Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of primate species, contributing to its rich biological heritage and making it a significant region for primate populations in Southeast Asia.
Meet Vietnam’s Monkey Species
Vietnam hosts a range of monkey species, each with distinct appearances. Among the most striking are the langurs, known for their vibrant coloration. The Red-shanked Douc Langur, often called “the costumed ape,” has a striking appearance with its yellow-orange face, powder-blue eyelids, maroon-red lower legs, and white forearms. The Cat Ba Langur, found exclusively on Cat Ba Island, has a dark body with a yellowish-white to golden-yellow crest on its head, and its babies are born a striking golden-orange color before changing to adult hues. Delacour’s Langur, another critically endangered species, features predominantly black fur with distinctive creamy-white fur on its rump and outer thighs, and a crest of upright hair on its head.
Macaques are also common throughout Vietnam, recognized for their adaptability. The Long-tailed Macaque, also known as the Crab-eating Macaque, has a gray or brown coat and a tail typically longer than its body, used for balance. Males have mustaches, and females have beards, with both sexes having cheek whiskers. The Rhesus Macaque is generally brown or gray with a pink, fur-bereft face, and is known for its social nature, often found in troops of varying sizes. Another species, the Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, is characterized by its olive-gray fur and a darker brown crown on its head.
Where Vietnam’s Monkeys Live
Vietnam’s diverse geography provides suitable habitats for its primate populations. Many monkey species thrive in the country’s extensive tropical rainforests, found in both lowland and montane regions, which offer dense canopy cover and a variety of food sources.
Limestone karst formations, particularly in northern and central Vietnam, are also significant habitats for several langur species. These unique geological landscapes provide secluded caves for sleeping and steep cliffs for protection from predators. Coastal mangroves and riverine forests also support certain macaque populations, such as the Long-tailed Macaque, which are often found near water bodies.
National parks and nature reserves, such as Cat Ba National Park (for the Cat Ba Langur) and Cuc Phuong National Park (home to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center), provide protected sanctuaries. Other notable areas include Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Son Tra peninsula.
Protecting Vietnam’s Primate Population
Many of Vietnam’s monkey species face significant threats, with a large number listed as endangered or critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. For example, the Cat Ba Langur and Delacour’s Langur are among the most critically endangered primates globally. The Red-shanked Douc Langur is also endangered, with populations declining substantially over recent decades.
The primary threats to these populations include habitat loss and fragmentation, largely driven by deforestation for agriculture and infrastructure development. Poaching presents another serious danger, as monkeys are hunted for traditional medicine, meat, or for the illegal pet trade. The illegal pet trade is further fueled by social media popularization. Reports also indicate potential illegal capture of wild macaques, fraudulently labeled as “captive-bred” for the international research market, further exacerbating population declines.
Conservation efforts in Vietnam involve a multi-faceted approach. The establishment and enforcement of protected areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, aim to safeguard habitats. Anti-poaching initiatives and stricter enforcement of national wildlife protection laws are underway to curb illegal hunting and trade. Rescue and rehabilitation centers, like the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park, play a role in caring for confiscated or injured primates, with some animals eventually released into semi-wild areas. Community involvement programs also work to raise awareness and foster local participation in conservation efforts, seeking to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote sustainable coexistence.