Phayre's leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei) are captivating creatures known for their long, slender tails and glass-rimmed eyes coated in silver-blue fur. These playful primates navigate the dense woods with agility, hanging upside down, frolicking merrily, eating wild fruit, and drinking water by the stream.
Recently, a group of Phayre's leaf monkeys was spotted and captured on camera in Dehong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. This sighting is a promising sign for the species, which is one of China's most endangered wild animals.
The Phayre's leaf monkey is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, highlighting its critical status. These monkeys are predominantly found in the tropical, deciduous, and evergreen forests of northeastern India, eastern Bangladesh, and Myanmar. In China, their habitat is limited to the southern and southwestern regions of Yunnan.
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these beautiful primates and their natural habitats. Continued monitoring and preservation initiatives in Yunnan are essential to ensure the survival of Phayre's leaf monkeys for future generations to admire.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
