Golden snub-nosed monkey  (Rhinopithecus roxellana)

The golden snub-nosed monkey has blackish grey shoulders, upper arms, back, crown, and tail, with the back being covered in a longer layer of fine silver hairs. In males, the sides of the head, forehead, sides of the neck and underparts are bright golden in colour, hence the common name of this species. Females are generally similar in appearance to males, but the head and upperparts are more brownish black (2). Their noses are, as the name suggests, flattened and set back from the muzzle. The wide nostrils face forwards and there are two small flaps of skin above the nostrils that nearly touch the forehead (2). These monkeys produce a wide range of vocalisations, often without making facial movements. Chorus-like vocalisations are common in the wild, in which entire groups may call together (4).

This species is endemic to southwestern China along the Tibetan plateau. The largest populations occur in Woolong Natural Reserve in Sichuan Province (4). They also occur in Gansu, Hubei and Shaanxi Provinces (1).

Inhabits high mountainous forests, reaching elevations of around 3000 meters (3), but they may descend to lower altitudes in winter (2). They live in temperate broadleaved and coniferous forests (4).

Relatively little is known of these elusive monkeys. Recent studies have thrown light on many aspects of their behaviour and ecology, but still more research is required. They are highly social monkeys (4), forming units of 20 – 30 in winter, which often come together into larger troops of up to 200 in the summer (3). Several of these groups may in turn combine temporarily to form enormous bands of up to 600 (3). These larger groups are sub-divided into smaller family units comprising of one dominant male and around 4 females with their young (2). Most activity occurs in the trees, but some feeding may take place on the ground (2). When threatened, the monkeys take refuge by climbing very quickly high up into the trees. They feed mainly on pine needles and young firs, but they also take bamboo shoots, leaves, buds and fruits (2).

Although golden snub-nosed monkeys display mating behaviour throughout the year, most births tend to occur in spring and summer (2) (4). Most matings are solicited by the female, who signals her readiness to mate with a number of signals and postures (4). One young is normally produced after a gestation period of 7 months, although occasionally two infants may be produced (2) (4). It is the mother that provides most of the infant's care, although males have been seen grooming their offspring (4). Sexual maturity is attained at 7 years in males and 4-5 years in females (2).

It was once thought that the fur of Rhinopithecus species could prevent rheumatism, and Manchu officials were the only people allowed to wear the pelts. Hunting for the pelts continues to this day, and other parts of the monkeys are used in traditional medicines (2). These monkeys are also hunted for their meat (4). Furthermore, habitat loss is a great and on-going problem (1).

Research into this endearing primate is underway. Hopes are that the more we learn about the habits and ecology of this species, the more likely it will be that successful conservation programmes can be devised (5).

Walker's Mammals of the World Online- Rhinopithecus:
http://www.press.jhu.edu/books/walkers_mammals_of_the_world/primates/primates.cercopithecidae.rhinopithecus.html

Animal Diversity Web:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Pygathrix_roxellana.html

Authenticated (14/10/2005) by Matt Richardson, independent primatologist and writer.