China is making significant strides in biodiversity conservation, drawing global attention as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) prepares to host the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya. Scheduled from February 26 to March 1, 2024, UNEA-6 will focus on leveraging multilateralism to tackle the intertwined crises of pollution, waste, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
Amidst these global efforts, the southern and southwestern regions of Yunnan in China are witnessing a local conservation success story. The Phayre's leaf monkey, one of China's most endangered wild animals listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, is thriving in a dedicated sanctuary in Mangshi. This 1,600-hectare forest patch is home to over 500 Phayre's leaf monkeys, with recent camera footage capturing their playful interactions and nurturing behaviors.
Phayre's leaf monkeys are characterized by their long, slender tails and silver-blue fur around their glass-rimmed eyes. Typically found in the tropical, deciduous, and evergreen forests of northeastern India, eastern Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Yunnan region of China, these monkeys face threats from hunting and habitat loss. However, concerted conservation efforts are reversing their decline.
Since 2018, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Kunming Institute of Zoology have been conducting comprehensive surveys in Mangshi, revealing a stable population of about 320 leaf monkeys across five families. The area combines parts of the State-owned Mangxing Forest Farm and collective forests managed by villagers in Xuangang township, making it China's largest known population of this species.
Local villagers, employed as patrolmen by the prefecture's forest and grassland bureau since 2016, play a crucial role in protecting the monkeys. Their daily patrols, which can extend over 10 kilometers, help monitor the monkeys' movements and mitigate forest fire risks. Additionally, a conservation monitoring team formed with the support of a nearby non-governmental organization has expanded efforts to safeguard other endangered species like the giant flying squirrel and clouded leopard.
In 2020, the local government enhanced these efforts by creating an exclusive \"canteen\" spanning eight hectares, planted with tree species favored by the monkeys, such as winter cherry and paulownia. Environmental protection initiatives, including the installation of solar water heaters, further reduce the community's reliance on forest resources.
Advanced technologies also support conservation, with the Dehong prefectural government establishing a smart monitoring network equipped with infrared cameras to keep a vigilant watch over the forests. These combined efforts of government and residents aim to ensure a harmonious coexistence, promising a brighter future for Phayre's leaf monkeys and the region's biodiversity.
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China makes significant progress in biodiversity conservation
cgtn.com
