Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkeys Live at Extreme Altitudes

High in the mountains of southwestern China lives one of the world's most endangered primates. The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, also known as the black snub-nosed monkey, makes its home in coniferous forests at elevations between 3,000 and 4,700 meters. This is higher than any other primate species lives naturally, with the exception of humans in high-altitude settlements. The monkeys have adapted to the cold, oxygen-poor environment with thicker fur than other primates and specialized blood chemistry. They are social animals, living in groups of up to 500 individuals. Habitat loss and hunting have reduced their population to fewer than 2,000 individuals. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their mountain forest habitats in Yunnan and Tibet.