Son Tra Peninsula's Red-shanked Douc Langur
Every year, as March and April arrive, the forests of Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang awaken with the brilliant yellow blossoms of the lim xet, or Yellow Phoenix, tree. This period of vibrant floral display coincides with the lush regrowth of the forest, where tender new shoots emerge, creating a natural buffet that attracts a variety of leaf-eating animals. Among these, the Red-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nemaeus) stands out – a truly magnificent creature often hailed as the "queen of primates".
Red-shanked douc langurs are primarily leaf-eaters, with leaves making up over 87% of their diet on the Son Tra Peninsula, particularly young leaves (over 66%). Fruits and seeds constitute about 10.2% of their intake, with the remainder being flowers, bark, or leaf stems.
These striking langurs typically inhabit and move through the canopy layers of the forest. However, they are sometimes observed descending to the ground to drink water or ingest soil, likely as a means of supplementing their mineral intake.
The Red-shanked douc langur, a rare primate endemic to Indochina, is endangered according to both the Vietnam Red Data Book and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang harbors the largest known stable population, with over 1,300 individuals according to the GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Center.
Interestingly, the Red-shanked douc langur is known by a variety of local names, reflecting its distinctive appearance and behavior. It is called the "seven-colored monkey" for its fur, the "soldier monkey" due to a beret-like head marking, and humorously the "hidden-head-exposed-tail" monkey for its habit of covering its face while leaving its tail visible.
Our recent observations on Son Tra indicate a healthy reproductive rate within the Red-shanked douc langur population. Most troops currently include young offspring, and even larger groups often have several juveniles. This suggests that the langurs are thriving and adapting well to their environment in this area.
Observations spanning natural forest habitats and animal rescue centers suggest that Redshanked douc langurs are capable of reproducing throughout the year. However, a peak breeding season is typically observed during the dry months, potentially linked to the greater availability of food resources and more favorable climatic conditions for the development of young langurs.
In Son Tra, the successful conservation of the Red-shanked douc langur population not only enriches the unique biodiversity of this nature reserve but also enhances its appeal for ecotourism, complementing the region's established strength in marine tourism.
- Story: Thanh Hoa
- Photos: Thanh Hoa/VNP & Cuong Art
- Translated by Hong Hanh