Species of the Day: Tonkin Snub-Nosed Monkey

Species of the Day: Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey, Rhinopithecus avunculus, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. The range of this unusual and distinctive primate has been drastically reduced, and it is now known from just five isolated locations within Vietnam.

Due to massive deforestation and intensive hunting, just 200 to 250 individuals of this species Geographical range remain, and its population is highly fragmented. Although not the main target of hunters, it is www.iucnredlist.org still shot when encountered, and is either eaten or used in traditional medicine. Widespread www.primate-sg.org forest destruction has reduced and fragmented its habitat, while the recent development of a Help Save Species hydroelectric project has not only caused further habitat loss, but also an influx of construction www.arkive.org workers, resulting in an increased demand for meat and resources.

Despite legal protection, hunting and habitat loss unfortunately continue throughout the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey’s range. Various conservation efforts are underway, including efforts to raise local awareness, establish patrol groups, undertake further surveys and impose gun controls, but the future of this highly endangered primate still hangs in the balance.

The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership: Species of the Day IUCN (including the Species Survival Commission), BirdLife is sponsored by International, Conservation International, NatureServe and Zoological Society of London.