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Endangered monkeys in central China doing well

Xinhua, November 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

The population of golden snub-nosed monkeys in central China's Shennongjia National Nature Reserve is likely to increase substantially, according to primatologists working on a census of the rare animal.

Researchers began their count on Oct. 27 with the aim of estimating the total population of golden snub-noses in Shennongjia. The results are expected next May, said Yang Jingyuan, director of the research institute at the reserve.

Located in the northwestern mountains in Hubei, Shennongjia boasts rich natural forests and many animal species.

The golden snub-noses were first spotted in the thick forests in Shennongjia in the 1960s. Once very close to extinction, the first census in the 1980s found only 501 in the area.

The number increased to 1,282 in 2005, thanks to reforestation and a hunting ban.

Yang said improved environment and reduced human disturbance had created better circumstances for the species to live and breed.

Shennongjia now has two research centers for the monkey. One in Dalongtan has seen 15 babies born this year, the highest number in 10 year of operations.

Yang hopes for major breakthroughs soon in captive breeding and disease control. Endi