Urgent Efforts to Breed and Preserve White-cheeked Gibbons for Conservation in Vietnam’s Ecosystems: A Decade-long Journey

For the last 10 years, scientists at the Me Linh Biodiversity Station (Vinh Phuc) have been on a mission to find female white-cheeked gibbons to breed with two existing males in order to preserve gene sources and save an endangered species. The white-cheeked black gibbon, scientifically known as Nomascus leucogenys, is a native species of Vietnam, Laos, and Yunnan province (China) and belongs to the most endangered primate group in the world. Classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species requires urgent conservation efforts.

More than a decade ago, the Me Linh Biodiversity Station received two male white-cheeked black gibbons. However, efforts to locate female individuals for breeding purposes have been unsuccessful. Mr. Dang Nguyen Phuong, the Head of the station, emphasized the importance of finding females to pair with the males to create F1 generations as part of the conservation strategy. The lack of females has hindered the preservation of gene sources and the conservation of this endangered species.

Due to challenges faced by conservation centers in finding suitable partners for white-cheeked gibbons, there is an ongoing effort to coordinate genetic resources through exchanges. Mr. Phuong called on the public to support this initiative by donating or exchanging white-cheeked black gibbons to aid in research and gene preservation efforts. With detailed plans and assessments in place, the Me Linh Biodiversity Station aims to breed and release F1 gibbons into the wild to boost their population numbers.

Raising and breeding white-cheeked gibbons requires meticulous planning and execution at every stage. From assessing individual history and health to creating suitable breeding environments, each step is crucial for successful reproduction. Director Luong Xuan Hong emphasized that releasing individuals into the wild responsibly is essential and ensuring that they do not negatively impact existing populations must be considered.

Breeding and preserving gene sources for white-cheeked gibbons is a complex process that requires collaboration among conservation centers and active participation from members of society who share a passion for ecological conservation. By adhering strictly to protocols and considering long-term impacts, researchers and conservationists aim to secure a future for this critically endangered species while promoting biodiversity in Vietnam’s ecosystems.

Through coordinated efforts that prioritize sustainable practices, raising awareness about this issue can contribute significantly towards safeguarding wildlife populations across Vietnam’s diverse landscapes while promoting environmental health within our communities.