The Fauna & Flora International (FFI) announced on Dec 10 that the population of snub-nosed langurs, a rare species, is currently on a sharp rise at Khau Ca sanctuary in the northern Ha Giang province.

Some 108-113 langurs are now found within Khau Ca forest, a notable rise from the number 80 recorded in an FFI survey in May 2012.

“Khau Ca forest is considered home to half of the world’s population of snub-nosed langurs. Therefore, Ha Giang province should spend more resources to properly conserve the species,” FFI quoted biologist Jake Brunner.

FFI said that the organization will continue to provide local authorities with funding and technological assistance to protect the rare primate.

The snub-nosed langur (genus Rhinopithecus) is one of the four species of large leaf monkeys found in highland forests in northern Vietnam and central China. The animal has a broad, short face with wide-set slanting eyes and a short, flat nose with forward-facing nostrils.

Several breeds of langurs have been illegally poached on and slaughtered in Vietnam. Some poachers even recorded their brutal slaying of the poor animal and post the video clips on Facebook, which sparked widespread public outrage, particularly among animal activists.