Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey

№ 39 of 100

Critically EndangeredMammal · Monkey

Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey

Rhinopithecus avunculus

An upturned-nosed monkey thought extinct until the 1990s endures in fragments of northern Vietnam's cloud forest.

Estimated remaining ~250 Recovering
Range
Vietnam
Region
Asia
Habitat
Subtropical karst forest of northern Vietnam

The story

With their powder-blue face and whimsical nose, the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is among the most striking primates alive. Community patrols around Khau Ca forest have protected the largest population so well it has more than doubled — proof that village guardianship can outperform fences.

What's killing them

  • Hunting
  • Forest clearance for cardamom and timber
  • Severely fragmented groups

Who's fighting for them

Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.

Quick answers

How many Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkeys are left in the world?

Approximately ~250. The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is recovering. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.

Where does the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey live?

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey is found in Vietnam (Asia). Their habitat: Subtropical karst forest of northern Vietnam.

Why is the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey endangered?

The main threats to the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey are: Hunting; Forest clearance for cardamom and timber; Severely fragmented groups.

Who is working to save the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey?

Organisations working on Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey conservation include Fauna & Flora International; Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission.