Release of 5 long-tailed macaques into Can Gio protective forest

On September 26, the Ho Chi Minh City Wildlife Rescue Station, in collaboration with the Can Gio Protective Forest Management Board and the Can Gio Forest Protection Unit, organized the release of five long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) into their natural environment at the Can Gio protective forest (Can Gio district).

A representative from the Ho Chi Minh City Forest Protection Sub-Department stated that these macaques were seized as administrative violations in the Can Gio district in 2023. The Forest Protection Sub-Department received them for rescue, care, and rehabilitation, ensuring they were healthy and ready to be returned to their natural habitat.

According to Decree No. 06/2019/ND-CP, long-tailed macaques belong to the class of mammals and are listed as a species of endangered, precious, and rare animals (Group IIB, less endangered). They live in troops ranging from 10 to 100 individuals, with the dominant male usually marking territory less than other monkey species. They are social animals, and the young have the ability to become independent early.

Long-tailed macaques have a gestation period of 160 to 170 days, reach maturity at 50 to 51 months, and have a lifespan of 37 to 38 years. They are omnivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, seeds, tree shoots, leaves, insects, frogs, and toads, and they are also excellent swimmers.

Mr. Huynh Duc Hoan, Head of the Can Gio Protective Forest Management Board, stated that since the beginning of the year, the unit has received various animals, including otters and macaques, and will continue to manage and protect these individuals.

"The release of rare and endangered wildlife into their natural habitat contributes to efforts to preserve biodiversity in forest areas. Additionally, we will engage in more awareness campaigns and fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in the future," said a representative of the Can Gio Protective Forest Management Board.

The Can Gio Protective Forest is home to a diverse and rich ecosystem, with 318 species of higher plants, 89 species of insects, 282 species of fish, 36 species of amphibians, 36 species of reptiles, 164 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, 66 species of floating animals, and 66 species of floating plants...