The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey [TSNM] (Rhinopithecus avunculus), listed as critically endangered, is restricted to a small area in northeastern Vietnam, and is considered one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world.
At the present, this species is confirmedly existed in Na Hang and Cham Chu Nature Reserves (Tuyen Quang Province), Khau Ca and Tung Vai areas (Ha Giang Province).
On August 26, 2009, Chairman of Ha Giang Provincial People Committee signed the Decision No. 3115/QD-UBND for establishing Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Species and Habitat Conservation Area (SHCA). Its total area is about 2,000 ha is located in in three communes of Ha Giang Province: Tung Ba (Vi Xuyen District), Yen Dinh and Minh Son (Bac Me District) of Ha Giang Province, northeastern Vietnam.
TSNM SHCA has been identified as containing one of the largest populations of TSNMs, and it may represent the most viable population of this species in the world. Results of field surveys also recorded 471 vascular plants, 26 mammals, 99 birds, and about 20 amphibians and reptiles. Among of plants and mammals recorded in TSNM SHCA, there are many other endangered species such as Amentotaxus argotaenia, Â Paphiopedilum henryanum, Â P. Â malipoense, Â P. Â micranthum Stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides), Assamese macaque (M. assamensis), Slow loris (Nyctecebus bengalensis), Pygmy loris (N. pygmaeus), Silvered pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), Horned viper (Trimeresurus cornutus), Mandarin snake (Pseudoxenodon bambusicola), etc.
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