The Southern routes of the Silk Road provide habitat for some rare and unusual fauna. Some are critically endangered; some seem to be holding their own against the encroachment of man. Here are just a few of the fascinating animals to be found there.
Red Panda
The red panda is slightly larger than a domestic cat with a bear-like body and thick russet fur. The belly and limbs are black, and there are white markings on the side of the head and above its small eyes. Primarily herbivorous, the name panda is said to come from the Nepali word ‘ponya,’ which means bamboo or plant eating animal. Red pandas and giant pandas share a similar name—and a love for bamboo—but they aren’t closely related. Scientists think that red pandas are more closely related to weasels, raccoons, and skunks. And while giant pandas spend most of their time plodding around on the ground looking for food, red pandas spend about 90 percent of their time in the trees in the misty mountains of Nepal, Myanmar, and central China where they live. In fact, red pandas have adapted so well to life in the trees that they’re famous for their incredible acrobatic skills. They even have a special thumb-like wrist bone that helps them get an extra grip when climbing. Spending time in trees is how these animals avoid predators, such as snow leopards. Their reddish coats and white face markings provide camouflage in the red-brown moss and white lichen of trees where they live. About the only time red pandas go to the ground is to defecate. And they scamper down tree trunks headfirst. How? They rotate their ankles 180 degrees—that’s like being able to turn your foot backward. The move gives their curved claws a better angle to hang on to the bark. Red pandas are endangered. Their forest homes are being cut down, and poachers hunt them for their fur and for the illegal pet trade.
The red panda is slightly larger than a domestic cat with a bear-like body and thick russet fur. The belly and limbs are black, and there are white markings on the side of the head and above its small eyes. Primarily herbivorous, the name panda is said to come from the Nepali word ‘ponya,’ which means bamboo or plant eating animal. Red pandas and giant pandas share a similar name—and a love for bamboo—but they aren’t closely related. Scientists think that red pandas are more closely related to weasels, raccoons, and skunks. And while giant pandas spend most of their time plodding around on the ground looking for food, red pandas spend about 90 percent of their time in the trees in the misty mountains of Nepal, Myanmar, and central China where they live. In fact, red pandas have adapted so well to life in the trees that they’re famous for their incredible acrobatic skills. They even have a special thumb-like wrist bone that helps them get an extra grip when climbing. Spending time in trees is how these animals avoid predators, such as snow leopards. Their reddish coats and white face markings provide camouflage in the red-brown moss and white lichen of trees where they live. About the only time red pandas go to the ground is to defecate. And they scamper down tree trunks headfirst. How? They rotate their ankles 180 degrees—that’s like being able to turn your foot backward. The move gives their curved claws a better angle to hang on to the bark. Red pandas are endangered. Their forest homes are being cut down, and poachers hunt them for their fur and for the illegal pet trade.
Black Snub-nosed Monkey
The black snub-nosed monkey (also known as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey) is a medium-sized primate species named for its black fur and a distinctive upturned nose, which results from a lack of nasal bones. Adult females weigh in at roughly 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and adult males at 30 pounds (14 kilograms).
The monkey lives almost exclusively in the Yunling mountain region of Southwestern China. The black snub-nosed monkey lives at higher altitudes than any other primate species (aside from humans), inhabiting coniferous forest roughly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) to 15,000 feet (4,700 meters) above sea level. In the winter, the monkey moves to the highest part of its range despite increasingly cold temperatures. This is because lichen is more abundant at these heights.
The black snub-nosed monkey (also known as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey) is a medium-sized primate species named for its black fur and a distinctive upturned nose, which results from a lack of nasal bones. Adult females weigh in at roughly 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and adult males at 30 pounds (14 kilograms).
The monkey lives almost exclusively in the Yunling mountain region of Southwestern China. The black snub-nosed monkey lives at higher altitudes than any other primate species (aside from humans), inhabiting coniferous forest roughly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) to 15,000 feet (4,700 meters) above sea level. In the winter, the monkey moves to the highest part of its range despite increasingly cold temperatures. This is because lichen is more abundant at these heights.
