Dong Thai Forest is now home to the country’s third-largest known population of the species, which a CE REC expert described as a national treasure requiring stronger protection measures.
The limestone forest also supports a wide range of rare wildlife, including 12 mammal species and 15 bird species listed on national and global red lists, and is seen as having strong potential for sustainable ecotourism.
Local authorities said the survey, the first scientifically structured biodiversity assessment conducted in the area, has produced reliable data to guide forest protection, biodiversity conservation and long-term planning for nature-based tourism.
The Delacour’s langur is found only in Vietnam, with an estimated population of just over 200 individuals across 18 isolated sites in Ninh Binh, Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces. The largest remaining populations are in Van Long Nature Reserve and Kim Bang.