A rare species of langurs in Vietnam is on the brink of extinction. Found in Son Tra Penninsula in central coastal Vietnam, some 170 to 180 individuals inhabit the Son Tra Natural Reserve.
An exhibition organised by German zoologist, Dr. Ulrike Streicher in collaboration with local authorities has opened to local students and visitors to raise awareness of environmental and biodiversity protection.
The exhibition aims to educate students about the importance of preserving the Son Tra Peninsula Natural Reserve's environment and help protect the endangered langur. Dr Ulrike Streicher used his own finances and donations to fund this exhibition in order to raise awareness among local residents in Da Nang City.
“Protecting this endangered monkey species is an urgent matter. Through this exhibition, biology teachers can educate their students about the importance of Son Tra Natural Reserve to wild animals. Young students can come to love the natural environment and make an effort to maintain it,” said Ulrike Streicher, a wildlife Protection Consultant.
The exhibition showcased traits and habits of the langur and the risk of extinction. Over the past 50 years, the langur population declined from over one thousand to about 180. Factors like illegal hunting and urbanization contributed to the rapid decline in the langur’s population. With his interest to protect the environment, Dr Ulrike Streicher hopes to transfer his knowledge and passion to local students in the Son Tra Peninsular. These young people will learn to protect the environment and biodiversity in the years to come.