Discover the Cat Ba Langur

The Cat Ba Langur, a critically endangered primate species endemic to Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, is considered by some as the second-most endangered primate species in the world. From a population that had dwindled to just 40 individuals due to poaching and habitat loss, their numbers have now increased to around 80. These langurs are born with bright golden-orange fur, which later transitions to black with yellowish-white highlights on their head, shoulders, and lengthy tail, also earning them the name Golden-Headed Langur.

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Ha Long Bay, with the eastern coast being apart of the protected sanctuary, housing majority of the langur population. They prefer to inhabit the eroded limestone cliffs, finding shelter in ridges, caves, ledges, and overhangs, protecting them from harsh weather and potential predators. Typically, they live in groups of varying sizes, each with its own territory, usually consisting of one adult male, multiple females, and their offspring. Their lifespan ranges from 20 to 25 years, with the females giving birth to a single baby every 2-3 years, contributing to the slow population growth.

The primary cause of the Cat Ba Langurs' decline was poaching, though hunting rates had decreased since 2000 due to strict protection measures put in place and conservation efforts led by the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project (CBLCP). However, these efforts face many challenges, including a devastating poaching event in 2016 that resulted in the loss of nearly 20 individuals, as well as increased development and tourism on Cat Ba Island, threatening the langurs' habitat. Despite these challenges, the population has seen a slow yet effective increase, thanks to the diligent work of the CBLCP.

Established in 2000, the CBLCP, is the sole organization dedicated to safeguarding these langurs and their habitat. Their initiatives include operating anti-poaching teams, supporting park rangers, monitoring the langurs and surrounding areas, educating local populations, reforesting, and protecting sanctuary boundaries within the Cat Ba Archipelago. Even though their efforts have been highly beneficial, their progress has been hindered by a lack of financial support, which is the motivation behind this project–to help support their team in furthering their cause.

Our Purpose

This project is dedicated to more than just the support of a single species; it's about helping preserve biodiversity and vital ecosystems. Our purpose? To aid the CBLCP in ensuring a future for the Cat Ba Langur and its habitat. We're driven to raise funds and awareness for a cause we can be passionate about. In Hawai'i, we learn to live by the principle of mālama 'āina—caring for and protecting our land and also advocating for what matters most to us. Taking inspiration from this, we've decided to act upon our passions and protect what we hold dear, even if it's thousands of miles away in Cat Ba Island, where they struggle with more challenges and fewer resources. Understanding that our Earth is our 'āina, we're committed to its preservation, no matter the distance. In the future, we hope to not only to support the Cat Ba Langurs but also to extend our assistance to others, whether in Hawai'i or beyond.

Our Team

Emme Pham-Ringholz, currently a junior at Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawai'i, developed a profound interest in wildlife conservation during a family trip to Vietnam in 2017, her mother's home country. Exploring Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island, she learned about and was captivated by the endangered Cat Ba Langur and its unique habitat. Emme was especially drawn to the cute orange babies! Inspired by this encounter and her now deeper connection with her Vietnamese heritage, Emme initiated her conservation journey at just 9 years old. She organized multiple bake sales to raise awareness and support the CBLCP, ultimately raising over $1000 for the organization. Emme's interest in the cause has remained steadfast over the years and has continued to follow the CBLCP's progress. In the spring of 2024, after pandemic delays, she seized the opportunity to return to Cat Ba Island, this time to work closely with Director Neahga Leonard and his team. Immersed in the day-to-day operations, Emme learned the intricate details of the project's operations and finances. She participated in boat expeditions to observe the langurs in their natural habit, collaborated with park rangers on houseboats in restricted areas, and accompanied anti-poaching teams on their patrols through the jungle. Upon returning home to Hawai'i, Emme felt an even stronger commitment to continue her fundraising efforts to support CBLCP and to help save the langurs she has grown to love for so many years. Driven by a passion for wildlife conservation, Emme launched Maluō Hana.

Emme's first trip to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, 2017

Latest trip to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, 2024

Emme in 2017 fundraising for the Cat Ba Langurs with her friends.

In Ha Long Bay observing the langurs with Project Director Neahga Leonard and Conservation Management Assistant Mai Sy Luan on her trip in 2024.

With the park rangers on their houseboat station in Ha Long Bay discussing routes.

With an anti-poaching team on patrol in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.