Golden Snub-nosed monkey
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND BEHAVIOR
Golden snub-nosed monkeys are usually considered to have two tiers of social organization with smaller social groups almost always conglomerating into well-organized larger troops, which can contain up to several hundred individuals and as many as 600 (Hu et al. 1980 cited in Kirkpatrick et al. 1999; Poirier & Hu 1983; Kirkpatrick 1995; Ren et al. 1998; Kirkpatrick et al. 1999; Ren et al. 2000; Zhang et al. 2006; Tan et al 2007). Some researchers, however, divide golden snub-nosed monkey social organization into three tiers; the basic social units, several basic social units organized into bands, and several bands organized into large troops while others place organization at just two levels, the smaller unit and the larger troop composed of the smaller units (Ren et al. 2000; Su et al. 2002; Tan et al. 2003).
golden snub nosed monkey
REPRODUCTION
The wild golden snub-nosed monkey has a polygynous mating system in which a male in a OMU can mate exclusively with the adult females within his group (Li & Zhao 2007). However, extra-unit copulations are known in wild populations, albeit rare (Zhao et al. 2005). Breeding is seasonal in the wild in the Qinling Mountains, with copulations most frequent between September and November, peaking in November with a corresponding birth season between March and May, peaking in April (Li & Zhao 2007). Females avoid mating competition by staggering conception times (Ren et al. 2003). In captivity, birth seasonality is also observed but varies with the location of the captive population (Poirier & Hu 1983; Ren et al. 1995; Zhang et al. 2000; Ren et al. 2003). It is suggested that the seasonality of reproduction is timed such that births occur during favorable environmental conditions most conducive for the survival of the infant (Zhang et al. 2000). In captivity, in spite of seasonal breeding, some mating behavior occurs throughout the year (Ren et al. 1995).
golden snub nosed monkey
PARENTAL CARE
Birth in captivity usually occurs at night and the natal coat consists of long black hairs on the back and head with the rest of the body including the ventral areas covered with white-grey hair (Qi 1986; Rapaport & Mellen 1990). Golden hairs start to appear on the cheeks and arms at 9 days old but by three weeks of age, there is still dark gray hair in the pelage but this color fades in the first several weeks (Rapaport & Mellen 1990). At birth in captivity, the newborn sleeps and feeds in its mother’s arms. At about two weeks old, it will become more independent, eating and playing near its mother (Qi 1986). In the wild, infants are first seen separate from their mother at 23 days old and begin exploratory play at 68 days old. Social play starts at around 2-3 months and increases through 7 months old, with infants preferring to play with other infants of similar age (Li et al. 2004). Solid food is consumed in the wild at 5 months old and infants travel with the group at 6 months old. Infants can be found in contact with caregivers for the first year, however as the infant ages, the amount of contact is less and less and independence increases (Li et al. 2005). Infants are allomothered by other females within their natal OMU and are protected by all group members of both sexes (Poirier & Hu 1983; Su et al. 1992; Su & Ren 1992). Other female unit members will snatch or kidnap, protect and care for the offspring of other females in their OMU. Males have affinitive and tolerant relationships with infants, however they will not typically carry infants (Su et al. 1992; Su & Ren 1992; Su et al. 1992 cited in Ren et al. 2000; R. M. Ren pers. comm. cited in Grüter & Zinner 2004). Weaning conflict starts between an infant and its mother around a year of age and complete weaning occurs around the 19th and 20th month (Su et al. 1992; Su & Ren 1992; Su et al. 1992 cited in Ren et al. 2000). During periods of group rest, aggregations of up to 60 juveniles attended to by one or several males are reported in wild populations, coming together for play or exploration (Ren et al. 2000). Due to the large numbers of juveniles involved, such gatherings must involve the young from different OMUs (Grütter & Zinner 2004). Infanticide by adult males has been reported in captive golden snub-nosed monkeys (Zhang et al. 1999a).COMMUNICATION

golden snub nosed monkey
Content last modified: November 20, 2007
Written by Kurt Gron. Reviewed by Renmei Ren.
