Identifying Characteristics:
- Possess thick, soft fur.
- Males are black with pale yellow fur patches on the cheeks. They have an erect crest of hair on the head, resembling a mohawk. Weight typically ranges from 6-10 kg. The chest fur is brown, not black. They have long limbs and lack a tail.
- Females have fur that is not black. The back and thighs are pale yellow, not gray or brown. They have a tuft of dark hair that stands upright on the top of their head. Average weight ranges from 6-10 kg. The chest fur is gray. The fur around the face is usually yellow. The hair on the cheeks often extends outwards.
Biology, Ecology:
- Forage in the upper canopy of tall trees.
- Diet includes leaves, young shoots, fruits, insects, bird eggs, and nestling birds.
- Reach sexual maturity at 7-8 years old. Gestation period is 7-8 months. Give birth to one offspring every two years.
- Primarily inhabit old-growth forests on high mountain peaks. Typically live in dense, mature forests, and are not found in sparse forests or bamboo forests.
- Live in small family groups consisting of an older male, 1-2 females, and their offspring. Each group occupies its own distinct territory, separated from other groups. Occasionally, small groups split off to form new ones. They are diurnal, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon. They rest during midday and at night on treetops. They often vocalize with whoops and howls in the early morning.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Quảng Nam (Sông Thanh), Đà Nẵng (Sơn Trà), Gia Lai (Kon Ka Kinh, Kon Cha Răng, Cheo Reo), Kontum (Sa Thày, Ngọc Linh), Lâm Đồng (Bảo Lộc), Khánh Hoà, Đồng Nai (Cát Tiên National Park).
- Cambodia.
Value:
- Serve as subjects for scientific research, aiding in understanding the species’ ecology and behavior in their natural environment to learn about evolution.
Conservation Status:
- Prior to 1975, this species was commonly found in old-growth forests in southern provinces from Quảng Nam-Đà Nẵng and southwards, covering an estimated area of >10,000 km2. Since 1975, the species’ situation has changed dramatically. Population numbers have declined significantly. There are currently about >5 subpopulations.
- Possible causes for decline: Habitat degradation, deforestation, reduction in natural forest areas. The species is also hunted for traditional medicine (e.g., for “cao” – a type of medicinal glue) and for trade and export.
Classification:
- EN A1c,d C2a.
Conservation Measures:
- Listed in the Vietnam Red Book 2000 and on the list of protected species of the forestry sector (Appendix IB, Decree 32/2006/ND-CP dated April 22, 2002, of the Government).
- Recommendations: Effective implementation of laws, regulations, and government decrees related to wildlife protection. Establish natural reserves and conservation programs for wildlife in general, and for threatened species in particular.
- Currently protected within conservation areas such as:
- Bạch Mã National Park (Thừa Thiên – Huế), Chư Mom Rây Nature Reserve (Kontum), Kon Hà Nừng (Gia Lai), Ea So (Đắk Lắk), Da Lat Highland, Yok Don National Park (Đăk Lắk), Cát Tiên National Park in Lâm Đồng and Đồng Nai provinces. In addition, a number of forests in the Central Highlands provinces are also being protected, and the establishment of nature reserves is planned to protect this precious ape species.