Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys to further conservation research in Belgium

(ECNS) -- A trio of golden snub-nosed monkeys will head to Belgium as part of an international cooperation program, according to the China Wildlife Conservation Association on Monday.

According to a conservation and research agreement signed with Pairi Daiza in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, one male and two female golden snub-nosed monkeyswould be provided to Belgium for conservation research.

The baby primates born in Belgium will return to China when they reach the age of 5. After the 10-year cooperation period, all the golden monkeys will return to China.

Both parties agreed to maintain close communication and collaborate in accordance with the requirements and technical standards for international cooperation in golden monkey conservation, mentioned in the agreement.

Included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, golden snub-nosed monkeys are mainly found in China's Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, as well as Shennongjia Nature Reserve in Hubei Province.