CONSERVATION PROBLEM

The Francois’ Langur is a globally Endangered primate species found in limestone (karst) forests throughout northeastern Vietnam and southern China. The global population is estimated at around 1500 individuals, the majority of which live in small populations and family groups in highly fragmented forest areas. The species is threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and trade.

 

The Lam Binh Forest Area in Tuyen Quang Province of northeastern Vietnam was identified in 2003 as holding the largest remaining population of Francois’ Langurs in Vietnam and accordingly proposed as a Francois’ Langur Species and Habitat Conservation Area, which unfortunately still remains undeclared and outside Vietnam’s Protected Area Network.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

With the support of SOS - Save Our Species, the People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRCF) will commence a program of long term community-based monitoring and conservation of Francois’ Langurs within the three identified Critical Habitat Zones and partner with the local Youth Union for awareness-raising activities on the species, its critical habitat and threats at the seven target villages. In addition, the project will prepare the foundations for development of innovative and sustainably financed community oriented nature-based tourism and a Payments for Environmental Services scheme to support local biodiversity conservation within the Lam Binh Forest Area.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The project seeks to successfully engage local community members to both monitor the François' Langurs (as well as their habitat and threats) and to introduce the concept of sustainable development and the economic value of conserving biodiversity.

 

The project staff will also investigate the infrastructure, institutional, administrative and economic requirements to prepare a proposal for a Payments for Environmental Service to provide sustainable funding for community-based conservation and to develop community-oriented tourism activities that would support the François' Langur.

SOS - Save Our Species
>> A global coalition to conserve threatened species and their habitats