Harmony Keepers: Guardians of golden snub-nosed monkeys

Home to the largest and densest population of golden snub-nosed monkeys, the Baihe National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province is a sanctuary where life and nature resonate in harmony. For forest ranger Tang Yulin, safeguarding this lush habitat has been a tough yet profoundly rewarding journey.

For over 30 years, Tang has forged a deep bond with the wildlife there. Every morning, he treks through the rugged mountains, searching for traces of the monkeys – footprints, snapped branches, or their distinctive calls.

Tang's connection to the reserve runs deep. He grew up learning from his granduncle, one of the reserve's founding rangers. This legacy fuels his passion for conservation and his hope to inspire future generations. When he returns home, he often shares the wonders of nature with his granddaughter. 

Now, the reserve boasts a population of about 1,700 golden snub-nosed monkeys, which scamper around freely like the most playful notes in a natural symphony. In Tang's words: "If the monkeys could understand us, I'd like to tell them that we're their friends. Let's cherish this land and live in harmony." As guardians of the golden snub-nosed monkeys, Tang and his team embody the spirit of coexistence, ensuring that this endangered species continues to thrive in the generations to come.