Cite this page as: Gron KJ. 2007 November 20. Primate Factsheets: Golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) Behavior . . Accessed 2019 October 2.
INTERNATIONAL STATUS
For individual primate species conservation status, please search the IUCN Red List. Also search the current scientific literature for primate conservation status (overall as well as for individual species), and visit CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
Photo: Cyril Grueter
The Chinese government has enacted a number of protective laws, established reserves and made the golden snub-nosed monkey a conservation priority (Kirkpatrick 1995; Ren et al. 1996/1997). This has resulted in a large proportion of the extant population being located within reserves (Ren et al. 1996/1997). In addition, the species is sympatric with the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and often benefits from reserves dedicated to panda protection (Kirkpatrick 1995; Ren et al. 1996/1997). While protected now, it is clear that the formerly widespread Rhinopithecus genus has already lost the majority of its populations in the last 400 years due to human expansion, wars, habitat destruction, and hunting (Li et al. 2002a).
CONSERVATION THREATS
Threat: Human-Induced Habitat Loss and Degradation
Habitat loss and degradation are the main threats to the golden snub-nosed monkey (Li et al. 2002a; 2002b). Commercial logging represents a clear threat to species as it destroys their habitat, causes them to move elsewhere and alters their ecology (Kirkpatrick 1995; Li et al. 1999). Even the sound of chainsaws and other logging machinery disturbs the species (Li et al. 1999). In addition, local residents also contribute to habitat deforestation by selling firewood in markets as well as using it for cooking and other household uses (Li et al. 2002a). Forests are also often cleared for agriculture and pastoralism (Wang 1998). Even logging of dead wood adversely affects the golden snub-nosed monkey as the species prefers dead trees as sources of lichens (Li 2006). Finally, as primary forest is their preferred habitat, preserving it should be a conservation priority. Thus, deforestation can significantly threaten the species and should be controlled (Li 2004).Threat: Harvesting (hunting/gathering)
Hunting has also been called a significant threat to the species (Wang 1998). In some regions however, local residents will only occasionally hunt and eat the monkeys illegally, with monkey meat not being a significant portion of diets (Kirkpatrick 1995; Li et al. 2002a). Golden snub-nosed monkeys are also hunted for their fur and trapped by poachers (Kirkpatrick 1995; Zhang & Quan 1996). Also, while not the target of such devices, golden snub-nosed monkeys are sometimes killed in wire snares aimed at capturing musk deer (Zhang 1998).Threat: Persecution
Golden snub-nosed monkeys do not crop raid and are not an economic liability for people living in proximity to them (Kirkpatrick 1995). This likely reduces persecution of the species.Threat: Human Disturbance
Human activities, including tourism and related road-building, have altered the ranging patterns of some populations and thus represent a threat to the species (Su et al. 1998).LINKS TO MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION
CONSERVATION INFORMATION
Conservation and Ecology of Golden Monkeys in China (CRES, San Diego Zoo)CONSERVATION NEWS
Tracking China’s Rare Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (ABC News; June 25, 2013) Number of Yunnan golden monkeys increases thanks to protection (China View; February 9, 2009) Endangered monkeys grow in number (China Internet Information Center; January 7, 2008) China’s endangered monkeys make a comeback (Independent Online, South Africa; February 19, 2006) Number of golden monkeys doubled (China View; August 8, 2005) Golden monkeys hope for survival in (China View; January 22, 2004) Links for all speciesORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN Rhinopithecus roxellana CONSERVATION
LVDI International Bureau of Shennongjia Nature ReserveContent last modified: November 20, 2007
Written by Kurt Gron.
Reviewed by Renmei Ren.Cite this page as: Gron KJ. 2007 November 20. Primate Factsheets: Golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) Conservation . . Accessed 2019 October 2.
