Black leaf monkey population hits new high in Guizhou

Researchers at Guizhou Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, the world's largest habitat for black leaf monkeys, have spotted five golden-furred black leaf monkey infants via infrared monitoring systems on Sunday. This marks the third group of newborn monkeys recorded in the reserve this year, signaling a major achievement in protecting endangered species in China's karst regions.

As a first-level protected animal in China, the black leaf monkey is listed as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List and has strict requirements for its habitat. The unique karst canyon landscape of the Mayanghe Reserve provides an ideal home: it hosts over 2,300 plant species, more than 140 of which serve as natural food sources for the monkeys. With a forest coverage of 70.2 percent, the reserve also acts as a robust ecological barrier.

"We've taken comprehensive ecological measures to ensure the monkeys have enough food and a good living environment," said Zou Qixian, chief engineer of the reserve's administrative bureau. The reserve has planted native food plants like plums and mulberries in core monkey habitats and built a 33-hectare supplementary forest base – a "self-service canteen" that guarantees a year-round food supply. Additionally, the monkeys' habitat has increased by 30 percent compared to five years ago through a project to purchase commercial plantations, reducing the risk of inbreeding and laying a solid foundation for healthy population reproduction.

The thriving population of Mayanghe's black leaf monkeys, growing from around 300 to over 550 individuals, stands as a vivid example of China's efforts to promote biodiversity conservation and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.