Abstract:

Aims: Snub-nosed monkeys are several leaf-eating primates that are mainly endemic to China. They are extensively focused by the public because of their photogenic and captivating features; they are also considered flagship species of wildlife conservation because their conservation status is threatened by extensive deforestation, agricultural expansion, and hunting. Furthermore, zoologists, anthropologists, and psychologists are attracted by its complexity social organization of a multi-level society, in which hundreds of individuals forage and move together as one cohesive band. 

Results: As the unique and easily distinguished ‘snub-nosed’, snub-nosed monkeys have been recorded in many historical literatures since 770 BC. However, the field studies (in terms of ecology and conservation practices) were only initiated after the new China foundation. These studies which help governments to protect populations had been gradually launched after reform and open policy, and kept pace with international researchers till the early 21^st century. With animals are identifiable through provision, some of key studies of social behavior, such as male infanticide, female anti-infanticide strategies, allomother infant care, male cooperation, grooming nets etc., have lighted adaptive advantages and maintain mechanisms of the multi-level society. 

Conclusion: Over the past few decades, with strong support from central and local government, almost all populations of Chinese snub-nosed monkeys are well protected, and field studies of behavior and ecology that have been conducted by Chinese primatologists have gradually emerged as an international leader. In the future, research should be focused on behavioral ecology for site-specific population, how snub-nosed monkeys coexist with other sympatric mammals, and cohesive forces of the multi-level society.

Key words: Rhinopithecus, behavioral ecology, conservation status, social behavior