Following the success of the seven previous Asian Primate Symposiums, Vietnam hosted in November 2022 the 8th Asian Primate Symposium. Vietnam, with its diverse ecosystem harboring 24 species and two subspecies of primates, is the ideal location for primatologists to converge and discuss their research and conservation work. This symposium was organized by Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy in collaboration with the Vietnam National University of Forestry, for which reason, the university was chosen for the event to take place. 

The 8th Asian Primate Symposium lasted four days, from the 13th to the 16th of November 2022. More than 150 experts, researchers, and conservationists working in 91 organizations from more than 20 countries worldwide participated in the symposium.

The symposium kickstarted in the evening by warmly welcoming the participants, for which a cozy and fun icebreaking dinner was organized. The following day, November 14th, the opening ceremony officially occurred with the attendance of governmental officials, renowned scientists, journalists, and all participants of the symposium.

During the two days of 14th and 16th November, 62 presentations and discussions were given by the partakers to share new research, knowledge, or experiences in primate conservation in their countries. The presentations were divided into different sessions covering the following main themes: 1) Human – Nonhuman primate interactions and conflicts, 2) Genetics & Conservation, 3) Conservation, 4) Conservation and Behavior, 5) Conservation of gibbons, 6) Drone survey methods, and 7) Behavior (ethology).

Besides the oral presentations, attendees shared their research through poster presentations during the symposium’s poster session. All participants had also plenty of animated discussions during the sessions, tea breaks, and even during meals. 

On November 15th, the attendees went on an excursion trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province, and visited three rescue centers. The trip was enthusiastic as people could better understand the conservation work of wildlife in Vietnam.

The symposium had the pleasure of the participation of two talented Vietnamese wildlife artists: Dao Van Hoang and Nguyen Tien Dung. Alongside, the organizing committee also created an exhibition in parallel consisting of photographs representing all 24 species of Primates in Vietnam.

We strongly believe that the vibrant social environment provided by the symposium created an excellent opportunity for the primate scientists and stakeholders to connect and exchange knowledge, from which they can contribute better to their national as well as regional conservation work. The symposium also further enhanced the possibility of networking, thereby encouraging future collaboration between individuals and partnerships between different organizations.

We expect the overall outcome of this symposium to have a long-lasting effect beyond the time frame of the actual event, especially by contributing to the capacity building of the attendees and by strengthening a well-connected interdisciplinary community of primatologists and primate stakeholders operating in Asia.

Without the kind support of all sponsors and stakeholders, the 8th Asian Primate Symposium could not have been that successful. We would like to send our sincerest thanks to our sponsors: WWF Vietnam, Re:Wild, Frankfurt Zoological Society, American Society of Primatologists, Leipzig Zoo, and all contributions of the 150 participants, as well the considerable support and dedication of our volunteers.

See you all at the 9th Asian Primate Symposium!

The 3rd International Gibbon Husbandry, Health, and Conservation Conference took place in Vietnam from the 17th to the 19th of November, 2022. The conference happened right after the 8th Asian Primate Symposium organized at the Vietnam National University of Forestry from the 13th to the 16th of the same month. The conference was organized by Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy with a contribution of the Vietnam National University of Forestry, and was facilitated by IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group – Section on Small Apes. A total of 40 delegates from over 12 countries came together to focus on gibbon conservation. 

During the first two days of the conference, the experts had several individual presentations, workshops, and group discussions to achieve common goals. Presentations focussed on conservation, health, and husbandry initiatives including research into species identification, illegal trade, activity budgets, and species management. Husbandry and health continue to advance with insights into disease prevention, management techniques, and cognition. Workshops facilitated discussion with clear actions identified for participants to work on with a focus on habitat protection and One Plan approaches and collaboration between organisations.

On the last day, November 19th, the group had a one-day excursion to Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh province, where they were introduced to Vietnam’s conservation and rescue work. In the afternoon, the partakers came to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve so as to gaze at the natural habitat of the largest population of Delacour’s langur in Vietnam. It was such an auspicious day since the group saw about 20 langurs of different ages moving on the karst mountains. This trip was a contented, unforgettable one for all specialists and a beautiful ending for their visit to Vietnam.

We kindly thank IUCN for their tremendous support, which constitutes the success of the conference. We would like to thank also all the experts that joined and contributed to the conference and all the volunteers. Without them, the conference could not have been that successful. See you all at the 4^th International Gibbon Conference.

Read also:

IUCN Newsletter about this event