The black snub-nosed monkey , also known as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, is an endangered species of primate in the Cercopithecidae family. It is endemic to China, where it is known to the locals as the Yunnan golden hair monkey and the black golden hair monkey . It is threatened by habitat loss. It was named after Bishop Félix Biet who collected it.
Similar species: Primates
By Tarsier
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Uploaded Dec 9, 2015. Captured Feb 20, 2012 14:17 in Unnamed Road, Xianggelila Xian, Diqing Zangzuzizhizhou, Yunnan Sheng, China.
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"The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) is one of the most cherished, protected species in China and is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This gentle creature is endemic to the majestic, mountainous forests of southwestern China, where there are less than 2,000 individuals left. These primates have punk-like forelocks, black eyes, pouty lips, and upturned noses, which result from the lack of nasal bones. Two-thirds of their diet consists of lichens, which are slow-growing symbiotic organisms comprised of fungi and algae. It's unusual for primates to subsist on lichens because lichens contain indigestible carbohydrates, toxins, and very little protein. But, these monkeys have a special, fermenting gut that is very similar to that of a cow. This type of gut allows them to eliminate toxins while extracting nutrients. Monkey troops live at higher altitudes than any other non-human primates, inhabiting coniferous forests up to 15,000 feet (4,700 meters) above sea level because lichens are more abundant at these heights.
The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey has suffered greatly from deforestation, poaching, trapping, agriculture, industrialization, and pesticides. Unfortunately, we live in a world where humans seem to have nearly limitless power to harm and destroy other species, and even entire ecosystems. However, there is hope that some species may yet have a happy ending. The Yunnan region is rich in biodiversity and has become the focus of many conservation efforts. Additionally, the Chinese government has banned the hunting of snub-nosed monkeys and has set up reserves for them. Hopefully, these actions will be good news for this species. {Spotted in China by JungleDragon user, Tarsier} #JungleDragon" Posted 6 years ago