Deep within the misty Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi province, a vibrant community of rare and protected wildlife quietly flourishes. Among them is the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey – an endemic species and national first-class protected animal in China.

Known for their striking golden fur, blue faces, and upturned noses, these monkeys are often called the "beauty kings" of the primate world.

A golden snub-nosed monkey plays on a tree branch. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

In the Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve in Shaanxi, 24 groups totaling 1,973 individuals comprise the largest and most concentrated population of Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys in China.

During the spring and summer observation season, over 270 monkeys gather daily at the monkey monitoring station in Yuhuangmiao village.

According to monitoring officer Zhang Chao, this group includes 19 families, with 21 newborns recorded as of early April. Young rangers Guan Yifan and Li Zishuo, both new to the reserve, have already mastered recognizing individuals by subtle differences in posture and fur.

Young rangers learn to identify golden snub-nosed monkeys. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

One infant in particular caught Guan's attention this season. Through his telescope, he watched a female monkey named Hengbai gently groom her baby. But when she moved, Guan noticed something was wrong – the baby was lifeless. It was a stillborn.

Li hopes that with ongoing research, scientists can identify the causes behind infant mortality and improve survival rates.

As China intensifies efforts to protect flagship species, success stories like the recovery of pandas, crested ibises, and takins offer hope. With continued dedication, the golden snub-nosed monkey and its rare companions are slowly but surely making a comeback.

A mother monkey combs her baby's hair. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]