The central province of Quang Nam is working hard to draw local residents’ involvement in protecting gray-shanked douc langurs, which are in critical danger due to poor habitat.

The gray-shanked douc langur, indigenous to Vietnam, is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List as one of the world’s 25 Most Critically Endangered primates in the world.

A herd of some 30 langurs has been found in Quang Nam province’s Nui Thanh district. Their habitat is now in danger due to the impacts of local residents’ livelihood. The local forest guards have recently increased campaigns to raise public awareness of the protection of the species.

Nguyen Du, a local resident living in Tam My Tay commune, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province told reporters: "Since the programmes raising public awareness were held, there has been no more hunting in the area. However, we hope to get more support to ensure our livelihood to reduce bad impacts on the rare species."

As planned, the province will expand the reserve for the langurs from 10ha to 100ha and widen habitat for the species. The province will also assist local people in ensuring their livelihood to minimise violation of the wildlife reserve.

Bui Van Tuong, Head of Forest Ranger Department Quang Nam province said: "The forest ranger station of Nui Thanh district is now conducting regular patrol to manage all the people who usually enter the reserve. Thanks to strict protection, the herd is doing well in the recent time."

According to Nguyen Van Thinh, Vice Chairman of People’s Committee, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province, plans have been mapped out to protect these rare animals. The habitat will be expanded to almost 100 ha. Recently, three more baby langurs have been found here.

Developing the habitat, raising public awareness in combination with improving livelihood for local people are among the pressing measures conducted by the local authorities in a bid to preserve the gray-shanked douc langurs.-VNA