The population of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys has increased to 3,845 individuals in 23 groups. The Green Book on the Conservation of Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkeys was first published in Kunming.

The population of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys has increased to 3,845 individuals in 23 groups. The "Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Green Book" was launched in Kunming. This is the result of a comprehensive dynamic monitoring project of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, which involved multiple institutions in Yunnan, from government and non-profit organizations to the public, coordinated by the SEE (Southwest) Center under the guidance of the Yunnan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau. The three-stage conservation work of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys are flagship and umbrella species living in the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage Site, and are also rare and endangered wild animals unique to China. After 2005, the population size, number of individuals, and habitat area of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys increased and improved, fully demonstrating the significant improvement and overall achievements of the natural reserve management capacity. The population has increased from approximately 13 groups with 1000 to 1500 individuals in 1996, to 18 groups with 3000 individuals in 2016, and now to 23 groups with 3845 individuals. At the launch ceremony, Xiang Ruwu, director of the Wild Animals and Plants Protection Department of the Yunnan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, introduced that since Yunnan established its first Yunnan snub-nosed monkey nature reserve in 1983, the government has continuously increased investment, formulated policies, and promoted the protection of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. The protection of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys has gone through three stages. From the first discovery of wild Yunnan snub-nosed monkey populations in 1979 to 2000, the population size, number of groups, and number of individuals were unstable. The Chinese government signed the international Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992. Around 2000, Yunnan Province began to fully implement biodiversity conservation actions. In 1998, the state first launched the natural forest protection project in Northwest Yunnan, and the construction of wild animals and plants and nature reserves was fully launched. The expansion of the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve was also completed in 2000. In the following years, the Yunling Provincial Nature Reserve was established, the Tianchi National Nature Reserve was approved by the State Council, and the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage Site was successfully declared. The activity range of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in Yunnan was basically included in the protection range, and the adjacent Tibetan population was also protected by the Mangkang National Nature Reserve. This was a period of fully launching the construction of protected areas. The third stage began in 2010, when the Yunnan Provincial Forestry Department and the Science and Technology Department jointly compiled the "Outline of the Yunnan Provincial Rescue and Protection Plan for Extremely Small Populations of Species (2010-2020)", which included Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. Yunnan took the lead in the country in carrying out the rescue and protection of extremely small populations of wild species, and in 2015, it launched the implementation of the "Yunnan Provincial Conservation Action Plan for Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkeys (2015-2020)". In order to protect Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, their habitats, and the entire ecological environment, since the 1980s, government forestry departments, scientists, and other environmental protection organizations have organized several investigations to conduct baseline surveys for the protection of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. However, due to various reasons, data on the population size, dynamic changes, habitat conditions, protection management effectiveness, threats, and community needs of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys were incomplete. Yunnan is a province with high biodiversity in China. On only 4.1% of the country's land area, the number of species of mammals, birds, insects, and higher plants accounts for more than 50% of the total number of similar species in China. The various protected areas for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys have set an example for their protection. "Facing other extremely small populations and endangered rare species, our conservation work has a long way to go. Our government agencies will continue to implement the "Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan," Xiang Ruwu said. Protected area professionals are the main force in implementing scientific research and monitoring teams The successful breeding of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys benefits from the extensive participation of government departments, conservation managers, scientists, non-governmental environmentalists, and community residents. The "Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Green Book" takes Yunnan's flagship species, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, as an example to showcase the hardships and achievements of biodiversity conservation in Yunnan over the past 40 years, demonstrating Yunnan's unique advantages and value to the world. It also adds a touch of brilliance and responsibility to the upcoming global biodiversity conference in Kunming. At the launch ceremony, Xiao Jin, the chief editor of the book, secretary-general of the SEE (Southwest) Project Center, and general coordinator of the comprehensive dynamic monitoring of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, introduced that the "Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Green Book" makes a detailed comparative analysis of the historically recorded populations, the number of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys from previous surveys and this monitoring survey, and their distribution. The data is detailed and comprehensive, and it is the first time in China that the complete distribution range, population size, and habitat conditions of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys have been published. This monitoring survey adopts a collaborative approach involving government departments, non-profit organizations, university experts, conservation professionals, and community residents, and its experience is worth sharing in monitoring and surveying widely distributed wild animals. Xiao Jin said that the most important foundation for the success of the project is that professionals from various protected areas have become the main force in implementing scientific research and monitoring teams. Based on the methods suggested by scientists, using nearly 40 years of accumulated experience in nature conservation, and utilizing the knowledge of generations who have coexisted with Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, the project provided first-hand data and information for the monitoring and investigation of various populations, increasing the accumulation of knowledge about the history of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey conservation, their living environment, and community culture. "This monitoring survey of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys has many highlights worth summarizing," Xiao Jin said. The most innovative aspect of the two-year survey was the adoption of a survey method involving government + non-profit organizations + experts + conservation professionals + community residents. This new and scientifically organized method produced more reliable data in the complex natural conditions of high-altitude mountainous areas, and is worth promoting. This survey is also the first complete survey of all populations of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in China, and it is a test of the quality of the ecosystem in the distribution area of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. The survey data will provide a scientific basis for assessing the quality of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey habitats, formulating targeted conservation measures, promoting population growth and habitat improvement, and community development. The public disclosure of information during the survey further promoted public attention to the conservation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, increasing public understanding of the distribution area, the current status and effectiveness of the work of conservation organizations. The relatively systematic and complete information archive on the population size and habitat status of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in Yunnan Province formed by the survey laid a scientific foundation for the implementation of various conservation actions and the conduct of research on Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. To this end, the "Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Green Book" integrates the perspectives of conservation professionals, community residents, village cadres, scientists, and non-governmental organizations to provide a comprehensive account of the history, achievements, and current status of conservation, and proposes suggestions for conservation strategies and specific measures to address new challenges to conservation and development. Results of the first comprehensive synchronous dynamic monitoring Historically, the areas where Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys live have been sparsely populated, and their whereabouts have been little known. In 1985, the Kunming Institute of Zoology discovered six populations between Deqin and Weixi in Baima Snow Mountain. In 1996, only 13 of the 20 groups of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys were confirmed, with a population of 1000-1500 individuals. The next comprehensive survey was conducted from 1999 to 2002, monitoring populations from Mangkang in Tibet to Malong Mountain in the Yunling Nature Reserve, recording 13 monkey groups with a population of 1200-1700 individuals. However, the survey found that five populations had disappeared, and the trend was not optimistic. In the following years, the protection of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys became a joint action of various departments, protected area managers, and non-governmental individuals. Xiang Ruwu introduced that in order to protect Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, the Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau implemented the "Yunnan Provincial Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2012-2030)", adhering to the principles of giving priority to conservation, sustainable use, public participation, and benefit sharing. Therefore, when the SEE (Southwest) Project Center jointly proposed a comprehensive survey of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys with scientific research institutions, the then Yunnan Provincial Forestry Department approved it and named the project "Comprehensive Dynamic Monitoring Project of Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkeys". Due to the participation of multiple parties, the project achieved good results, clarifying the population size, number of groups, number of individuals, habitat status, and community protection situation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. According to the monitoring results, the population of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys increased from approximately 13 groups with 1000-1500 individuals in 1996, to 18 groups with 3000 individuals in 2016, and now to approximately 23 groups with 3845 individuals (median of 3360-4330 individuals). Since 2016, the SEE (Southwest) Project Center has been jointly proposing a comprehensive survey of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys with scientific research institutions. In 2017, the SEE Ecological Association and the Beijing Enterprise Environmental Protection Foundation donated 1 million yuan in start-up funds. The Yunnan Provincial Forestry Department approved and named the project "Comprehensive Dynamic Monitoring Project of Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkeys." This monitoring project was led by government departments, with the participation of non-governmental environmental protection organizations and scientific research institutions, and implemented by protected areas with Yunnan snub-nosed monkey populations, starting in the autumn and winter of 2017. Due to the participation of multiple parties, the project achieved good results, clarifying the population size, number of groups, number of individuals, habitat status, and community protection situation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys. This project is the first ever to establish a comprehensive baseline database for the history of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey research and conservation, population size, number of groups, number of individuals, distribution area, living environment, genetic gene pool, and community livelihoods, making a beneficial attempt for ecological conservation, cross-disciplinary research, and ecological civilization construction. Yang Yuming, a professor at the Yunnan Academy of Forestry Sciences and a global biodiversity expert, said at the launch ceremony that the "Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Green Book" is the result of the first nationwide synchronous dynamic monitoring of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey populations since their discovery, filling the gap in scientific basic materials for comprehensive dynamic monitoring of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, and recording the entire process of comprehensive and systematic monitoring and evaluation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey populations. "Finding wild Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys and protecting them is the goal of four generations of scientists. They have continuously searched for and studied Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in high-altitude forests, even at the cost of their lives," Xiao Jin said. Later researchers, managers, and the public can clearly see from the book the historical outline of finding and protecting the beautiful Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, the changes and fluctuations of various influencing factors in space and time, the great achievements after the ban on logging natural forests and the implementation of conservation policies, and the long-term influence of the participation of grassroots scientific researchers, managers, and community residents in conservation. At the launch ceremony, Qian Xiaohua, the sixth chairman of the SEE Ecological Association, and Zhang Li, secretary-general of the Beijing Enterprise Environmental Protection Foundation, delivered speeches. They elaborated on the significance of the comprehensive dynamic monitoring project of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys from the perspectives of entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations, respectively, and expressed their sincere gratitude and congratulations to the various levels of conservation management departments, scientific research personnel, non-governmental environmental protection organizations, and community residents who have contributed to the conservation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys.

