The first clear video footage on Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) in the forest of Kim Bang, Ha Nam province
The Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) is one of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world. At present, there are only 2 viable populations in Van Long and Kim Bang. Kim Bang forest is dominanted by the karst terrain that creates a great obstacle for human movement as the terrain is extremely steep and divided by vertical limestone cliffs, and water shortage condition. In addition, poaching and limestone mining have made the langur become more sensitive to human activity; therefore, it is very hard to spot and record any good footage in short distance.
However, with the study and monitoring efforts, the Community-based Monitoring Team (CMT) of the CCD has approached and observed the langur a few times and eventually succeeded in recording a clear footage of the Delacour’s langur in the field by using excellent research and adaptation field skills of the local community. This is the best known footage has ever made for the critically endangered Langur in the Kim Bang forest. In the footage, the langur group includes sub-adult, juveniles and adult, this gives a good sign of recovery opportunity for the langur with effective conservation efforts.
Video below is recorded by the CMT in Kim Bang:
(The resolution of this video has been reduced to meet the requirements of file size)
To ensure that the community monitoring team receive appropriate encouragement and recognition for their efforts, CCD in collaboration with Kim Bang Forest Protection Department awarded the CMT small stipend and gifts. This recognition is an important step to encourage the involvement of local community on monitoring activities, thereby enhancing the responsibility of protecting the Delacour’s langur and its habitat.
CCD commits a long-term technical assistance for Ha Nam Forest Protection Department to protect this critically endangered langur in Kim Bang through an effective community engagement program as well as raising public awareness on endangered primate and biodiversity.
