CONSERVATION OF NORTHERN WHITE-CHEEKED GIBBON AND MUNTJACS IN XUAN LIEN NATIONAL PARK, THANH HOA PROVINCE

Xuan Lien National Park, located in Thanh Hoa province, is one of the areas with high biodiversity value. It serves as a sanctuary for many rare and endangered species, such as Northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys), Pu hoat muntjac (Muntiacus puhoatensis), and Indochinese box turtle (Cuora galbinifrons). However, faced with pressures from habitat loss and illegal hunting, strengthening conservation efforts here has become more urgent than ever.

Xuan Lien National Park

In April, experts from Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with Xuan Lien National Park to monitor the Northern white-cheeked gibbon and various muntjac species (Muntiacus spp.). Utilizing camera trapping, auditory point counts, and line transect surveys, the team updated critical data regarding the population status and habitat fluctuations of the target species.

Monitoring muntjacs with camera traps

Our experts successfully recorded Northern white-cheeked gibbon and muntjacs, providing detailed information on their locations, group sizes, characteristics, and behaviors. This data serves as a scientific baseline to accurately assess population status, thereby facilitating the proposal of effective conservation solutions for the area.

From left to right

Figure 1: Northern white-cheeked gibbon

Figure 2: Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) - female and male

Throughout its operations, CCD has been supporting national parks and nature reserves across the country in surveying and monitoring wild and endangered species. This is an integral part of CCD’s sustainable conservation strategy, which encompasses: species and habitat conservation and restoration, capacity building for forest protection forces to ensure effective management and conservation, livelihood improvement support for local communities in buffer zones, communication and awareness-raising campaigns for nature protection.