Eastern Hoolock Gibbon
The Eastern Hoolock Gibbon is one of two species of Hoolock Gibbon. This species is found particularly east of the Chindwin River in Myanmar and in southwest Yunnan (China). Hoolocks are the second largest of the gibbons, after the siamang. They reach a size of 60 to 90 centimeters and weigh 6 to 9 kilograms. The sexes are about the same size, but they differ considerably in coloration: males are black or blackish in color, with a white strip above their eyes. Females are lighter, ranging from pale and buff to a gray-brown fur, which is darker at the chest and neck. Both have black faces. White rings around the eyes and around the mouth of females give their face a mask-like appearance.
The Eastern Hoolock Gibbon is one of two species of Hoolock Gibbon. This species is found particularly east of the Chindwin River in Myanmar and in southwest Yunnan (China). Hoolocks are the second largest of the gibbons, after the siamang. They reach a size of 60 to 90 centimeters and weigh 6 to 9 kilograms. The sexes are about the same size, but they differ considerably in coloration: males are black or blackish in color, with a white strip above their eyes. Females are lighter, ranging from pale and buff to a gray-brown fur, which is darker at the chest and neck. Both have black faces. White rings around the eyes and around the mouth of females give their face a mask-like appearance.
Phayre’s Leaf Monkey
Phayre’s leaf monkey, also known as Phayre’s langur, are an endangered species which mainly inhabit in Yunnan and neighboring Myanmar. The Phayre’s leaf monkey is a species of lutung mainly living in primordial broad-leaved forest below an altitude of 2700 meters, these creatures love foraging and playing on the top of woods. They usually live in groups – 60 to 80 at most.
Phayre’s leaf monkey, also known as Phayre’s langur, are an endangered species which mainly inhabit in Yunnan and neighboring Myanmar. The Phayre’s leaf monkey is a species of lutung mainly living in primordial broad-leaved forest below an altitude of 2700 meters, these creatures love foraging and playing on the top of woods. They usually live in groups – 60 to 80 at most.
Flying squirrels
Flying squirrels are a tribe of 50 species of squirrels in the family Sciuridae. They are not capable of flight in the same way as birds or bats but are able to glide from one tree to another with the aid of a patagium, a furry, parachute-like membrane that stretches from wrist to ankle. Their long tail provides stability in flight. Anatomically they are very similar to other squirrels but have a number of adaptations to suit their life style; their limb bones are longer and their hand, foot bones and distal vertebrae are shorter. Flying squirrels are able to steer and exert control over their glide path with their limbs and tail.
Flying squirrels are a tribe of 50 species of squirrels in the family Sciuridae. They are not capable of flight in the same way as birds or bats but are able to glide from one tree to another with the aid of a patagium, a furry, parachute-like membrane that stretches from wrist to ankle. Their long tail provides stability in flight. Anatomically they are very similar to other squirrels but have a number of adaptations to suit their life style; their limb bones are longer and their hand, foot bones and distal vertebrae are shorter. Flying squirrels are able to steer and exert control over their glide path with their limbs and tail.
Black giant squirrel
The beautiful Black Giant Squirrel is one of the largest squirrels in the world. It inhabits tall primary forest and generally remains high in the canopy, but at times may be found at lower levels when feeding. It is largely solitary in habit and extremely shy, rarely coming to ground. It can confidently make huge leaps from branch to branch in the high canopy. Its upperparts and tail are jet black, but the cheeks, chest, front of the forelimbs and underparts are cream or orange. The tail is long and dorso-ventrally flattened. It is found in forests from northern Bangladesh, Northern India, Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Southern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and western Indonesia.
The beautiful Black Giant Squirrel is one of the largest squirrels in the world. It inhabits tall primary forest and generally remains high in the canopy, but at times may be found at lower levels when feeding. It is largely solitary in habit and extremely shy, rarely coming to ground. It can confidently make huge leaps from branch to branch in the high canopy. Its upperparts and tail are jet black, but the cheeks, chest, front of the forelimbs and underparts are cream or orange. The tail is long and dorso-ventrally flattened. It is found in forests from northern Bangladesh, Northern India, Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Southern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and western Indonesia.
