First comprehensive survey of the White-cheeked Gibbon population in Van Ho

From July 16 to 18, 2025, PanNature in collaboration with the Van Ho Forest Protection Unit and the Van Ho Forest Protection Team, conducted the first comprehensive field survey of the White-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) population in the Pa Cop – Hua Tat forest area, Van Ho Commune, Son La Province.

Led by Mr. Nguyen The Cuong – Deputy Director of PanNature and primate expert, the survey aimed to assess the population size, group structure, and habitat fragmentation of the White-cheeked Gibbon, thereby providing a scientific basis for developing appropriate management and conservation measures for the species and its habitat.

Initial findings recorded at least four gibbon groups with a total of 18 individuals, showing a remarkable increase compared to the 2022 preliminary survey. This encouraging result reflects the ongoing efforts of local forest rangers, forest protection teams, and communities in protecting the species. However, slash-and-burn cultivation remains a major threat, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation, which may reduce the connectivity among gibbon populations.

This survey not only contributes valuable data for conservation planning but also demonstrates the collaboration between PanNature, forest protection agencies, and local communities in safeguarding the unique biodiversity of Van Ho. The White-cheeked Gibbon – often called the “spirit of the forest” – stands as a living symbol of the region’s rich natural heritage and the shared responsibility to protect it.

Some images from the survey: