New hope for critically endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey

Date:  January 11, 2018

Source:  German Primate Center

Summary:

Eight years after the discovery of a new primate species in Myanmar, scientists have released a new report revealing how the 'snubby' is faring.

Scientists and conservation teams from Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Dali University and the German Primate Center just published a comprehensive conservation status review of one of the world's most threatened primate species, the critically endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey (also known affectionately as the 'snubby' by scientists, and as the black snub-nosed monkey in China), Rhinopithecus strykeri.

The species was discovered in Myanmar in 2010 by Ngwe Lwin, a local scientist working for FFI. The following year, scientists in China confirmed that these primates are also found in the neighbouring forests of Yunnan province. In 2012, research by FFI and partners led to the species being formally designated as critically endangered due to its small population size and threats from hunting and habitat loss.

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New population of Critically Endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey found in China

Genetic study sheds light on evolution and may help prevent extinction of the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey

May 2012. Previously thought to only inhabit areas of north-eastern Myanmar, a recent discovery of a new population of Critically Endangered Myanmar snub-nosed by Liu Pu, a forest guard for Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, has now provided the first evidence that the species also exists in China.

The discovery and conservation of this new primate species is of great interest for both the government of China and the government of Myanmar.

Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve
China's State Forestry Administration is in the process of organising a field survey of the snub-nosed monkey's distribution and population in Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve. It also has showed a willingness to work with Myanmar's Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry to initiate a conservation programme.

Genetic study on all 5 snub-nosed monkey species
A team of scientists from the German Primate Center (DPZ), led by Dr Christian Roos, have completed genetic studies on all five snub-nosed monkey species, providing crucial information for the conservation of these rare primates.

Only discovered in 2010The Myanmar snub-nosed monkey, discovered by a team from Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA) and People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRCF) in 2010, has been of particular interest, given recent efforts in developing a conservation plan and protected areas within Myanmar, to ensure the survival of the species.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/myanmar-snub-nosed.html#cr