REFERENCES
Agetsuma N, Wada K, Li B. 1994. Preliminary research of wild golden monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellanae roxellanae) in Qingling mountains, China. Prim Res 10(1):49-56. Brandon-Jones D. 1985. Colobus and leaf monkeys. In: Macdonald D, editor. All the world’s animals: primates. New York: Torstar Books. p 102-13. Clarke AS. 1990. Vocal communication in captive golden monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellanae). Primates 31(4):601-6. Das-Chaudhuri AB. 1991. Primate studies in India-a review. Man In India 71(1):241-77.Content last modified: November 20, 2007
IMAGES
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: A. S. Clarke |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: A. S. Clarke |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: A. S. Clarke |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: A. S. Clarke |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: A. S. Clarke |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Anne Savage |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Anne Savage |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Anne Savage |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Cyril Grueter |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Cyril Grueter |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Cyril Grueter |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Frans de Waal |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Nancy Staley |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: R. Garrison |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Yan Kanghui |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Yan Kanghui |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Yan Kanghui |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Yan Kanghui |
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Rhinopithecus roxellana Photo: Yan Kanghui |
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Photo: Cyril Grueter
The availability of foods and consumption by the golden snub-nosed monkey changes considerably between the seasons (Li 2006). Lichens are available year-round while other foods such as leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds are only present over various periods between April and November. Thus, not surprisingly, lichens are eaten more in winter than in the rest of the year and are a winter staple along with bark, insects and seeds (Su et al. 1998; Li 2001; Li et al. 2002b; Li 2006). In some habitats, lichens are not widely available in winter, resulting in the species relying more on bark in the winter (W.S.Pan, pers. comm. cited in Kirkpatrick 1998). Over the course of the year, diet consists of mostly lichens (Nov-Apr), leaves and lichens (May-July), and fruits, seeds, and lichens (Aug-Oct) (Li 2006). Bryophytes are consumed only in the summer and autumn (Kirkpatrick 1998). The species has been observed eating snow in the winter (Su et al. 1998).
In general, the day is broken up into two halves, with a rest period at noon and travel peaks in both the morning and afternoon (Li 2002). After each of the two travel peaks, more or less sedentary feeding is observed (Ren et al. 2000).
The home range of the golden snub-nosed monkey is quite large, with estimates and observations placing the value between 18.3 and 40 sq. km (7.1 and 15.4 sq. mi) (Su et al. 1998; Li et al. 2000; Ren et al. 2000; Tan et al. 2007). Home ranges of different groups can overlap (Ren et al. 2000). Within the home range, there is a core area of use which is considerably smaller, in one study averaging around 7.4 sq. km (2.9 sq. mi) (Tan et al. 2007). Daily path is variable with the seasons and between study sites, ranging from 100 to 5000 m (328.1 to 16,404.2 ft), with average daily distances ranging between 710 to 2100 m (2329.4 to 6889.8 ft) (Agetsuma et al. 1994; Su et al. 1998; Ren et al. 2000; Li 2002; Tan et al. 2007). Daily path is shorter during the winter than during other times of the year (Li 2002; Tan et al. 2007).
Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) have been seen attacking a juvenile golden snub-nosed monkey and are predators of the species (Zhang et al. 1999b). Other potential and actual predators include the red dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temmincki), leopard (Panthera pardus), fox, zibet (Viverra zibetha), tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis), weasel (Martes sp.) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) (Happel & Cheek 1987; Su et al. 1998; Hu 1998 cited in Li et al. 2002b; Li 2007). A wolf was observed attacking a golden monkey group and fighting an adult male which subsequently died of its injuries (Renmei Ren pers. comm.).
Potential food competitors include the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the takin (Budorcas taxicolor). In addition, the golden snub-nosed monkey may compete for food with the sympatric stump-tailed macaque Macaca arctoides (Happel & Cheek 1987).












