Vietnamese Journal of Primatology - Frankfurt Zoological Society

Vietnamese Journal of Primatology (2007) 1, 89-103
Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Vietnam - Report 2004 to 2006
Tilo Nadler
Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cuc Phuong National Park, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.
Web site EPRC: www.primatecenter.org
Key words: Primates, Vietnam, Endangered Primate Rescue Center
Summary
The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is both a part of and the operational base of the
“Vietnam Primate Conservation Programme” of the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Since its establishment in 1993, the Endangered Primate Rescue (EPRC) has published
regularly the “EPRC-Newsletter.” The Vietnamese Journal of Primatology creates a platform to make
all the newsletter information accessible to a broader circle of readers. Reports from the EPRC
should be regularly published in the journal.
The number of primates at the EPRC increased continuously from the end of 1993 (8 individuals)
to the end of 2006 (145 individuals). The number of taxa has also increased from two to fifteen. By
the end of 2006, 109 individuals from nine taxa had been born at the center. Among those born
were four species born for the first time ever in captivity: the Delacour’s langur, Hatinh langur, Cat
Ba langur, and grey-shanked douc langur.
The center has 43 cages for langurs and gibbons with a total surface area of 2,750 m2, 6 indoor
enclosures comprising 110 m2, and 13 cages for lorises with a total surface area of 100 m2.
The quarantine station has four outdoor enclosures (total 60 m2), two indoor enclosures (total 50
m2), a surgery room and a preparation room. Of particular significance are the two electricallyfenced
semi-wild enclosures with primary forest (roughly 2 and 5 ha).
The staff at the center has grown to currently 20 Vietnamese workers, five Vietnamese biologists,
one Vietnamese project assistant, two foreign animal keepers, and one foreign project leader. One
foreign veterinarian has been working at the center from 1997 to autumn 2006.
In cooperation with Vietnamese and foreign institutions and universities, the EPRC has
contributed immensely to knowledge of the systematics, molecular genetics, locomotion, nutrition
and feeding ecology of Indochinese primates.
Van Long Nature Reserve is an important contribution to the protection of the largest and
probably only viable population of the “Critically Endangered” Delacour’s langur.
In 2005, preparations began for a long-term reintroduction program in Phong Nha - Ke Bang
National Park. The first step is the construction of a 20 ha electrically-fenced semi-wild area. The
first species selected for the reintroduction is the Hatinh langur.
The EPRC contributes in several ways to raising awareness about wildlife conservation,
especially primate protection and education. Numerous publications and TV reports called attention
to the highly endangered and endemic Vietnamese primates.
Besides a basic financial contribution to the EPRC provided by the Frankfurt Zoological Society,
finances originate from numerous conservation organizations, zoos and private people who
contribute to the “Vietnam Primate Conservation Programme”. Without their ongoing support the
EPRC would not be able to continue its work for primate conservation in Vietnam.
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