Shennongjia Forestry District in the central region of the Chinese mainland's Hubei Province has reported a significant population growth of golden snub-nosed monkeys. This increase, attributed to dedicated habitat protection efforts, marks a positive stride in conservation within the area.
The latest survey, the fourth conducted by the district administration, reveals that the region is now home to 1,618 golden snub-nosed monkeys. This number is an increase of 147 monkeys compared to the survey conducted five years ago.
Shennongjia serves as the easternmost habitat for these rare primates. In 1990, the district was home to merely 501 snub-nosed monkeys across a habitat spanning 164 square kilometers. Over the years, both the monkey population and their habitat have expanded significantly: 1,282 monkeys were recorded in 2005 within 189 square kilometers, and by 2019, the population had grown to 1,471 monkeys in an area of 354 square kilometers.
The sustained efforts in preserving and expanding the habitat have played a crucial role in this population surge. These initiatives not only benefit the golden snub-nosed monkeys but also contribute to the broader ecological balance of the region.
Reference(s):
Population of rare snub-nosed monkeys increases in China's Shennongjia
cgtn.com