed boundaries has been secured - another valuable step towards saving the world's rarest ape.