Phayre's Leaf Monkeys: Local govt. seeks balance of animal protection and local development

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A type of monkey that's also an endangered species is spurring a movement aimed at protecting the environment. The Phayre's leaf monkey has been spotted in parts of Southwest China's Yunnan Province since last year. As local government keeps up efforts to better protect them, CGTN's Yang Jinghao shows us what else is being done.

Patrolling the forests near his home, guarding against deforestation, poaching and fire. Part of Duan Shengping's daily routine since 2014. Now, he shoulders an extra responsibility – observing the Phayre's leaf monkey, a kind of first-class protected species in China. He also takes records on it.

DUAN SHENGPING FOREST RANGER "We take a patrolling diary every day. I saw about 40 to 50 monkeys today, and I need to record their daily habits, like what they eat, based on my observations."

Southwest China's Yunnan Province is home to more Phayre's leaf monkeys than any other part of the country. In recent years, their numbers have sharply declined due to habitat destruction.

Since early 2018, scores of primates have been captured on camera in Dehong, a prefecture that borders Myanmar. This has prompted local government to implement scientific investigations and roll out various protection measures. One of their efforts – establishing a smart monitoring network, complete with infrared cameras.

YU SHUANGPING DEHONG FORESTRY BUREAU "We hope we can work out more scientific and feasible protection plans based on the data we collect. Moreover, this footage will be a good platform from which to publicize biodiversity and educate the public about protecting ecology."

Despite rousing support from the public, the ongoing conservations have also brought challenges to local villagers.

DUAN SHENGPING FOREST RANGER "The woods used to be a major source of income for us. The deforestation ban has triggered many complaints, as our livelihood is inevitably affected. But now, people's awareness has improved a lot."

And authorities are making efforts to address the conflict between nature conservation and local community development. Some non-profit organizations are on board.

SUN JING, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL YUNNAN GREEN ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION "We're planning a pilot program. We will help farmers plant medical herbs under the woods, optimize their energy structure, and establish clean toilets for them. We try to set a model for local government."

Duan Shengping says these will benefit locals another way too. He believes, with joint efforts from both government and local residents, there will be more monkeys in the coming years, living in harmony with them.

YJH, CGTN, Dehong prefecture in Yunnan Province.