Status and conservation of Douc langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus) in Laos

A recent systematic survey program of protected areas in Laos documented do uc langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus) widely between 14 degrees 25'N and 18 degree s 38'N. Their precise northern limit is unclear as security constraints pre vented survey there, but the species is unlikely to occur in Laos north of 20 degrees. All our records are of the nominate, red-shanked form, P. n. ne maeus, though in the far south, greatly reduced red on the legs suggests in tergradation with another form. Our records are overwhelmingly from evergre en or semievergreen forest and from a wide altitudinal range (200-1600 m). In most sites habitat was little degraded, but whether this reflects choice for such habitats, or the generally lower hunting pressure within therm, i s unclear. The largest population occurs over 3000 km(2) of the Nam Theun b asin and surroundings, encompassing the protected areas of Nakai-Nam Theun, Hin Nammo and the proposed Nam Theun Extension. This is the most important population of red-shanked langurs in the world. Laos supports globally the vast majority oil-their conservable population. Douc langurs are threatene d in Laos by habitat fragmentation increasing their vulnerability to the ex isting high hunting levels. They are a favored target for local consumption and for local and Vietnamese hunters and traders. Protective measures shou ld center around implementing habitat conversation and antihunting measures in the recently-declared National Biodiversity Conservation Areas. A recen t government initiative to reduce gun use in rural areas is likely to have a strong positive effect on the population. The best protection for some ti me will remain the inaccessibility of their habitat. Accordingly, road-buil ding into remote forest and piecemeal clearance at its edges should thus be minimized, Cross-border attention should be given to wildlife trading, inc luding measures to reduce market demand.