Tibetan Takin
The Sichuan takin or Tibetan takin a subspecies of goat-antelope. Listed as a vulnerable species, the Sichuan takin is native to Tibet and the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu and Xinjiang in the People's Republic of China. Takin inhabit the same dense bamboo forests as the better known giant panda. Sichuan takins live in these dense thickets and bamboo groves, in family groups of up to 30 individuals. Despite being large, stocky and relatively slow moving, the Sichuan takin is quite agile in manoeuvering around its rocky habitat’s steep and challenging slopes. Takins have adaptations that help them stay warm and dry during the bitter cold of winter in the Himalayan Mountains. A thick, secondary coat is grown to keep out the chill. The large, moose-like snout has large sinus cavities to warm up the air a takin inhales before it gets to the lungs. Without this adaptation, takins would lose a large amount of body heat just by breathing. Although they have no skin glands, their skin secretes an oily, bitter-tasting substance that acts as a natural raincoat in storms and fog. Streaks of this oily stuff can be seen where takins rub. They also have an odour that smells like a combination of horse and musk.
The Sichuan takin or Tibetan takin a subspecies of goat-antelope. Listed as a vulnerable species, the Sichuan takin is native to Tibet and the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu and Xinjiang in the People's Republic of China. Takin inhabit the same dense bamboo forests as the better known giant panda. Sichuan takins live in these dense thickets and bamboo groves, in family groups of up to 30 individuals. Despite being large, stocky and relatively slow moving, the Sichuan takin is quite agile in manoeuvering around its rocky habitat’s steep and challenging slopes. Takins have adaptations that help them stay warm and dry during the bitter cold of winter in the Himalayan Mountains. A thick, secondary coat is grown to keep out the chill. The large, moose-like snout has large sinus cavities to warm up the air a takin inhales before it gets to the lungs. Without this adaptation, takins would lose a large amount of body heat just by breathing. Although they have no skin glands, their skin secretes an oily, bitter-tasting substance that acts as a natural raincoat in storms and fog. Streaks of this oily stuff can be seen where takins rub. They also have an odour that smells like a combination of horse and musk.
Giant Panda
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, home to more than 30% of the world's pandas which are classed as highly endangered and considered a National Treasure in China. The sanctuaries constitute the largest remaining contiguous habitat of the giant panda, a relict from the paleo-tropic forests of the Tertiary Era. It is also the species' most important site for captive breeding. The sanctuaries are home to other globally endangered animals such as the red panda, the snow leopard and clouded leopard. They are among the botanically richest sites of any region in the world outside the tropical rainforests, with between 5,000 and 6,000 species of flora in over 1,000 genera.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, home to more than 30% of the world's pandas which are classed as highly endangered and considered a National Treasure in China. The sanctuaries constitute the largest remaining contiguous habitat of the giant panda, a relict from the paleo-tropic forests of the Tertiary Era. It is also the species' most important site for captive breeding. The sanctuaries are home to other globally endangered animals such as the red panda, the snow leopard and clouded leopard. They are among the botanically richest sites of any region in the world outside the tropical rainforests, with between 5,000 and 6,000 species of flora in over 1,000 genera.
Snow leopard
The snow leopard also known as the ounce, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline about 10% by 2040. It is threatened by poaching and habitat destruction following infrastructural developments. It inhabits alpine and subalpine zones at elevations of 3,000–4,500 m (9,800–14,800 ft), ranging from eastern Afghanistan, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau to southern Siberia, Mongolia and western China. The snow leopard shows several adaptations for living in a cold, mountainous environment. Its small rounded ears help to minimize heat loss. Its broad paws well distribute the body weight for walking on snow, and have fur on their undersides to increase the grip on steep and unstable surfaces; it also helps to minimize heat loss. Its long and flexible tail helps to maintain balance in the rocky terrain. The tail is very thick due to fat storage, and is covered in a thick layer of fur, which allows the cat to use it like a blanket to protect its face when asleep.
