The battle to save China's rare snub-nosed monkey

A glimpse into Shennongjia National Park reveals a remarkable conservation revival playing out for the golden snub-nosed monkey, which was once perilously close to extinction. In the past, rampant hunting and deforestation decimated their population to under 500. However, under the leadership of Professor Yang Jingyuan, conservation initiatives have allowed this unique primate's numbers to grow.

Professor Yang, who has dedicated his life to understanding and protecting this vulnerable species, emphasizes the importance of community engagement. His team has worked tirelessly to educate and empower local farmers, turning adversaries into allies in the conservation of the monkeys’ habitat.

As part of this extensive conservation effort, rangers now patrol the dense mountain regions, ensuring the monkeys are safe while gathering data on their behaviors and movements, which occur quickly through the treetops.

Today, the monkey population stands at roughly 1,600, with hopes for continued growth. The journey to recovery reflects a significant shift in ecological responsibility among the local population, facilitated through collaborative efforts led by dedicated scientists and passionate conservationists.