Nguyen Tien Dat
A recent survey has confirmed the presence of at least 37 individuals of Delacour's langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) in the Yen Mo limestone complex. The Delacour’s langur is a charismatic and endemic primate species that occurs in a very restricted area of northern Vietnam. The species is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and counts among the 25 World’s Most Endangered Primates. Following a dramatic decline of the species in the last decades, currently only four isolated populations are left. The population in the Yen Mo limestone complex is the third largest population of the species.
Delacour's langur. ©Tilo Nadler – Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy.
The Yen Mo limestone complex is an important ecological region in Ninh Binh province (North Vietnam) known for its unique limestone karst landscapes and rich biodiversity. The area has no protection status and is therefore exposed to human influences. The provincial administration is in favour of a protection status. However, more detailed information is needed before it can be granted.
This project, using camera traps, will provide information on the occurrence of larger mammals and their distribution in the habitat, as well as on the influence of human activities. This information and data are prerequisites for achieving conservation status and managing the area as a protected area. The involvement of the local population of the neighbouring communities is essential for successful protection. This is to take place in parallel with the biological research of the area. An education programme will inform the population about the value of the area and its biodiversity, as well as about the legal basis for the protection of species and habitats. The current illegal utilisation of various forest resources is to be ended by developing alternative options. This requires co-operation with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term existence of the habitat and its biodiversity. Key outcomes of the project include:
- Determining the occurrence, population strength, and habitat utilisation of larger mammal species in the study area.
- Educating local people about the need to protect the area and the legal basis for legal and illegal activities.
- Compiling all relevant results of the project as basic information for the application of a protection status for the area by the official institutions of Ninh Binh province.
Header image: Yen Mo Limestone Complex 1. ©Tilo Nadler – Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy.