Authorities in Quang Tri Province have proposed using German Shepherd dogs to chase wild Hatinh langurs or Trachypithecus hatinhensis, back to the forest to ensure safety for both local people and the langurs.
A Hatinh langur.
In order to protect travellers, especially the children when the new school year starts, and to avoid conflict between the local people and langurs, Thuan asked the border guards to use the German Shepherd dogs to chase the langurs back to their forest. Thuan said the local authorities had set up patrol teams along the roads to chase the langurs away but it was not effective.
Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve said Hatinh langurs are an endangered species and need to be protected. They are currently in their mating season so they also became more ferocious.
The proposal was made after experts consulted that the langurs are afraid of dogs.
The langurs, which weigh 6-15kg each, often attack travellers on the road connecting with the Ho Chi Minh Highway.