Study on the distribution of Francois’s Langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) in Northern of Vietnam under climate change scenario

Abstract

Environmental niche modeling has been demonstrating to be a useful tool in conservation planning and be used widely in recent years. Therefore, many models have been developed for different purposes as well as different species so far. This paper presents an application of two of them (i.e. BIOCLIM and DOMAIN models) to study the distribution of Francoi’s langur in Northeastern Vietnam. Surface climate data and distribution data from the previous surveys were used as model input. The model results represented potential distribution areas of Trachypithecus francoisi in current climatic condition and predictive areas in some future climatic conditions according to IPCC climate change scenario. The results also pointed out that the distribution of Francoi’s langur might be moving to the North and the West under climate change influence. The authors also implemented a comparison whether BIOCLIM or DOMAIN model is more suitable for modeling the distribution of this specific species. This study is a continuing effort to apply environmental niche modeling for primate species. The results are meaningful in supporting scientists and managers to organize field study planning in order to conserve this species.