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

3.2 HATINH LANGUR - Trachypithecus laotum hatinhensis
Bach Ma National Park (THUA THIEN-HUE) ca. 16 O 05’-16 O 16’N / 107 O 43’-107 O 53’E
Hatinh langur was reported in the management plan for Bach Ma National Park (Anon., 1990b). This
occurrence could not be confirmed by Pham Nhat et al. (1996a). The latter authors noted that if the
species was present at such a latitude, it was probably a relic population.
Kon Cha Rang Nature Reserve (GIA LAI) ca. 14 O 26’-14 O 35’N / 108 O 30’-108 O 39’E
Lippold & Vu Ngoc Thanh (1995a) reported the occurrence of T. l. hatinhensis in Kon Cha Rang
Nature Reserve under difficult viewing conditions. Pham Nhat et al. (1996a) considered this occurrence
as doubtful. They suggest that if the taxon was present in this latitude, it was probably a relic
population. This taxon was not reported during a survey for large carnivores in the area (Le Xuan
Canh, 1993). The presence of Hatinh langurs in the Tay Nguyen Plateau would be a major extension
of the range of this taxon and should be investigated further. This record is not regarded as confirmed
in this status review.
Krong Trai Nature Reserve (PHU YEN) ca. 13 O 01’-13 O 10’N / 108 O 46’-108 O 57’E
T. francoisi (probably in reference to hatinhensis) was reported based on interviews in Krong Trai
Nature Reserve by the investment plan conducted by FIPI (Anon., 1990a). This record cannot be
considered as reliable.
Cat Tien National Park (DONG NAI, BINH PHUOC and LAM DONG) ca. 11 O 21’-11 O 48’N / 107 O 10’-
107 O 34’E
T. francoisi (probably in reference to hatinhensis) was reported in the Management Plan of Cat Tien
National Park (Anon., 1993b). This record cannot be considered as reliable.
3.2.5 Status
The current range of T. l. hatinhensis is concentrated in Quang Binh Province. As with other primates
in Vietnam, the main threat is hunting. Although a large area of suitable habitat remains in Phong
Nha, the population density appears very low.
Shooting primates is quite common throughout the range of the Hatinh langur. Animals are killed for
meat as well as for traditional medicine production and wildlife trading. In 1991, the Command Board
of Quang Binh Province ordered the return of all rifles distributed to the local militia during wartime.
However, this was not completly implemented and poaching still continues (Pham Nhat et al., 1996a).
Snaring is reported to be the predominant hunting method in Phong Nha-Ke Bang (Timmins et al.,
1999). These authors also suggest that snaring intensified since 1996, with the increasing demand for
live animals. Hunting with rifles appears to have diminished since 1995, probably due to gun legislation
controls, further confiscation of guns by local authorities and a decrease of hunting success.
Hunting seems primarily commercially oriented in Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Timmins et al. (1999) report
primate hunting expeditions, where the dried carcass and meat are prepared within the forest. The
use of bones to make valuable traditional medicine (“cao khi”) is high. In addition, the trade in living
animals is intensive, as shown by the number of individuals confiscated and now kept at the EPRC in
Cuc Phuong National Park.
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