The snow leopard also known as the ounce, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline about 10% by 2040. It is threatened by poaching and habitat destruction following infrastructural developments. It inhabits alpine and subalpine zones at elevations of 3,000–4,500 m (9,800–14,800 ft), ranging from eastern Afghanistan, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau to southern Siberia, Mongolia and western China. The snow leopard shows several adaptations for living in a cold, mountainous environment. Its small rounded ears help to minimize heat loss. Its broad paws well distribute the body weight for walking on snow, and have fur on their undersides to increase the grip on steep and unstable surfaces; it also helps to minimize heat loss. Its long and flexible tail helps to maintain balance in the rocky terrain. The tail is very thick due to fat storage, and is covered in a thick layer of fur, which allows the cat to use it like a blanket to protect its face when asleep.
HIMELAYAN BLACK BEAR
It is distinguished from U. t. thibetanus by its longer, thicker fur and smaller, whiter chest mark. During the summer, black bears can be found in warmer areas in Nepal, China, Bhutan, India and Tibet at altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet (3,000 to 3,700 m) up near the timberline. For winter, they descend as low as 5,000 feet (1,500 metres), to more tropical forests. On average, they measure from 56 to 65 inches (140 to 170 cm) nose to tail and weigh from 200 to 265 pounds (91 to 120 kg), though they may weigh as much as 400 pounds (180 kilograms) in the fall, when they are fattening up for hibernation. This subspecies is listed as 'vulnerable' due to encroachment of human population, forest fires and the timber industries; these have all reduced the bear's habitat. There is also a high mortality rate among the newborn. And even though hunting of the black bear has been forbidden since 1977, there is still a large problem with poaching.
It is distinguished from U. t. thibetanus by its longer, thicker fur and smaller, whiter chest mark. During the summer, black bears can be found in warmer areas in Nepal, China, Bhutan, India and Tibet at altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet (3,000 to 3,700 m) up near the timberline. For winter, they descend as low as 5,000 feet (1,500 metres), to more tropical forests. On average, they measure from 56 to 65 inches (140 to 170 cm) nose to tail and weigh from 200 to 265 pounds (91 to 120 kg), though they may weigh as much as 400 pounds (180 kilograms) in the fall, when they are fattening up for hibernation. This subspecies is listed as 'vulnerable' due to encroachment of human population, forest fires and the timber industries; these have all reduced the bear's habitat. There is also a high mortality rate among the newborn. And even though hunting of the black bear has been forbidden since 1977, there is still a large problem with poaching.
WILD YAK
The Wild yak is a large wild bovid native to the Himalayas. They are among the largest bovids and are second only to the gaur in shoulder height. They are also the largest native animal in their range. Wild yaks are heavily built animals with a bulky frame, sturdy legs, and rounded cloven hooves. Both sexes have long shaggy hair with a dense woolly undercoat over the chest, flanks, and thighs for insulation against the cold. In males especially, this undercoat may form a long "skirt" that can reach the ground. The tail is long and horse-like. The coat is typically black or dark brown covering most of the body, with a grey muzzle, although some wild golden-brown individuals have been reported. Wild yaks with gold-colored hair are known as the Wild Golden yak. Wild yaks are found primarily in northern Tibet and western Qinghai (Northwestern China). Uncontrolled hunting is a major threat to Wild yaks with males particularly impacted because of their more solitary habits.
The Wild yak is a large wild bovid native to the Himalayas. They are among the largest bovids and are second only to the gaur in shoulder height. They are also the largest native animal in their range. Wild yaks are heavily built animals with a bulky frame, sturdy legs, and rounded cloven hooves. Both sexes have long shaggy hair with a dense woolly undercoat over the chest, flanks, and thighs for insulation against the cold. In males especially, this undercoat may form a long "skirt" that can reach the ground. The tail is long and horse-like. The coat is typically black or dark brown covering most of the body, with a grey muzzle, although some wild golden-brown individuals have been reported. Wild yaks with gold-colored hair are known as the Wild Golden yak. Wild yaks are found primarily in northern Tibet and western Qinghai (Northwestern China). Uncontrolled hunting is a major threat to Wild yaks with males particularly impacted because of their more solitary habits.
