Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey

china · endangered · mountain-dweller · primates

Upside-down nose. This monkey has a funny, snub nose that points upward instead of down like most primates. Scientists think the weird nose helps water drain away when it rains in the mountains.

Mountain extreme. Golden snub-nosed monkeys live higher in the mountains than almost any other monkey, reaching elevations of 11,200 feet or more. Only a few places in central and southwestern China are cold and wild enough for them.

Golden fur coat. Their long, silky fur is bright golden-yellow, which makes them stunning to spot among the dark green forests. The Chinese name for them is Sichuan golden hair monkey because of this beautiful coat.

Rare and special. Of all the snub-nosed monkeys in China, this species spreads across the most territory, but it is still quite rare. They live in just a handful of remote forests where few people ever go.