Macaques making a comeback in Guangdong

The population of wild macaques in Chuandao Macaque Nature Reserve in Jiangmen, Guangdong province, has grown steadily thanks to the improvement of the reserve's natural environment and the increased conservation awareness of residents.

Tan Shandan, a staff member at the reserve, said the number of wild macaques has reached more than 2,200 and continues to rise.

"There were only about 500 when the reserve was established in 1990," she said.

Administrators have introduced measures to improve the ecological picture and create a better home for wildlife in the reserve over the years.

"Special personnel have now expanded patrols in the reserve to help feed the macaques with sweet potatoes and related foods and rescue those injured in group fights," Tan said.

Meanwhile local residents' awareness about protect the wildlife has greatly improved, said Tan, adding that many now actively report illegal hunting and other violations to the authorities.

Located in the northeastern part of Shangchuan island, the reserve covers an area of 2,281 hectares and is now the largest macaque natural protection base and a model reserve in Guangdong. It is also a major research base.

Macaques are social animals and mainly live in tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests and in rocky mountain cliffs, gullies and dense woods on the banks of rivers.

A tribe of macaques usually includes from 20 to 100 animals, including a king. They can adapt to many habitats.

"Macaques are born to swim and dive," Tan said. "In addition to sweet potatoes, they eat wild fruit and leaves."