Over 500 endangered gray-shanked doucs discovered in Kon Tum

A population of over 500 critically endangered gray-shanked doucs (Pygathrix cinerea) has been discovered in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum.

The langur is a douc species native to Vietnamese central localities. (Credit: FFI)

Trinh Dinh Hoang, head of the FFI Vietnam survey team said the discovery was an honour as there are only about 800-1,000 doucs left worldwide. They have been listed among the world’s 25 most endangered primates.

Director of FFI Vietnam Dr. Benjamin Rawson said that this species is native to Vietnam. The discovery of this new population brings more hope for the species, but the truth remains that they are on the verge of extinction while FFI is doing its best to prevent this, Dr. Rawson affirmed.

The discovery is a big step in conversations on the species, but to ensure their long term survival, co-ordination between governments, local communities, civil society, the scientific community, and donors is necessary, the FFI official added.

The gray-shanked douc found in the FFI’s survey trip in Kon Tum. (Credit: FFI)

According to FFI, the doucs consist of three species: red-shanked, gray-shanked, and black-shanked. They live in Vietnam’s forests in groups of 4-30. The langur’s tail length is equal to its body’s length (56-76cm).

The gray-shanked doucs have yellow faces, white chins and gray fur covering most of their body. They are classified as ‘critically endangered’ (the highest threat level) in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and the Vietnam Red List.

The population of gray-shanked doucs in Vietnam is being threatened by deforestation, loss of habitat and hunting. Not only gray-shanked doucs, langur in general are also victims of wildlife trafficking and poaching for their meat or for use in pharmaceuticals.

Apart from the gray-shanked doucs, there are three endangered primates native to Vietnam listed in the 25 most endangered primates worldwide list: the white-headed langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus) (60-70 left), the Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) (around 260), and the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus) (250).

According to Dr. Russell Mittermeier, executive vice-chair of the Conservation International, the publication of the list aims to emphasise the extinction risk of the primates to draw public attention and encourage governments to join hands to take necessary conservation measures.

(Source: NDO)