The golden monkey is one of the symbols of China. Her image can often be found on ancient vases and silk fabrics. However, it looks much more impressive live. And anyone who sees her for the first time involuntarily wonders if she really is an ordinary beast?
Features of the species
Golden Monkey (Golden Monkey in English) is an amazing member of the Monkey family. In China, she has long been considered one of the symbols of we alth, and therefore her image is engraved on many amulets, paintings and vases. But the Europeans for a long time were sure that the golden monkey is just a mythical character that has nothing to do with reality.
What was their surprise when, in the second half of the 19th century, the English priest Armand David brought proof of the existence of this species. This news created a lot of hype in the scientific community. This was the impetus for the French naturalist Milne-Edwards to go to China to study primacy. It was he who later gave the goldensnub-nosed monkey scientific name Rhinopithecus roxellana.
Area
Golden Monkey lives only in South and Central China. At the same time, Sichuan province is considered her favorite place. This is easily explained by the fact that there is a national reserve here, and the order in it is strictly protected by law.
In early 2010, there were rumors that a small population of these primates also lives in the north-east of Burma. However, further research led to the fact that the Burmese snub-nosed monkey lost its "golden" status. And all because she did not have the right coat color. As a result, this primate was classified as a separate subspecies, and China, as before, remained the only habitat for a unique beast.
Golden Monkey Description
This species is a typical representative of monkeys. These are medium sized primates. Their height varies from 60 to 75 cm. At the same time, females are much larger than males. So, if the latter weigh about 15-18 kg, then the former can reach 30 kg or more. This difference is especially noticeable in summer, when all members of the flock eat well.
But the color is just what the monkey stands out with. The golden coat of the primate shines in the sun. In its rays, it becomes bright orange, as if the flame itself is frozen in it. It should be noted that the fur is very thick. Thanks to this, the golden monkey does not freeze even in winter when the temperature drops below zero.
The face of this animal looks no less funny. The first thing that catches your eye is her blue"mask" that covers almost the entire face. It is she who gives the beast that mystical halo that constantly hovers around him. The nose of the monkey also looks very funny: it is strongly turned up, as if an invisible finger is pressing it.
Features of behavior
The golden snub-nosed monkey is a socially active animal. She prefers to settle in large groups of 40-50 individuals. As a home, she chooses a large tree or cliff, which becomes the heart of the colony. This is necessary in order to protect yourself from ground enemies, as well as to establish the center of your territory.
The head of the family is always the male. The title of leader allows him to mate with the most attractive females. Often there are about 5-7 "girls" in his harem. Below in the hierarchy are young and strong males. Any of them can take the place of the leader if they win in a fair fight.
Regarding the duels themselves, they most often take place remotely. Opponents are just trying to scream at each other. The winner is the one who lasts the longest or can demonstrate the most formidable voice. Thus, not only pair competitions are held, but also group ones. The latter take place during territorial conflicts, which, although rare, do happen.
Diet
To begin with, this is a completely herbivorous monkey. The golden snub-nosed monkey eats only fruits, berries and plants. Her favorite delicacy is young bamboo shoots, as well as iris bulbs. But in the absence of the latter, he can calmly satisfy his hunger with the help of juicy leaves or grass.
Where worse is the snub-nosed monkey in winter. When the snow covers the ground, it remains to look for the remnants of unfrozen greenery, thin branches, moss and spruce needles. Also on such days, the golden monkey tries to move as little as possible so as not to waste precious energy.
Problems of the species
Today, the golden snub-nosed monkey is on the verge of extinction. On the territory of China, in total, only 12-15 thousand monkeys live. The sharp decline in the population occurred due to the fact that in the last century man cut down most of the forest in which these animals used to live.
In addition, for a long time, golden monkeys were a favorite delicacy on the table of Asians. Some even believed that the meat of these monkeys could bring good luck to those who eat it. Fortunately, today such barbarism is prohibited. However, even these measures are not able to guarantee that in the future the species will be able to get out from under the dangerous line. Yet scientists are confident that the worst of times for golden monkeys is over.
