CAT BA LANGUR
(Also known as the Golden-headed Langur)
Scientific name: Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus
English name: Cat Ba langur or Golden-headed langur
It is one of four primate species endemic to Vietnam*; they live only in the forests on the limestone mountains of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong City, with a limited number of individuals.
Biological Characteristics
- At birth, young Cat Ba langurs have bright orange-yellow fur.
- From the fourth month, the body fur begins to gradually turn black, except from the shoulders to the top of the head, which remains bright yellow.
- Young langurs have a long juvenile period and are cared for by adult individuals in the group, who also teach them survival skills.
- As they mature, the fur on the head becomes paler → the age can be estimated based on the color of the fur on the head.
- The fur on the head forms a pointed crest.
- The skin of the face, ears, palms, and soles is dark black.
- Body length (adult): about 47–53 cm
- Tail length: about 85–90 cm → helps maintain balance when moving on steep rocky mountains.
- Becomes mature at 4–6 years old; Cat Ba langurs give birth to only one offspring at a time, with an interval of about 2 years between births.
- Lifespan: about 25–30 years.
Living Habits
- Only habitat: forests on the steep limestone mountains of the Cat Ba Archipelago.
- Daytime: lives in high tree canopies → for feeding and resting.
- Nighttime: sleeps in caves, cliff faces, and rocky ledges to avoid harsh weather.
- Lives in groups as family units, led by a dominant male → who guides feeding, warns of danger, and finds sleeping spots.
- When danger arises, the group leader stands on a high cliff to signal a warning to the entire group.
- Food:
- Mainly: leaves
- Less frequently: flowers, wild fruits (such as fig, cordyline, etc.)
- Notably: can eat toxic leaves and fruits (thanks to a large stomach and liver), such as Gelsemium leaves, Strychnos fruits.
Conservation Status
- Endemic to the Cat Ba Archipelago and has long been a source of local pride.
- However, currently classified as critically endangered, facing high risk of extinction.
- Current population size: only about 90 individuals.
- Fortunately, the Cat Ba Langur receives special protection efforts, not only through the:
- Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project
- But also by organizations such as: Cat Ba National Park; Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve
- For a long time, it has become a symbol and pride of the people on Cat Ba Island.
Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project (CBLCP) – 2015
The Four Primate Species Endemic to Vietnam include:
- Cat Ba Langur – Scientific name: Trachypithecus poliocephalus, English name: Golden-headed or Cat Ba Langur, Location: Cat Ba, Hai Phong
- Delacour’s Langur (White-shorts Langur) – Scientific name: Trachypithecus delacouri, English name: Delacour’s Langur, Locations: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, especially in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh
- Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey – Scientific name: Rhinopithecus avunculus, English name: Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey, Location: Ha Giang
- Grey-shanked Douc Monkey – Scientific name: Pygathrix cinerea, English name: Grey-shanked Douc Monkey, Locations: Quang Nam, Kon Tum, Binh Dinh