Blue sheep
Blue sheep, also called bharal, inhabit upland slopes in a wide range throughout China, from Inner Mongolia to the Himalayas. Despite their name, blue sheep are neither blue nor sheep. These slate gray to pale brown caprines are actually more closely related to goats. Adult males have beautiful, rather large, backward-sweeping horns (over 50 cm (20 inches) long and weighing 7–9 kg (15–20 pounds), whereas females have very small horns. Like sheep, males lack a beard and do not have calluses on their knees or a strong body odour. Like goats, they have a flat, broad tail with a bare ventral surface, conspicuous markings on their forelegs, and large dew claws. Blue sheep live in groups; in treeless slopes, alpine meadows, and shrub zones above the timberline; on relatively gentle hillsides with grasses and sedges; and near cliffs, which serve as useful routes of escape from predators. They seldom move farther than 200 metres (600 feet) from a rocky retreat. Blue sheep populations are heavily affected by hunting. Although even subsistence hunting by locals can prove destructive because of the use of modern firearms, it is hunting by and for foreigners that is particularly damaging to the survival of the species.
Blue sheep, also called bharal, inhabit upland slopes in a wide range throughout China, from Inner Mongolia to the Himalayas. Despite their name, blue sheep are neither blue nor sheep. These slate gray to pale brown caprines are actually more closely related to goats. Adult males have beautiful, rather large, backward-sweeping horns (over 50 cm (20 inches) long and weighing 7–9 kg (15–20 pounds), whereas females have very small horns. Like sheep, males lack a beard and do not have calluses on their knees or a strong body odour. Like goats, they have a flat, broad tail with a bare ventral surface, conspicuous markings on their forelegs, and large dew claws. Blue sheep live in groups; in treeless slopes, alpine meadows, and shrub zones above the timberline; on relatively gentle hillsides with grasses and sedges; and near cliffs, which serve as useful routes of escape from predators. They seldom move farther than 200 metres (600 feet) from a rocky retreat. Blue sheep populations are heavily affected by hunting. Although even subsistence hunting by locals can prove destructive because of the use of modern firearms, it is hunting by and for foreigners that is particularly damaging to the survival of the species.
Tibetan antelope
The Tibetan antelope or chiru is a medium-sized bovid native to the northeastern Tibetan plateau. Most of the population live within the Chinese border, while some scatter across India and Bhutan. Fewer than 150,000 mature individuals are left in the wild, but the population is currently thought to be increasing. In 1980s and 1990s, they had become endangered due to massive illegal poaching. They are hunted for their extremely soft, light and warm underfur which is usually obtained after death. This underfur, known as shahtoosh (a Persian word meaning "king of fine wools"), is used to weave luxury shawls. Shahtoosh shawls were traditionally given as wedding gifts in India and it takes the underfur of three to five adult antelopes to make one shawl. Despite strict controls on trade of shahtoosh products, there is still demand for these luxury items. Within India, shawls are worth $1,000–$5,000; internationally the price can reach as high as $20,000. In 1997 the Chinese government established the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve (also known as Kekexili) solely to protect the Tibetan antelope population.
The Tibetan antelope or chiru is a medium-sized bovid native to the northeastern Tibetan plateau. Most of the population live within the Chinese border, while some scatter across India and Bhutan. Fewer than 150,000 mature individuals are left in the wild, but the population is currently thought to be increasing. In 1980s and 1990s, they had become endangered due to massive illegal poaching. They are hunted for their extremely soft, light and warm underfur which is usually obtained after death. This underfur, known as shahtoosh (a Persian word meaning "king of fine wools"), is used to weave luxury shawls. Shahtoosh shawls were traditionally given as wedding gifts in India and it takes the underfur of three to five adult antelopes to make one shawl. Despite strict controls on trade of shahtoosh products, there is still demand for these luxury items. Within India, shawls are worth $1,000–$5,000; internationally the price can reach as high as $20,000. In 1997 the Chinese government established the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve (also known as Kekexili) solely to protect the Tibetan antelope population.
