DELACOUR’S LANGUR REINTRODUCTION PROJECT IN TRANG AN UNESCO HERITAGE SITE, NINH BINH PROVINCE, VIETNAM
Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) is a primate species that is found only in the northern region of Vietnam. The species is critically endangered, with only an estimated population of fewer than 275 individuals left in the wild. The largest population is located in Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh province and the second population is found in the adjacent area in Kim Bang District in Ha Nam province. The only viable population, however, is in Van Long Nature Reserve with less than 200 individuals. To conserve the species, a new population must be established in a highly protected area.
Where would be the perfect place to establish a thriving new population for the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur?
In order to determine the best place to establish a new population, criteria such as the availability of natural limestone habitats and high protection status must be considered. The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was determined to be the best location for Delacour’s langur. The complex has a vast system of limestone karst mountains and valleys, cliffs, and caves that provide ideal habitats for the langurs. The Delacour’s Langur has actually been spotted in Trang An until the late 1900s! The complex was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2014, leading to increased conservation efforts and wildlife protection by the government. This includes the training and assignment of rangers, ensuring that our langurs have the best possible chance at a bright future.
Weekly follow-up has indicated that the group is adapting well to their natural environment and has even shown good signs of population growth, now doubling the size to six individuals, including the parents as one male and two females transferred from the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and three juveniles born on the island. The first baby langur is a charming female named “Hope”, who was born on the 24th of October in 2021, just one year after the reintroduction took place. On the 22nd of August of the next year, the other mom also gave birth to her first son called “Khoai Lang”, which means sweet potato in Vietnamese since it’s his favorite food. Merely three months ago, Hope’s mom just delivered a beautiful boy on the 26th of March and we call him “Cam” referring to his color in Vietnamese. It’s truly a joy to witness new langurs joining the family each year!
This incredible reintroduction project aims to establish a protected subpopulation of the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur, enhancing their conservation status and increasing the species’ long-term survival rate. The presence of the langurs has also been attracting tourists, providing an opportunity for educating the public on the importance of conserving the species. The project is supported by the government, sponsors, partner organizations, biologists, rangers, and other contributors. Our team is looking forward to further developing the project in the near future.
