In the pristine forests along the China-Vietnam border, eastern black-crested gibbons, also known as Cao Vit Gibbons, are making a remarkable comeback. Once declared extinct in the 1950s, these gibbons were rediscovered at the beginning of this century, sparking a collaborative effort between China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Vietnam’s Cao Bang Province.
The eastern black-crested gibbons thrive within the Bangliang Gibbon National Nature Reserve in Baise City, Guangxi, and the Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Area in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province. These continuous landscapes provide a vital habitat that supports the thriving population.
China and Vietnam have worked hand-in-hand to develop comprehensive conservation plans and conduct joint surveys, restoring over 205 hectares of gibbon habitat. This partnership has proven successful, with the population of gibbons in the Chinese reserve growing from 19 at the time of discovery to 36 today. The eastern black-crested gibbon is now recognized as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlighting the importance of these conservation efforts.
This cross-border cooperation sets a powerful example for biodiversity conservation, demonstrating how nations can come together to protect endangered species and preserve our planet’s natural heritage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
