A glimpse of world’s rare Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys in Tuyen Quang

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Fauna & Flora International (FFI), working with the Tuyen Quang provincial Forest Protection Department, the Du Gia–Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark National Park, and local authorities in Minh Son and Tung Ba communes, recently conducted a survey in the Khau Ca forest to map the distribution and estimate the population of the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey. The survey is carried out every two years to monitor changes in the population of this endemic and critically endangered primate.

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The Khau Ca forest is identified as a suitable habitat for the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, which has lived there for many years.

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This rare primate is now confined to a handful of remote forests in northern Vietnam, with Khau Ca regarded as one of its most important habitats.

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During the latest survey, field teams work continuously in the forest for 10 days, directly recording two large groups of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys. The first group is counted at a minimum of 57 individuals, while the second numbers at least 47. These figures reflect animals observed directly in dense forest terrain with thick canopy cover.

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Researchers note that the actual population may be higher than recorded, as many individuals remain concealed within the forest canopy.

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Based on the data collected, the total population of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys in the Khau Ca forest is estimated at around 160.

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The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is a critically endangered primate, with only a very small number remaining in the wild.

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The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is a rare species endemic to Vietnam.

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Tuyen Quang province, together with conservation organizations, is continuing to strengthen habitat protection measures, monitor the population and raise community awareness.