New population census of the critically endangered Tonkin snub-nosed monkey has confirmed numbers are stable
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The population of the critically endangered Tonkin snub-nosed monkey – one of the world’s most endangered primates – is stable, according to a new census conducted by Fauna & Flora. Several juveniles were also observed.
The species was believed to be on the edge of extinction when Fauna & Flora’s Vietnam team discovered a crucial population of around 50 individuals in 2022. The majority of the remaining individuals are confined to two main forest fragments within the karst limestone peaks of northern Vietnam: Quan Ba Forest and the Khau Ca Species and Habitat Conservation Area, both within the larger Du Gia National Park – Dong Van Karst Plateau.
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While the population of the monkey is still dangerously small – its last estimated total at around 250 – Fauna & Flora’s conservation team in Vietnam is hopeful that the species is steadily rebounding. In the survey recently conducted, three infants were sighted in two groups – a positive development.
To conduct the survey, Fauna & Flora’s conservation team worked alongside local community groups to deploy a combination of traditional and technological techniques, including thermal imaging drones, camera traps and observation through binoculars. The team also trialled a new survey methodology, where they created a grid map for the survey area and formed survey groups, with each group covering one cell in the grid for the whole survey time – improving efficiency and ensuring no duplication.
‘Since the project began, I have observed a significant increase in awareness among local communities regarding the conservation of the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey,’ said community conservation team member, Tran Van On.
‘People are now not only more conscious about protecting this endemic species of Vietnam, but also more aware of the importance of safeguarding forest habitats and other wildlife species. The project has also introduced a range of livelihood activities that provide additional income for local households, helping to reduce their dependence on forest resources.’
What primates are the most endangered?
According to the IUCN Red List, more than half of the world’s primate species are threatened with extinction, and monkeys feature heavily among them.
These include the Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus), which currently has a population ofless than 40 individuals on a single forest fragment on China’s Hainan Island, as well as the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis), which has fewer than 800 individuals living in n a shrinking forest in Sumatra.
The main drivers causing such risks to monkeys include deforestation, bushmeat hunting, infrastructure development – such as building roads, dams and for oil extraction – as well as the illegal pet trade.
