Yunnan makes strides in golden hair monkey conservation

KUNMING - Southwest China's Yunnan province has achieved remarkable results in the conservation of golden hair monkeys as the population of the species increased to more than 3,300 covering 23 varieties.

This was revealed by a green book on the outcomes of conservation efforts involving the endangered species in the province. It documents the entire process of comprehensive and systematic monitoring and evaluation of Yunnan golden hair monkeys, according to the provincial forestry and grassland bureau.

The Yunnan golden hair monkeys are listed as national first-class rare and endangered protected species in China and as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The monkeys live in the mountainous forests of the province and the neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region.

There were around 1,000 to 1,500 Yunnan golden hair monkeys of 13 varieties in 1996, and 3,000 individuals of 18 varieties in 2006, said the bureau.

"The protection of Yunnan golden monkeys has accumulated experience and set a good example for the conservation of flagship species," said Xiang Ruwu with the bureau.