Protection efforts see golden snub-nosed monkeys thrive

Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

The status of one of China's best-loved primates has recently been lowered from 'vulnerable' to 'near threatened'. Yan Dongjie reports from Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan.

The Tang family has lived in Taiping, a village in the Baihe River National Nature Reserve, Jiuzhaigou county, Sichuan province, for many generations. The villagers have lived alongside golden snub-nosed monkeys for centuries, enjoying a harmonious relationship with the animals and passing down many legends.

"It is said that in ancient times, when a hunter aimed his gun at a monkey, she reflexively grabbed her infant and turned her back to the hunter, as if to say, 'Don't shoot my child.' This legend has been passed down, so local people have never hunted golden snub-nosed monkeys and the animals have settled in this area," Tang Yulin said. "Every villager loves the monkeys. It's a tradition."