Tibetan gazelle
The Tibetan Gazelle is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. The Gazelle has a sandy-brown to greyish-brown coat that is greyer in the summer than in the winter. The fronts of the Tibetan Gazelle’s slender legs are light grey. The inside of the Gazelle’s legs, the Gazelle’s belly, and the Gazelle’s large, heart-shaped rump patch are white. A light, rust-coloured border surrounds the rump patch. The Tibetan Gazelle’s hairs are erectible, and conspicuously fan out when the Gazelle is alarmed, such as when the Gazelle is fleeing from a predator. Male gazelles have thin, ridged horns that measure an average of 28.9 centimetres (11.4 inches) in length. These horns curve up, backwards, and up again, the tips often bending in slightly.
The Tibetan Gazelle inhabits open landscapes, including plains, hills, and mountains. In the mountains, the Gazelle is found both in valleys and on high ridges. Most Tibetan gazelles occur in Tibet, but small numbers may also be found in Ladakh and Northern Sikkim. Within Tibet, the Gazelle population in concentrated in the Chang Tang in northern Tibet. The Tibetan Gazelle has been and continues to be widely hunted, especially for food.
The Tibetan Gazelle is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. The Gazelle has a sandy-brown to greyish-brown coat that is greyer in the summer than in the winter. The fronts of the Tibetan Gazelle’s slender legs are light grey. The inside of the Gazelle’s legs, the Gazelle’s belly, and the Gazelle’s large, heart-shaped rump patch are white. A light, rust-coloured border surrounds the rump patch. The Tibetan Gazelle’s hairs are erectible, and conspicuously fan out when the Gazelle is alarmed, such as when the Gazelle is fleeing from a predator. Male gazelles have thin, ridged horns that measure an average of 28.9 centimetres (11.4 inches) in length. These horns curve up, backwards, and up again, the tips often bending in slightly.
The Tibetan Gazelle inhabits open landscapes, including plains, hills, and mountains. In the mountains, the Gazelle is found both in valleys and on high ridges. Most Tibetan gazelles occur in Tibet, but small numbers may also be found in Ladakh and Northern Sikkim. Within Tibet, the Gazelle population in concentrated in the Chang Tang in northern Tibet. The Tibetan Gazelle has been and continues to be widely hunted, especially for food.
Himelayan mouse hare
Royle's pika also called the Himalayan mouse hare or hui shutu, is a species of pika found in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. This is the most common pika species in the Himalayas, and is mostly seen in the open rocky mountain edges or slopes, or on ground covered with conifer trees, such as pine, deodar and rhododendron forests. The Himalayan mouse hare is a twilight forager and tend to be inactive during midday hours due to increasing temperatures, which causes heat stress on the species. During monsoon season, foraging is encouraged due to greater food availability. The species has also been found near human habitation. It does not make its own nest; rather, it takes narrow creeks and existing burrow systems as its nest, filling it with hay piles and pine leaves. It also uses the rocky areas on the mountains to take refuge and escape from predators.
Royle's pika also called the Himalayan mouse hare or hui shutu, is a species of pika found in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. This is the most common pika species in the Himalayas, and is mostly seen in the open rocky mountain edges or slopes, or on ground covered with conifer trees, such as pine, deodar and rhododendron forests. The Himalayan mouse hare is a twilight forager and tend to be inactive during midday hours due to increasing temperatures, which causes heat stress on the species. During monsoon season, foraging is encouraged due to greater food availability. The species has also been found near human habitation. It does not make its own nest; rather, it takes narrow creeks and existing burrow systems as its nest, filling it with hay piles and pine leaves. It also uses the rocky areas on the mountains to take refuge and escape from predators.
