Help save Vietnam's critically endangered monkeys and gibbons

Haivenu in partnership with FFI

A disappearing heritage
Vietnam has a rich natural heritage that delights and surprises. One of its most precious secrets is that Vietnam is a global ‘hotspot’ for monkeys and apes. Yet several species are in danger of slipping quietly into extinction. If something isn’t done soon, these animals will become the stuff of myth rather than substance.

Two of the world’s rarest primates
But something is being done.

Fauna & Flora International is working in two remote patches of forest in the mountains of northern Vietnam to protect populations of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey and Cao Vit Gibbon that continue to exist in defiance of encroaching civilisation.

These are two of the world’s rarest primates and only found in Vietnam.

Working with local people
With support from FFI, local villagers now patrol these forests, sparing the primates from the thunderous death knell of the hunter.

Yet local people still depend on the forests for cooking fuel, and the homes of these primates continue to be lost.

FFI and local government partners are building a bridge between the needs of local communities and the needs of the primates to lead the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkeys and Cao Vit Gibbons away from the abyss of extinction.

Can you support FFI to save these critically endangered animals?

• Make a donation of up to 1% of the value of your Haivenu holiday and Haivenu will match it, dollar for dollar, so your gift goes twice as far.
• Make a cash donation through Haivenu or through the FFI website.

What kind of support will your donation provide?

• Paying and equipping a community ranger costs USD 60 per month.
• Training a community ranger team costs USD 200.
• Providing boots, leggings and overalls for a community ranger costs USD 30 per year.
• Fuel-efficient stoves that reduce wood collection and improve family life cost USD 20 each.
• Support for essential research in the field by local scientists costs USD 10 per day.
• Holding a village meeting costs USD 5

For more information:

Visit the FFI website (www.fauna-flora.org)

Download FFI Project summaries:

The 'Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Project' in Ha Giang

The 'Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Project'

Or contact

Fauna & Flora International’s Vietnam Primate Programme
340 Nghi Tam, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84-4-719-4117
Fax: +84-4-719-4119
Email: primates@ffi.org.vn

Perilous facts

• Five of the world’s 25 most endangered primates are found only in Vietnam.
• Only about 40 Cao Vit Gibbons are known to remain.
• The numbers of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkeys still appear to be decreasing. Recent reports suggest that only one population of about 60 individuals in Ha Giang is showing promising signs of recovery.
• The closest relative of the Cao Vit Gibbon is the Hainan Gibbon. Only 13 Hainan Gibbons remain, living on Hainan Island off the southern coast of China.
• Most of Vietnam’s primates are endangered or vulnerable to extinction. All are threatened by the wildlife trade. If you see primates or primate products being sold do not support it, report it!

Monkey business

• The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey was considered extinct until two groups were rediscovered in 1992 in Tuyen Quang Province.
• An FFI survey team discovered a third population in Ha Giang Province in 2002 where we continue to work to protect them.
• The bizarre-looking Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey is the only species of snub-nosed monkey found in Vietnam. The other three snub-nosed monkey species are equally odd looking and are found in China.
• Snub-nosed monkeys are Colobines (leaf-eating monkeys). They spend a lot of time sitting around eating and digesting leaves.

Funky gibbon

• In 2003 an FFI survey team rediscovered the Cao Vit Gibbons in Cao Bang Province. The population of 36 individuals is believed to be the last remaining colony.
• The gibbons live very close to the border with China. FFI is also working in China to protect the forest in the area to encourage the gibbon’s to return.
• Gibbons are apes, like chimps, gorillas, orangutans and humans. They do not have tails, live in small family groups, and often sing in the morning.
• 'Cao Vit' is a local name for this gibbon. It's also known as the Eastern Black Crested Gibbon (Nomascus nasutus nasutus).

Vietnam Travel Information