Four new stamps and a block design featuring the images of rare primates that face extinction in Viet Nam have just been released here.— Photo vov.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — Four new stamps and a block design featuring the images of rare primates that face extinction in Viet Nam have just been released here.

The items have been released on the occasion of the 25th Congress of the International Primatological Society, being held in Ha Noi between August 11 and 17.

The stamps, designed by painter Do Lenh Tuan, measure 31mm x 46mm, while the block measures 65mm x100mm.

The designs bear vivid images of the rare primates with their distinctive features and habitat, along with an appeal to the public to join hands to protect the primates before they become extinct.

According to official statistics, Viet Nam hosts 26 species of primates, five of which are listed among the 25 species that are in great danger and need urgent protection. These species of primates include vooc Cat Ba (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), vooc Mong Trang (Trachypithecus delacouri), vooc Mui Hech (Rhinopithecus avunculus) and vooc Cha Va (Pygathrix cinerea). The images of the five species were printed on a stamp collection in 2002.

On the occasion of the international conference on primates, the second edition of a book entitled Primates in Fragments: Complexity and Resilience, with articles by 104 scientists from 23 countries, has also been released. The first edition was authored by 51 writers from 10 countries.

In their write-ups in the new book, the scientists focus on matters concerning primates such as their distinctive features, living environment, food choice, use of natural resources, changing habits and infectious diseases.

Most primate researchers confirm that loss of habitat has resulted in a sharp reduction in the number of primates living in the wild in the last ten years. — VNS