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Tonkin's snub-nosed monkey

The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus, found only in Vietnam, is one of the 25 most endangered species of primate in the world. It was believed extinct until its rediscovery in Na Hang District in Tuyen Quang Province in the early 1990s. In May 2002 a second, vitally important population was discovered by Fauna & Flora International biologist Le Khac Quyet in a small patch of limestone forest known as Khau Ca in the buffer zone of Du Gia Nature Reserve in Ha Giang Province.

The total known global population currently numbers fewer than 300 individuals. An estimated 40-60 Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys survive in Khau Ca. Ongoing monitoring of these individuals has shown the presence of a number of young, suggesting that the population is growing.

A socio-economic survey carried out in Khau Ca in June 2002 highlighted several major threats to the species and its habitat, including commercial exploitation of forest timber, hunting of this and other species, exploitation of a range of non-timber forest products for commercial and subsistence purposes, shifting cultivation, fuel wood collection and grazing of livestock, especially goats, in the forest.

Fauna & Flora International and its local partners have provided immediate on-the-ground protection through the establishment and training of community patrol groups. Local agreement on the boundaries of a protected area encompassing the monkey’s habitat has been secured. The project has begun to raise awareness among local communities and encouraged them to take pride in this Critically Endangered species.

To combat the threat of hunting, the Forest Protection Department, with the authority of the Provincial People’s Party, was supported by the community patrol group to confiscate guns from households in the villages surrounding the monkey’s habitat.

The community rangers have an integral role in informing local people about the species and the project as well as organizing village meetings. Fauna & Flora International staff support them directly by providing training and awareness materials. Video footage of the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey in Khau Ca forest serves as a useful awareness tool. A school-based environmental education programme has also been developed, focusing on the monkey as well as activities with local unions.

To date, the project appears to have succeeded in reducing short-term threats to the monkey’s habitat. Steps are now being taken to provide the highest level of national protection to the monkey’s habitat through the establishment of a protected area.