Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 14258855

Cat Ba Langur Conservation in Vietnam

FFI works by invitation around the world to save species from extinction, habitats from destruction and to encourage sustainable development. Formed in 1903 in the United Kingdom, FFI acts to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, are based on sound science and take account of human needs. We work through partnerships that ensure local ownership and lasting results and believe success lies in devising strategies that both conserve biodiversity and contribute to human development. Our program of activities in Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Eurasia is delivered principally through: building capacity to equip local people and agencies to manage their natural heritage; monitoring causes of biodiversity loss and its impact on local people, identifying and implementing solutions that benefit people and wildlife; and securing threatened areas of high biodiversity importance through land purchase and local conservation agreements. In Vietnam, FFI has been at the forefront of species conservation for over a decade. Initially involved in status assessments and surveys, our work now focuses on increasing awareness, improving protection, and developing livelihoods in order to secure a future for the populations of Critically Endangered primates that persist in isolated pockets within the Northern Limestone Mountains and the Hoang Lien Mountains, in northern Vietnam. Reducing species-specific threats is central to our site-based work, and we work through local government partners and alongside local communities to ensure the best conditions for long-term survival. FFI is now implementing a new project to benefit Vietnam’s Critically Endangered primate species, working on the conservation of the country’s most threatened primate, the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus). Based on 2013 surveys conducted by the Project Coordinator, the first standardized population assessment was conducted for the species. This revealed that the population status of the taxon is severe, and a suite of conservation measures are required to provide any chance of survival. The known in-situ population for the entire taxon is restricted to a subpopulation of 26 animals in the Cat Ba NP Sanctuary, a sub-population of 20 animals in the Cua Dong area and five isolated non-breeding females in Hang Cai area. The age and sex classes of these animals are now known, which is vital for educating population management initiatives underway by CBLCP and developing a Population Viability Assessment that will feed into a long-term conservation plan for the taxon. Interviews from the 2013 surveys also revealed the possibility of additional small groups in other locations; these have not yet been confirmed. Given the critical status of this taxon, it is imperative that another round of detailed surveys is conducted to identify remnant individuals and their age and sex classes to feed into population management planning. These additional individuals (reports suggest at least five individuals in groups of one or two) represent a significant proportion of the population, which have no possibility to breed. Confirming their existence and suitability for translocation is the first step in ensuring they contribute to the future of the species.