Zeng Yan, Party secretary and director of the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, led a team to Weixi to investigate cultural tourism work.

On April 11, Zeng Yan, Party Secretary and Director of the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, led Liu Lina, Director of the Industrial Development Division, and Li Hailin, Director of the Resource Development Division, to conduct a field research on cultural tourism in Weixi. Li Qingpei, Vice Governor of the Prefecture People's Government; Lu Zhijun, Director of the Prefecture's Department of Culture and Tourism; Gesangnajie, County Party Secretary; Huang Longxin, Deputy County Party Secretary and County Head; and Long Yaogeng, Deputy County Head, participated in the research.

The "Chief Consultant for Yunnan Golden Monkeys" who rides the wind and waves is here!

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey—a unique primate species, possessing thick, red lips, bright apricot eyes, glossy black fur, and an ultra-cute physique. They are the "snow elves" living in Shangri-La.

My name is Weixi, and I am the heart of Shangri-La.

Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (the only Lisu Autonomous County in China)

Love Linghou, protect elves | Weixi Yunnan snub-nosed monkey protector experience group has started

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, equally famous as the giant panda, is a unique and precious species found only in China. Living in the snow-capped forests at the border of Yunnan and Tibet, they are known as the "spirits of the snow-covered land" and are the world's highest-altitude-dwelling primates.