A national treasure

Smart forest fire control, and patrol and tourism safety management systems have been put in place. Animal protection brochures have been distributed among the local residents who live around the periphery of the mountain to raise awareness and to nip possible transgressions in the bud.

Since 2018, more than 46,000 locals have received related education and more than 450 hotels, rural restaurants and homestays have been inspected. Nearly 160 wild animals have been saved.

Those efforts have helped increase the volume of rare flora and fauna.

The number of golden monkeys has risen from 500 in 1993 to more than 750 since the wildlife rescue station was built in the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in 1992.

Staff members at the reserve have overcome challenges and managed to breed a third generation of golden monkeys.

One of Yang Shengji's major responsibilities is tracking the primates.

The 54-year-old started working on the mountain in 1993. He has become used to being on his own in the wilderness and sees the golden monkeys as his company.