Francois' Langur - Conservation Status

Conservation Status

The population of François' langur has been on a steady decline for the past 30 years. Of the many factors threatening the survival of François' langur today, hunting has had one of the largest impacts. In Nonggang, where François' Langur is most prevalent, the natives believe that the langur has medicinal values, and have hunted them to make wine out of their bones, which they believe could cure fatigue and rheumatism. In Guangxi province there has been an estimated 90% decline in numbers since the 1980s, a 2002-2003 survey found 307 individuals in 14 populations remained. In 1983, the estimated population of François' langur was 4,000-5,000. In the 1970s, hunting records recorded more than 1,400 langurs killed and in the 1980s more than 1,500 langurs were killed.

Another threat to François' langur is the destruction of its habitat. The langur lives on limestone cliffs and when farmers look to cultivate their land they will light fires on the lower slopes. Limestone is particularly susceptible to fire; therefore this practice not only destroys its habitats but also causes major food shortages for the langur because its diet is primarily folivorous. The primary predators of François' langur are both terrestrial and aerial. The clouded leopard is a potential predator to the langur but the clouded leopard's numbers are so low that they are not its greatest threat. Aerial predators such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Mountain Hawk-eagle are a greater threat to François' langurs of Nonggang, especially to their young.

The actions being taken towards the conservation of this species and its habitat is still minimal. Its current population size is less than 2,500 individuals. A plan to protect the forest and ban hunting, called the Conservation Action Plan, was drafted in 1996 but has still yet to be implemented. In order to protect the langur, not only does protection from hunting need to be implemented but its habitats must be protected as well. In 2003, the National Forestry Bureau acknowledged the rapid decline in François' langur and agreed to increase law enforcement in this area to help protect the langur from hunters. In addition, the Asia Developmental Bank has begun helping the residents that live in close proximity to the habitats of the langur build biogas facilities to reduce the fuel wood collection and thus possibly reduce the number of fires. And finally, a current project is underway by the Global Environmental facility to protect the Nonggang National and Dmingshan Natural Reserves and the langurs living within.