These cute, rather original-looking animals live in Central and South China. The largest populations live in the Wolong National Reserve in Sichuan.
This is the Roxella rhinopithecine (Pygathrix roxellana), a species of endangered rare Chinese monkeys. Their specific name roxellanae comes from the name of the legendary Ukrainian Roksolana, a beauty with an upturned nose.
This very rare species is listed in the Red Book. Images of primates are often found on ancient Chinese silkscreens and vases.
A bit of history
Rhoxellanus rhinopitecus - snub-nosed golden monkey. The origin of its name has a rather interesting story.
Priest from France Armand David - the firsta European who got acquainted with these unique representatives of the animal world. He arrived in China in the 19th century as a missionary to popularize Catholicism in this distant country.
Later, the priest, who was very interested in zoology, brought to Europe some materials about a new species of monkeys, which the famous zoologist Milne-Edwards became interested in. He was especially impressed by the noses of these animals - they were so bent up that in some old individuals they reached the forehead. Thanks to this feature, the scientist gave these animals such a Latin name (Rhinopithecus roxellanae), where the first word is a generic name and means "nosed monkey", and the second is a species name (roxellanae) - on behalf of the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent (Ottoman Sultan). This is the legendary beauty Roksolana with an upturned nose.
Distribution area, habitat
Roxellanic rhinopithecines live in the territories of Central and South China (Hubei, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu). Of the three varieties of snub-nosed monkeys in China, this one is the most widespread throughout the state. They inhabit mountain forests located at an altitude of 1500 to 3400 meters above sea level. These places are covered with snow for up to six months of the year.
Vegetation changes with altitude. From broadleaf and deciduous forests at low altitudes to mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests above 2200 meters. Above the level of 2600 meters, coniferous vegetation grows. In summer, golden monkeys move to the mountains, andin winter they descend below 1500 meters. In their habitat, the average annual temperature ranges from 6.4°C (-8.3°C - minimum in January, +21.7°C - maximum in July). This species of monkey is one of the most cold-hardy among primates, which is why they are sometimes called "snow monkeys" in China.
Features of Roxellan rhinopitecus
They are distinguished by a bright and very unusual appearance: the coat is golden-orange or golden-brown, the face is bluish, the nose is very snub-nosed. These are perhaps the most unusual animals of the Chinese mountainous primate order.
Golden monkeys are small animals with a body size of 66 to 76 centimeters and a tail length of up to 72 cm. The body weight of an adult male is 16 kg, females - about 10 kg. The shade of coat color depends on the age of the monkeys.
Lifestyle
Rhoxellanic rhinopithecines are a species of Chinese monkeys that spend most of their lives in trees in search of protection and food. They do not like to descend to the ground and do it only to clarify the relationship between groups or within their flock. If necessary, they can move quite quickly and dexterously on the ground and even cross rivers. At the slightest danger, animals quickly climb to the very top of the tree.
An interesting point is that, like all primates, Chinese monkeys devote a lot of time to grooming - hair care. This is a way of supporting the social structure so that the young learn proper sexual behavior.
Roxellanic rhinopithecines live in groups of 5 to 600 individuals. They are led by adult males. Outside such groups, only monkeys live with families that consist of one male, about 5 females and offspring. They occupy an area of 15-50 square meters. km. Animals to search for each other make loud exclamations. Male leaders tend to stay alone at some distance from their counterparts, and adult females are more sociable with members of their sex than with males.
Male
The status of males depends on perseverance, courage and the number of wives, while the female is more respected when she has offspring.
The emergence of conflicts is not always accompanied by the use of brute force, so they take care of themselves. And instead of physical reprisals, they are content with frightening spectacular poses, barking and roaring. Most often, the animals do not get into a fight; the male with the most intimidating appearance is usually recognized as the winner. With all this, snub-nosed monkeys cannot be considered cowardly - large individuals can quite successfully defend themselves against hawks, leopards and other predators.
Food
The diet of Roxella rhinopithecines varies greatly depending on the season, but in any case they are herbivores.
They feed on tree bark, lichens and pine needles, and in summer they can eat fruits, plant seeds, small vertebrates and insects.
Reproduction
Male maturitypuberty is reached at the age of 7, and females - at 5 years. The most active period for mating is August-November. The female demonstrates her readiness for procreation in a specific way - she looks intently at the male and then abruptly runs away for some distance. Only 50% of the time he shows his consent by opening his mouth wide.
Offspring are born for 7 months, and between April and August, each female is born up to two cubs. They are raised by both parents. The duty of the father is to take care of their coat. In times of severe cold, family members snuggle up to each other to warm the child with their warmth.
On the protection of Chinese monkeys
Golden-haired monkeys are resistant to fairly low temperatures and snow, able to feed themselves in almost any conditions. They especially prospered in those days when the mountains of China were covered with endless dense forests. However, the Chinese peasants, who are very industrious, have conquered vast lands from nature for centuries. In addition, they also hunted monkeys, which significantly reduced the population.
Today, in Chinese forests, the number of Roxella rhinopithecines is about 5,000 individuals. Over the past decades, there have been changes that have become saving for these animals - the endangered species has been taken under protection by local authorities. Golden monkey habitats have been turned into parks and reserves, and poachers have been cracked down on. Such innovations allowed not only to stop themextinction, but also to stabilize the population, and even increase it in places.
