The golden monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellanae) also known as the snub-nosed monkey, is restricted to southern and central China where its population numbers as few as 10,000 -15,000. This species has been listed as a First Category Protected Species by the Chinese Government.

As the common names suggest, the golden monkey has an orange to golden coat and distinctive facial features including its slight nose, the exposed blue skin of its eye mask and its bulging upper lip. As adults, golden monkey’s grow to 57-76cm (22 -30’’) with a tail of 51-72cm (20 —28’’) and can weight 16-35kg (35 - 77lb). Females reach sexual maturity at 4 to 5 years while males take up to 7 years. Births of one to two young generally take place during spring and summer.

Social groups range from 5-10 individuals up to ‘troops’ of 600 with their home range anywhere between 10 to 40km2 (6 - 25 mi2) depending on the groups altitude in the mountain range. Golden monkeys spend most of their time in trees however some feeding and social interaction including play takes place on the ground. The golden monkey is a general feeder, its diet is diverse feeding on more than 100 different species of plants.

The golden monkey is a very alert animal. If frightened, the animals flee through the upper levels of the canopy at great speed. Thus the local knowledge of the Changqing guides is crucial to being able to view these beautiful and highly endangered primates in the wild.

With all wildlife viewing there can, unfortunately, be no guarantees.  Changqing does, however, guarantee a good chance of viewing golden monkeys in the wild.  And whatever time of year you come, our guides can, at very least, show you evidence and the general residence of, golden monkeys in Changqing National Nature Reserve.

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