Yunnan's golden monkeys get own database

Diqing (CNS) -- The White Horse Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve authority is building a data base for more than 600 Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, also known as golden monkeys under its jurisdiction, to monitor their migration, foraging habits, and breeding, Director Zhong Tai at the Weixi management bureau revealed on Monday.

Among world's 25 most endangered primate animals, the Yunnan golden monkey is the only species to share the feature of red lips with humankind. Much like the panda, It is regarded as a national treasure, with only around 2,500 in China.

The family tree project creates files resembling human ID cards, recording the birth, mate, fertility, migration, and death of each specific monkey. The effort can also deter inbreeding. Whenever a golden monkey is found in the wilderness, a simple check into the data base will provide all the information available on that animal.

Preliminary data collection is complete, and the individual identification process is ongoing.