Douc  (Pygathrix nemaeus)

Doucs suffer from an extensive level of hunting, for food, live trade and medicinal properties. Despite legal protection, widespread hunting continues (7). Habitat destruction, in the form of logging, is also rife and seriously threatens the future of douc populations (7). The widespread use of defoliants and bombing during the Vietnam War also caused great habitat destruction (6).

Doucs are protected from international trade by their listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3), and are also protected by law in Vietnam (7). Populations occur within a number of reserves, such as the Bach Ma National Park and the Kong Cha Rang and Kon Khi Kinh Nature Reserves within Vietnam (4). The Douc Langur Project has been undertaking comprehensive surveys of this species in an effort to understand the distribution of populations, which is vital for any successful conservation programme (7). Their studies are also helping to uncover greater knowledge of this still poorly understood primate, such as group size and composition, and social interactions (7). The World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Indochina Programme is also carrying out vital research into the effectiveness of national parks within Vietnam (5). The effective enforcement of existing laws and national parks will be the key to ensuring the future of this attractive and appealing primate (7).