Baby Langur

Conservation Project

Langurs

Volunteering

Volunteering Project

Thailand

Homestay

Relaxing

dusky langur

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 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.

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.

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.

Along with some fantastic restaurants serving fresh local seafood, the village contains several guesthouses and home-stays, offering a high standard of accommodation whether you are travelling in a group or alone, and whatever your budget.

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
There are a range of accommodation options in Ban Khung Thanod depending on your budget and the type of holiday you are interested in.

Guesthouses: There are some great guesthouses and apartments along the beach front with fantastic views of the bay. Many come complete with kitchen, Thai and Western style bathroom and shower, TV, air-conditioning and sea-view balcony.

Homestays: A few of the villagers will rent out rooms within their homes giving you the opportunity to experience Thai culture and cuisine firsthand. Rooms usually come with mosquito nets, linen, towels and fans. A shared Asian toilet and shower are also standard. There is often access to a communal area containing a fridge and some seating.

Eating
There are two main restaurants in Ban Khung Thanod, 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 (3-4hrs), 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.

Requirements
If you are interested in joining this challenging program, you need to meet a few basic rules:

*	Minimum age of 18 years ("tame" children also welcome with a responsible adult!)
*	Besides working together with the langurs, you will also expected to support with general activities like cooking and cleaning.
*	Minimum stay of 2 weeks
*	A reasonable level of fitness as you may have to do some hiking in a hot climate
*	Be prepared to adapt - schedules often change at short notice depending on what is required by the project at the time.
*	You need to respect the Thai culture, be open-minded and have a social attitude towards the local people.

Included

*	All fees for participating in the Dusky Langur Project
*	Accommodation close to the project
*	All meals and coffee, tea and water during your stay
*	English speaking guides and supervisiion

What to Bring

Long sleeved tops/shirts for walking in the forest.

Long trousers for forest and evenings.

Cropped trousers and T shirts for every day wear.

Lightweight rain coat or poncho for the rainy season.

Lightweight walking boots or trainers, for visiting the National Park.

Shoes for every day use that can be easily slipped on and off

Camera/ Video recorder (Remember to pack your recharger!)

Ordinary batteries can be bought in the local town.

Favourite toiletries. Toiletries are available in the local town but they may not be the brands you are used to. For ladies requiring internal sanitary protection, these are not easily available and should be brought with you. Sanitary pads can be bought in the local town quite easily.

Current Medications.

Mosquito repellent.

Sun cream and after sun.

Sun hat for protection whilst out observing Dusky Langurs. A mosquito net to cover your hat for visiting the National Park can be brought with you or purchased locally.

A love of animals and a spirit of adventure!!!!

A little more about the Centre
The Dusky Langur Conservation and Community Centre was set up in October 2005 by Project Director Anon Srisamran of the environmental company Eco-Explorer. 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.