Northern white-cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 13257174

Lao Biodiversity Association (LBA) was one of the first local environmental NGOs established in Lao PDR. It works with local people to protect and enhance their cultural identity, whilst ensuring that their activities support and enhance biodiversity conservation in Laos. Although LBA works across the entire country of Lao PDR one area of particular interest is Phongsaly Province, particularly Phou Den Din National Protected Area (NPA). This NPA is one of 23 NPAs in Lao PDR and lies in the northeast of Phongsaly Province bordering northwest Vietnam. It covers an area of approximately 220,000 ha and is identified as potentially holding a significant population of the Northern White-cheeked Crested Gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys). This Critically Endangered primate occurs in Lao PDR, Vietnam and southern China. The forests of Lao PDR are probably the last remaining hope for the long-term survival of this species, but its status in the country remains poorly known. Phou Den Din (NPA) could therefore play an important role in survival of the species. In 2010 a significant population was recorded close by in neighbouring Muong Nhe Nature Reserve in Vietnam. This work followed recommendations for Phou Den Din NPA as one of the top three priority sites in a National Action Plan on gibbon conservation in Laos (working which was partly funded by MbZ Species Conservation Fund through FFI), and is what the current proposal is based on.

 

LBA will receive training from FFI and IUCN gibbon experts to undertake surveys and assessments to improve our knowledge of the status and threats of northern white-cheeked crested gibbon in Phou Den Din National Protected Area. This will impart LBA with sufficient knowledge of survey gibbons in Laos.

LBA will assemble a community-based field team and provide training, with oversight from FFI/IUCN, to allow the field team to undertake the surveys. This will raise awareness of the gibbons, give local ownership and collect data.

LBA and partners will hold a series of "gibbon events" and role-playing exercise that involve local communities to raise their awareness on gibbons as well as wildlife protection legislation.  This will raise awareness about the gibbons and give local ownership to local communities

Hold a series of workshops and meeting with local authorities and key local community stakeholders. This will Identify priority conservation activities and socialise the findings of the project.