Opening the way for primate exploration.

With its rare population of langurs and monkeys residing in relatively accessible destinations, Da Nang has a great advantage in paving the way for primate exploration tourism linked to biodiversity conservation.

A troop of gray-footed langurs in Tam My Tay. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Biodiversity indicators

The brown-footed langur population residing on Son Tra Peninsula has long been considered a distinctive biological indicator reflecting the quality and stability of the forest ecosystem. Thanks to well-preserved habitat, the brown-footed langur population on Son Tra Peninsula has rapidly multiplied and become a symbolic species of biodiversity in this forest.

According to forestry experts, the routes where brown-footed langurs are most likely to be spotted are the route to Tien Sa Lighthouse, the Ban Co Peak area, and the area around the ancient banyan tree. It is estimated that more than 1,300 brown-footed langurs are currently living on the Son Tra Peninsula. This is one of the largest and most sustainable populations of the species in Vietnam today.

In the Tam My Tay forest area (Tam My commune), the gray-footed langur population is also growing day by day as their habitat is being conserved and expanded. Thanks to the conservation policies of the local government and the good awareness of the local people in protecting the langurs' habitat, the gray-footed langur population here has increased to about 75 individuals.

Meanwhile, in the forests of Cu Lao Cham (Tan Hiep commune), another primate species, the monkey, is rapidly multiplying. Following the mountain slopes around the island, visitors can easily spot monkeys. According to field research by the Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve Management Board, there are currently over 200 golden monkeys on the island, and they operate in troops.

According to Mr. Van Ngoc Thinh, Country Director of WWF Vietnam, the recovery and proliferation of the langur population in Son Tra Peninsula, Tam My Tay, and the forest ecosystem in Cu Lao Cham are typical examples of the reversal of biodiversity thanks to the harmonious coexistence with nature of the Quang Nam community.

Opening up tourism linked to conservation.

Wildlife tourism is becoming an increasingly popular trend among tourists. According to Mr. Bui Van Tuan, CEO of HIVOOC Co., Ltd., the company has recently collaborated on the program "Langur, Where Are We Going?" and partnered with international organizations to produce films about nature and biodiversity conservation to promote the value of the brown-footed langur.

“Our tours focus on biodiversity conservation. This includes a one-day tour to see two species of langurs from Quang Nam province. You can see them in Tam My Tay in the morning and in Son Tra in the afternoon. This tour is incredibly unique as it explores the lives of two rare primate species, something you won't find anywhere else,” Mr. Tuan informed.

Regarding the Tam My Tay area, Mr. Le Hoang Ha, Director of Hoi An Unique Tourism Services Co., Ltd., believes that with proper planning and approach, this destination could be linked to community-based tourism with educational tourism as its main product. “We need to define the product profile of Tam My Tay village to meet the needs of tourists. Educational tourism products can be accessed by any market interested in education. Once the product is created, we can invite travel agencies to promote it,” Mr. Ha said.

For Cham Island, although there is currently no plan to integrate the monkey population with tourism activities, in the long term, it is a valuable tourism resource if a reasonable approach to exploitation is adopted.

According to the tour operator, for tours exploring the lives of primates to operate effectively and sustainably, biodiversity experts and local communities are needed to provide explanations, storytelling, and assistance with equipment for tourists. With these stakeholders present, tourists can have a complete journey, experiencing the fascinating stories about the natural ecosystem and society where the primate populations reside.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/mo-loi-kham-pha-linh-truong-3331063.html