Vietnam Primate Conservation Status Review 2002 - Hoang Lien ...

5.1.5 Status
5 SNUB-NOSED MONKEYS
Currently, there are only three known locations about with recent evidence where Tonkin snubnosed
monkeys occur: Na Hang (2 sub-populations), Cham Chu and Du Gia Nature Reserves. The
estimated numbers of the populations are 95-130 animals in Na Hang (two sub-populations), 30-70
animals in Cham Chu, and 21-50 animals in Du Gia.
For five other areas there is information about only very small or single groups:
1. 8-10 animals: Duc Xuan Commune, Bac Quang District (HA GIANG)
2. 10-20 animals: Na Chi Commune, Xin Man District (HA GIANG)
3. 5-7 animals: Yen Tu Nature Reserve (QUANG NINH, BAC GIANG)
4. 18-20 animals: Khuoi Muoc and Khuoi Chang areas, Cho Don District
(BAC KAN) and Dinh Hoa District (THAI NGUYEN)
5. 6 animals: Tat Pet Area, Cho Don District (BAC KAN)
The total number of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys sighted is 123 individuals. The population is
estimated at 93 to 307 individuals.
Historically restricted to a small range, the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is naturally vulnerable. Threats
to the species and it’s habitat are accelerating due a major dam construction project on the Gam river
and several small and medium-scale minining operations in Na Hang, Cho Don and Du Gia.
5.1.5.1 Hunting
The most immediate threat to the survival of R. avunculus is hunting. Despite claims from various
sources that the species is not hunted, the surveys obtained information to the contrary (Long & Le
Khac Quyet, 2001, Le Khac Quyet, 2002).
The species is shot whenever encountered by hunters, even though it is not the prime target of
hunting trips. The meat is not regarded as tasty, but the bones are used to make “monkey balm”
which can be sold for high prices in the traditional medicine trade. The only reason why more individuals
have been not shot was purely assigned to lack of opportunity due to the rarity of the species and not
because of law enforcement or awareness of the species’ importance (Long & Le Khac Quyet, 2001).
Evidence of four animals shot in 2000 and 2001 (Long & Le Khac Quyet, 2001) and one animal in
2002 was obtained by Le Khac Quyet (2002).
Dang Ngoc Can & Nguyen Truong Son (1999) reported to have seen at least 8 shotguns in Phong
Huan, 11 in Yen Nhuan, 9 in Ban Thi, 8 in Trung Ha and 7 in Ha Lang. H’mong people commonly
make their own shotguns. A compilation of the surveys conducted in 1992 (Ratajszczak et al.,
1992), 1999 (Dang Ngoc Can & Nguyen Truong Son, 1999), 2001 (Long & Le Khac Quyet, 2001)
and 2002 (Le Khac Quyet, 2002) shows that at least 40 animals have been shot in the last 12 years
(Table 5.1.5.1-1).
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