Poachers killed five gray-legged douc, a critically endangered species of monkey, in Vietnam.

Forest guards and police found the bodies while on patrol in the forests of Quang Ngai province.

Limited to the forests of this region, the known global population of this type of langur (a family of primates) is less than 1,000 individuals, according to Fauna and Flora International (FFI).

Other environmental NGOs believe that their number could be higher, as some habitat areas have not yet been studied.

Poachers in Vietnam have shot dead five critically endangered langurs.



Restricted to the forests of central Vietnam, the known global population of gray-shanked douc langurs is less than 1,000https: //t.co/vNBzxzFndJ pic.twitter.com/v2D4v99iWM

- AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 19, 2021

Seven years in prison

Gray-legged douc are particularly victims of the illegal wildlife trade.

They are sought after for their meat, for traditional medicine and as pets, according to FFI.

They are also threatened by deforestation and therefore appear on the list of “critically endangered” species, the last level before the species disappears in the wild.

The poachers responsible for the killing fled, leaving behind a motorbike, 53 lead bullets and silencers.

Local authorities have opened an investigation.

They "have to find those responsible," said the director of GreenViet, which works to conserve biodiversity in the region.

“If we fail to […] bring them to justice, it will continue to happen.

"

According to Vietnamese law, poachers face up to seven years in prison.

The country is home to some of the world's most endangered species, such as the giant red river softshell turtle, the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, and the saola, a rare type of mountain antelope.

Wild animals are endangered in the country, because they are highly sought after for food and traditional medicine.

Planet

DRC: Mugaruka, the famous 35-year-old gorilla from Kahuzi-Biega park, has died

Planet

Peru: A new species of lizard discovered in the south of the country

  • Planet

  • Animals

  • Threatened species

  • Poaching

  • Vietnam

  • Monkey