In the heart of southwest China's Yunnan Province, the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve is witnessing a remarkable resurgence of the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. Spanning over 2,821 square kilometers, this reserve is a beacon of conservation, blending traditional efforts with cutting-edge technology to protect one of China's unique primate species.
Once numbering nearly 500 individuals in 1983, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey population has soared to approximately 2,500 today, making up 65% of the species' total population in China. This significant growth is attributed to innovative monitoring techniques and dedicated conservation strategies.
One of the standout advancements is the introduction of remote-controlled weight scales within the reserve. These gadgets allow conservationists to regularly monitor the health of the monkeys without intrusive methods. This year alone, 11 new baby monkeys were born, all within the normal weight range and in good health, showcasing the positive impact of these technologies.
Beyond weight monitoring, researchers collect and analyze fecal samples every season to gain deeper insights into the monkeys' physical conditions. \"The technology we are utilizing is laser radar, which enables a three-dimensional reconstruction of the monkeys' habitat,\" explains Yang Haitao, an associate researcher at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System under Peking University. This method offers a more comprehensive assessment of habitat quality compared to traditional remote sensing or ground surveys.
In addition to monitoring, the reserve has reintroduced 40 monkeys into the wild this year to promote genetic diversity. These reintroduced individuals include three families and a group of males, with the youngest being just three months old.
Known as the \"elves of the snow mountain,\" Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys inhabit the lush mountainous forests of Yunnan and the neighboring Xizang Autonomous Region. Listed as a first-class state protected species in China and endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these monkeys are a vital part of the region's biodiversity.
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New gadgets help monitor endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys
cgtn.com
