Dozens of Hatinh langurs, a species of highly threatened Old World monkeys, have been found on two mountains in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, according to the Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy, a team dedicated to protecting and conserving the country's wildlife and habitats.

The monkeys were sighted on Mot and Con Rong Mountains in Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province, signifying an expansion of their habitat to the eastern part of the province.

According to the Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy, it is likely that there are one to two troops of eight to 12 langurs on Mot Mountain and a larger troop situated on the adjacent Con Rong Mountain.

During a survey of Mot and Con Rong Mountains, which are 36 and 188 hectares, respectively, in February this year, a botanist detected Hatinh langurs there.

Other surveys and interviews with local residents were conducted later to assess the size of langur troops.

In September, scientists saw a troop of eight langurs, including three langur children and another troop with four langurs.

Locals confirmed there is a large troop on Con Rong Mountain which often passes through a rubber forest between the two mountains.

Three to four groups of 15-20 rhesus macaques have also been seen in the area.

According to scientists, further surveys should be conducted to assess the Hatinh langur community in the area to serve preservation activities.

They called on local residents to work with the authorities to protect the apes.

Hatinh langurs live on limestone mountains in the north-central Vietnamese provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri as well as in the Laotian border provinces of Khammouane and Savannakhet.

In Quang Tri, Hatinh langurs are raised in the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve.

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