Research projects, Scientific Publications

Scientists and conservation teams from Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Dali University and the German Primate Center just published a comprehensive conservation status review of one of the world's most threatened primate species, the critically endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey (also known affectionately as the 'snubby' by scientists, and as the black snub-nosed monkey in China), Rhinopithecus strykeri.

The species was discovered in Myanmar in 2010 by Ngwe Lwin, a local scientist working for FFI. The following year, scientists in China confirmed that these primates are also found in the neighbouring forests of Yunnan province. In 2012, research by FFI and partners led to the species being formally designated as critically endangered due to its small population size and threats from hunting and habitat loss.

Eight years after its discovery, the conservation status review sought to uncover how the species is faring. The report confirms that while the status of the snub-nosed monkey remains critical due to its fragmented, small population and ongoing threats, positive actions by communities, governments and NGOs have resulted in a dramatic improvement in the outlook for the species.

Joint action to reduce threats

Straddling the border lands of the Eastern Himalayas between Kachin state in Myanmar and Yunnan province in China the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey has been seriously threated by hunting and wildlife trade, illegal logging and forest destruction linked to hydropower schemes and associated infrastructure development.

The good news, however, is that this situation is beginning to turn around. Intensive community-based conservation awareness work has reduced the local hunting pressure in Myanmar, while the implementation of a trans-boundary agreement between China and Myanmar, signed in 2015, has significantly reduced illegal trans-boundary wildlife trade and illegal logging.

Both the Myanmar and Chinese Governments have also begun the process of establishing new protected areas on both sides of the border: Imawbum National Park in Myanmar and the Nujiang Grand Canyon National Park in China. Crucially, both governments recognised the importance of integrating the socioeconomic needs of local communities within the planning process, and the new protected areas will reflect this.

Furthermore, in Myanmar, the Forest Department has worked with FFI to complete the country's first fully participatory designation and boundary delineation process for a new protected area with the free, prior and informed consent of the local indigenous people. The official notification decree by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation is expected to be issued this year.

"Protected area designation and trans-boundary collaboration, combined with the active participation of local communities in both biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development, have substantially improved the chances for the snubby to be saved from the brink of extinction," says Frank Momberg, Director of Fauna & Flora International's Myanmar programme.

Original publication

Meyer D, Momberg F, Matauschek C, Oswald P, Lwin N, Aung SS, Yang Y, Xiao W, Long Y-C, Grueter CC, Roos C. (2017): Conservation Status of the Myanmar or Black Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus strykeri. Fauna & Flora International, Yangon, Myanmar; Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, China; and German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany

Contact and notes for editors

Olivia Bailey (Communications Assistant, Fauna & Flora International)
Tel: +44 (0)1223 747 660
Email: olivia.bailey@fauna-flora.org

Frank Momberg (FFI Myanmar Program Director)
Tel: +95 (0) 9 250440160
Email: frank.momberg@fauna-flora.org

Ngwe Lwin (FFI Myanmar Primatologist)
Tel: +95 (0) 9 420080493
Email: frank.momberg@fauna-flora.org

Xiao Wen (Scientist, Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University)
Tel: +86 (872) 221 9045
Email: xiaow@eastern-himalaya.cn

Yin Yang (Primatologist, Australian National University and Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University)
Tel: +86 13769113145
Email: yin.yang@anu.edu.au

Christian Roos (Scientist, German Primate Center)
Tel: +49 (0) 551 3851 300
Email: croos@dpz.eu

Sylvia Siersleben (Communication, German Primate Center)
Phone: +49 (0) 551 3851 163
Email: ssiersleben@dpz.eu

Printable pictures and captions are available in our media library. This press release is also to be found on our website. Please send us a copy or link in case of publication.

The German Primate Center (DPZ) - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research conducts biological and biomedical research on and with primates in the fields of infection research, neuroscience and primate biology. In addition, it operates four field stations in the tropics and is a reference and service center for all aspects of primate research. The DPZ is one of the 93 research and infrastructure institutes of the Leibniz Association in Germany.

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and that take account of human needs. Operating in more than 40 countries worldwide, FFI saves species from extinction and habitats from destruction, while improving the livelihoods of local people. Founded in 1903, FFI is the world's longest established international conservation body and a registered charity.

Dali University is a full-time comprehensive university located in the city Dali in Yunnan Province, China. It was established in October 2001. Now the university has 16 colleges, offering 53 bachelor and 28 master degree programs in liberal arts, science, medical science, engineering, education, economics, agriculture, law, management and art. The total number of full-time students studying at Dali University is around 17,000 at present. Dali university is an international university. It has established many exchange and cooperation projects and academic research working with more than 40 foreign universities.

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http://www.dpz.eu/en/news/news.html - Press release on DPZ website