Slow Loris
The Slow Loris, also known as the “loris monkey”, inhabits tropical rainforests and subtropical monsoon rainforests. They live entirely in trees and rarely go to the ground. They move very slowly but accelerate when attacked. Found in Yunnan and southern Guangxi, it is a protected animal.
The Slow Loris, also known as the “loris monkey”, inhabits tropical rainforests and subtropical monsoon rainforests. They live entirely in trees and rarely go to the ground. They move very slowly but accelerate when attacked. Found in Yunnan and southern Guangxi, it is a protected animal.
Golden monkey
The Golden Monkey is one of the rare and precious animals of the world. Of the four species of Golden monkey, three of them inhabit China and are under State protection. The Golden Monkey is a typical arboreal animal inhabiting mountainous forests 1500 to 3300 meters (4921-10826 ft) above sea level in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. The Yunnan Golden Monkey has white fur on both sides of its face, mainly inhabiting in Yunnan, Sichuan and eastern Tibet. They are gregarious with large colonies divided into many small units. Colonies have been known to number more than 600 individuals, which is rare for primates. Golden Monkeys eat lichens, sprouts, fruits, seeds, buds, leaves, bamboo shoots, flowers, as well as barks and roots. Additionally, they enjoy eating insects, birds and bird’s eggs.
The Golden Monkey is one of the rare and precious animals of the world. Of the four species of Golden monkey, three of them inhabit China and are under State protection. The Golden Monkey is a typical arboreal animal inhabiting mountainous forests 1500 to 3300 meters (4921-10826 ft) above sea level in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. The Yunnan Golden Monkey has white fur on both sides of its face, mainly inhabiting in Yunnan, Sichuan and eastern Tibet. They are gregarious with large colonies divided into many small units. Colonies have been known to number more than 600 individuals, which is rare for primates. Golden Monkeys eat lichens, sprouts, fruits, seeds, buds, leaves, bamboo shoots, flowers, as well as barks and roots. Additionally, they enjoy eating insects, birds and bird’s eggs.
Musk deer
Secretions from the scent gland or "pod" of the male musk deer are used in many traditional East Asian medicines to treat a variety of ailments relating to the heart, nerves and breathing. Musk is also used in non-medicinal products such as cosmetics, personal hygiene products, shampoos and detergents. Musk can be produced synthetically, and often is for the non-medicinal products, but natural musk is still preferred in traditional East Asian medicine, and for some perfume manufacturers. Musk deer have been hunted for their scent glands, which are used in perfumes. The glands can fetch up to $45,000/kg on the black market. Musk deer are not true deer but are closely related to the group that contains antelopes, bovines, sheep, and goats. They live mainly in forested and alpine scrub habitats in the mountains of South Asia, notably the Himalayas, generally far from human habitation. Musk deer are herbivores, eating mainly leaves, flowers, and grasses, with some mosses and lichens. They are solitary animals and maintain well-defined territories, which they scent mark with their caudal glands. Musk deer are generally shy and either nocturnal or active in twilight.
Secretions from the scent gland or "pod" of the male musk deer are used in many traditional East Asian medicines to treat a variety of ailments relating to the heart, nerves and breathing. Musk is also used in non-medicinal products such as cosmetics, personal hygiene products, shampoos and detergents. Musk can be produced synthetically, and often is for the non-medicinal products, but natural musk is still preferred in traditional East Asian medicine, and for some perfume manufacturers. Musk deer have been hunted for their scent glands, which are used in perfumes. The glands can fetch up to $45,000/kg on the black market. Musk deer are not true deer but are closely related to the group that contains antelopes, bovines, sheep, and goats. They live mainly in forested and alpine scrub habitats in the mountains of South Asia, notably the Himalayas, generally far from human habitation. Musk deer are herbivores, eating mainly leaves, flowers, and grasses, with some mosses and lichens. They are solitary animals and maintain well-defined territories, which they scent mark with their caudal glands. Musk deer are generally shy and either nocturnal or active in twilight.
