Amid the global challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, the world is turning its attention to successful conservation stories. One such example is unfolding in the dense forests of Dehong, in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, where the endangered Phayre’s leaf monkeys are finding a safe haven.
Phayre’s leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei), with their slender tails and distinctive silver-blue fur surrounding their eyes, are native to the tropical forests of northeastern India, eastern Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern and southwestern parts of Yunnan in China. These primates are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list due to habitat loss and hunting.
Recently, a group of these elusive monkeys was captured on camera in Dehong. Images show the monkeys resting on branches, grooming each other, and caring for their golden-furred infants. According to wildlife experts, the newborns’ fur gradually turns grey as they mature, around five to six months old.
In Mangshi, a city near the border with Myanmar, a forest spanning approximately 1,600 hectares has become a sanctuary for over 500 Phayre’s leaf monkeys. This area represents China’s largest known population of the species. However, their survival has been threatened by human activities.
Recognizing the urgency, in 2016, the local forest and grassland bureau enlisted villagers as forest patrolmen to protect the habitat. Their daily routines involve trekking up to 10 kilometers through rugged terrain to monitor the monkeys and eliminate fire hazards. With support from a nearby non-governmental organization, villagers formed a conservation monitoring team, expanding their efforts to protect other endangered species such as the giant flying squirrel, clouded leopard, and bearcat.
To further support the monkeys, the local government established an exclusive “canteen” in 2020—a dedicated eight-hectare area planted with winter cherry, paulownia, and other tree species favored by the monkeys. Additionally, environmental protection equipment like solar water heaters has been provided to villagers to reduce reliance on forest resources.
An advanced monitoring network with infrared cameras has been set up to study and protect the wildlife effectively. These collaborative efforts between the government and local communities are not only preserving the Phayre’s leaf monkeys but also fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
As the world prepares for the upcoming sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in 2024, where global leaders will discuss solutions to environmental crises, China’s success in Dehong serves as an inspiring example of biodiversity conservation. The locals are optimistic that with continued joint efforts, the Phayre’s leaf monkeys will thrive for generations to come.
Reference(s):
China makes significant progress in biodiversity conservation
cgtn.com
