The first clear footage of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), a national second-class protected wildlife species, has been recorded by infrared cameras in the Datan River (大潭河) area of the candidate area for Nanling National Forest Park in Guangdong since monitoring began.
The footage shows multiple macaques at different times and locations, including adults carrying young, confirming that they are not occasional visitors but have established a stable population in the area.
Following the Tibetan macaque, the rhesus macaque is the second primate species to be clearly documented in the area. The footage provides valuable data for studying the distribution and movement of primates in the Nanling Mountains.
Rhesus macaques require sufficient food, water and shelter, making their presence an indicator of habitat quality. Their successful breeding also reflects improved habitat connectivity and effective protection measures in the area.
Author | Huang Xinying
Photos | Nanfang Plus
