The golden snub-nosed monkey is a striking monkey of China’s mountain forests, with golden fur and a bright blue face. It lives in some of the coldest habitats of any primate.
Interesting facts
- It has a sky-blue face, golden fur and a tiny, upturned nose.
- Its nose may be an adaptation to prevent frostbite.
- It lives in large bands of hundreds of monkeys, made up of smaller family units.
- Golden snub-nosed monkeys are found only in China.
- Their long, thick fur keeps them warm in winter snow.
- About 20,000–25,000 are thought to remain.
Behaviour
These monkeys live in bands that split into family groups of one male and several females. They spend most of their time in trees and move to lower altitudes in winter.
Breeding and young
After about seven months, a single infant is born, usually in spring. Other females help care for it.
Threats and conservation
Habitat loss from logging and development, and hunting in the past.
Where to see it
- Shennongjia National Park, Hubei, China
- Zhouzhi Nature Reserve, Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi
- Tangjiahe and Wanglang nature reserves, Sichuan
- A few zoos in China and elsewhere
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
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