The UNESCO, in association with the IUCN and the CWCA, has launched a scientific expedition program of China's Francois' leaf monkey. The expedition aims at improving the basic data of the animal's natural reserves. The Francois' leaf monkey, also known as Presbytis francoisi, was listed as an endangered species in 2008. In 1997, Mayanghe Nature Reserve in southwest China began feeding the monkeys in their natural habitat. "Each group inhabits an area as large as 300 hectares," said professor Yang Yeqin.