A remarkable and critically endangered primate found only in northern Vietnam. This species stands out not only for its distinctive appearance but also for its precarious conservation status, highlighting the urgent need for effective environmental protection measures.

Characteristically, the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey boasts a striking physical appearance that draws immediate attention. Its most notable feature is, as the name suggests, its flat, upturned nose with prominent nostrils, which is unlike most other monkey species. This unique nasal structure is thought to be an adaptation to the heavy rainfall of its habitat, preventing water from entering the nose. The monkey’s face is framed with white fur, contrasting sharply with the deep black of its forehead and crown, while a patch of pale blue skin around the eyes adds a touch of vivid color. The rest of its body is covered in a mix of grey, white, and black fur, with the males typically more colorful than the females.

Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys are arboreal, spending the majority of their lives in the limestone forests of Vietnam’s remote and mountainous regions. They are highly adapted to this life in the trees, with strong, agile limbs that allow them to leap and swing from branch to branch with ease. This arboreal lifestyle is crucial for their survival, providing protection from ground-based predators and access to their food sources.

Diet-wise, these monkeys are primarily folivorous, feeding mostly on leaves, along with fruits, flowers, and seeds that they find in the canopy. Their diet is seasonal, varying with the availability of different plants throughout the year. This reliance on a diverse range of plant materials from the forest canopy highlights the importance of their habitat and the impact of deforestation on their survival.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Vietnam

200-250

Official estimate

CR

2015

Recent Updates

July 2022: Fauna & Flora International and the People’s Committee of Ha Giang signed a memorandum to conserve the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey and other local species in Ha Giang province through 2027. They will study the monkey and plant species’ habitats, behaviors, and populations, restore and enlarge their forest habitat, and mitigate human-related threats.