On January 10, the first black-shanked douc langur infant at the Qingyuan Chimelong Wildlife and Plant Germplasm Base turned one month old. Born on December 10, 2025, the infant is currently in good health.
Known for its striking coloration, the black-shanked douc langur has dark head fur, a grayish-white "beard," and a long, slender tail, with adult males distinguished by a triangular white patch on their hips. This species, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with fewer than 1,000 individuals in the wild, is facing a critical situation, making this successful birth particularly significant.
Qingyuan Chimelong, located in south China's Guangdong Province, currently houses four black-shanked douc langurs. The infant, the mother's second offspring, lives with its parents and sibling. Its sex will be confirmed as it continues to grow. The conservation team is closely monitoring the infant's grip strength, a key indicator of its health, and reports that it has exhibited a strong grip and quick reactions.
The Qingyuan Chimelong Wildlife and Plant Germplasm Base is dedicated to ex situ conservation, research, and breeding of endangered species. The infant's one-month milestone marks further progress in primate conservation. Chimelong now cares for 56 primate species and has a specialized research center with extensive experience in breeding, infant care, and disease prevention.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Qingyuan Plus, Nanfang Metropolis Daily
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
