Baby Langur

Conservation Project

Langurs

Volunteering

Volunteering Project

Thailand

Homestay

Relaxing

Langur Project - Conservation Holiday

Volunteer on this conservation holiday where you'll spend your time helping and observing these charming, monkey-like creatures in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Volunteers are welcomed as homestay guests in the nearby fishing village in this lovely and uncommercialised part of Thailand.

The Langur Project was established by our partners in Thailand together with the local villagers in order to help preserve the langur population in their natural environment. Education to both local people, as well as visitors is a very important task at this project, the aim being that local people will benefit from tourism and maintain their natural resources, while, visitors can help create awareness about this unique species and help to minimize the negative effects of standard tourism.

During the project, you will spend time observing the animals as well as having the opportunity to experience the traditional life and local customs of the forest villagers. Our partners in Thailand have an advising and supporting role at the project and in the future it is the intention that the villagers will be able to manage and control the conservation of the langurs and their natural environment themselves.

The Project
On a day-to-day basis, you will study the behaviour of the dusky langurs in the forest and report your findings to the project staff. You will also feed the animals in some areas where needed. This conservation project offers you the opportunity to work in a stunning location with local people who are responsible for wildlife and environmental conservation. An additional task is to talk to tourists about the project and problem areas when they visit the location. Ideas on how to benefit more from tourism will also be discussed together. We will occasionally visit local schools in order to teach about ecology, wildlife and English.

Evenings and weekends are free. You can stay at the village, visit the beach or explore the beautiful area around the National Park. Some of the highlights here are visits to caves, gorgeous temples and the beautiful Huai - Yang waterfall. We can arrange local guides to join you on these nature trips. At the village, you can experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people.

The Problem

Worldwide, our forests are dwindling at an ever-increasing rate and Thailand is no exception. The dusky langur, also known as the spectacled langur, can only be found in three regions of the world: Thailand, Myanmar/Burma and parts of Malaysia.

In all of these regions deforestation is destroying the langur habitat and their numbers are being decimated as they are hunted by the locals for their meat and sold to markets for export.

In Thailand, the dusky langur lives in relatively small areas which are increasingly being surrounded by roads and villages restricting their ability to mate with other langur groups and forcing them to mate with their own family resulting in genetic problems. The reduction in their area also means that they are not getting enough food and water to keep them healthy and support their population.

Faced with rapidly reducing numbers the dusky langur faces extinction in the wild unless something is done. This is the objective of the Dusky Langur Conservation & Community Centre.

Objectives of the Project

*	To study the behaviour of the dusky langur in its natural environment. To learn about the lives and habits of the langurs in order to gain a better understanding of what actions need to be taken in order to ensure their survival.
*	To study the ecological systems in the forest to determine whether there is a good balance between the natural resources of the area and the needs of the langur. Based on this knowledge we can help make the necessary changes that will ensure the future of the dusky langur.
*	To conduct ongoing research, data collection and report findings to build up an information database on the dusky langur.
*	When necessary, to provide food and water for the dusky langurs in their designated areas.
*	To work with other wildlife organisations both within Thailand and internationally in order to share ideas and information.
*	To educate visitors to the National Park, as well as locals, about the project and the problems faced by the dusky langurs.
*	To promote eco-tourism for the local village. This will help them to generate income for the village in a responsible way.
*	To rescue injured langurs and help nurse them back to health so that they can eventually be returned to the wild.
*	To teach English to the local people in order to improve communication with both tourists and volunteers.
*	To visit local schools to teach and inform about ecology and wildlife as well as offering English lessons.

About the Village
Ban Khung Thanod is a small coastal fishing village that lies within the boundaries of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, 300 km Southwest of Bangkok.

With a population of approximately 250 residents, this peaceful village offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate life at a slower pace as well as the chance to experience traditional Thai life at close quarters.

There are many attractions to be discovered both for the adventurous and more laid back visitors, including trekking, fishing and cycling, not to mention lazing in the shade and soaking up views of the bay.

You will receive the warmest of Thai welcomes in this undiscovered paradise that remains unspoilt by commercial tourism. Come and see for yourself – you won’t regret it!

Accommodation
Ban Khun Tanod has several beachfront bungalows which are allocated for visitors to the village and the project.

Accommodation has air con and a western "bathroom" but the toilet usually des not flush and has a water trough at the side with a bowl to pour water into the toilet to flush. There is hot water but not usually in the showers which tend to be tepid, rather than cold due to the climate.

There are several small shops within Ban Khun Tanod and near to the park bungalows that sell basics - soft drinks, water, beer, toilet tissue, toothpaste, crisps. There are larger shops nearby which may be visited on the days you are out of the village that would sell a larger selection.

Eating
All meals are included at local restaurants nearby (this is fairly standard practice in Thailand where some houses don't even have their own kitchens!)

There are two main restaurants in the village, specializing in delicious locally caught seafood which is prepared in traditional Thai style. Snacks and beverages are also available at the convenience stores on the main road.

Getting There

There is a daily bus which runs direct from Bangkok (about 5 hours), or you can get a train or taxi to the town of Hua Hin within the Pran Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. From Hua Hin you can take a local taxi to Ban Khung-Thanod.

Of course, we are pleased to assist with advice and/or private transfers if required.

A little more about the Centre
The Dusky Langur Conservation and Community Centre was set up in October 2005. The Centre works in close partnership with the residents of Ban Khung-Thanod, a small fishing village that lies within the boundaries of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Ban Khung-Thanod’s location within the National Park means that it is an ideal base for the Centre’s conservation work as several dusky langur family groups live in the mountains, jungle and marshland surrounding the village.

The main aim of the Centre is to educate both local people and tourists about the environment and how we can work together to ensure the dusky langur’s survival. The Centre also provides the villagers with an insight into how valuable the langurs are, thereby encouraging them to take an active role in their preservation.

The Centre also has a partnership with the Royal Thai Airforce Base (Wing 53) in Khao Lom Muag which has several resident groups of dusky langurs. These langurs have been fed and studied over the last few years and by working together we hope to improve our understanding and care of these primates.

The Dusky Langur Conservation and Community Centre’s long term aim is to protect the Langurs through efforts of conservation such as forest expansion, captive breeding and returning them into the wild along with many other environmentally friendly activities. This activity directly compliments the work currently being conducted by the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park to preserve the 98km square coastal park for future generations.