Search Search icon Donate SPECIES Myanmar snub-nosed monkey Shaohua Dong MYANMAR’S SNEEZING MONKEY In 2010, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) staff were part of a team of primatologists that discovered the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey in Myanmar. The monkey is found in Kachin State in north-eastern Myanmar as well as in Yunnan Province in southern China, close to the border with Myanmar, and is cut off from other related species by the Mekong and Salween Rivers. With an estimated population of only around 260-330 individuals, the species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. MYANMAR SNUB-NOSED MONKEY FACTS The Myanmar snub-nosed monkey has almost entirely black fur with white only on its ear tufts, chin beard and perineal area It also has a relatively long tail, almost one-and-a-half times the length of its body Local people claim that these monkeys are easy to find in the rain, because they often get rainwater in their upturned noses, causing them to sneeze Summer months are spent at higher altitudes in mixed temperate forests. In winter they descend closer to villages when snowfall makes food less accessible At a glance Rhinopithecus strykeri Critically Endangered Myanmar China Family: Cercopithecidae Order: Primates Est. in the wild: 260-330 Sometimes affectionately referred to as the ‘snubby’, the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey is such a rare and elusive species that only a few people have ever seen it. 2010 The year when the species was first officially recorded by a team of primatologists including FFI staff. Two years after its discovery, the species was formally classified as Critically Endangered. CONSERVATION STORY The Myanmar snub-nosed monkey is facing serious threats, with its forest habitat coming under pressure from increased logging and development (including one of Asia’s largest hydropower development schemes). To support these industries, new roads are being built, allowing hunters and illegal loggers easy access to the mountain forests. Meanwhile, the influx of workers to the region is increasing demand for bushmeat and wildlife products. Help save this species Your support could give a lifeline to the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey. This remarkable monkey is severely threatened with only 260–330 remaining. We are reducing hunting and tackling the illegal wildlife trade but we need your support to help keep up this work. Please send your gift today. Donate HOW FFI IS HELPING TO SAVE THE MYANMAR SNUB-NOSED MONKEY As soon as FFI and partners made this startling discovery, we took immediate conservation action together with local communities to ensure the survival of this species, which was previously unknown to science. We are monitoring Myanmar’s snub-nosed monkey using camera traps and intensive surveys, and have launched a comprehensive conservation awareness programme for local communities and Chinese construction workers. We have also started a community ranger programme and a sustainable livelihoods programme for the forest-dependent indigenous peoples. Other species you may be interested in Grauer’s gorilla Mountain gorilla Saiga Sunda pangolin COUNTRIES Myanmar Myanmar harbours large tracts of forest and many charismatic or endemic species such as the red panda and the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey. It also home to rich marine ecosystems including coral reefs. Read More ENVIRONMENTS Forests Forests contain the overwhelming majority of life on Earth, including a staggering 80% of the planet’s terrestrial species. Read More Sign up for our e-newsletter Sign Up Follow us on social media Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Find us on YouTube Get in touch info@fauna-flora.org +44 (0) 1223 571 000 EXPLORE Countries Species Environments Conservation challenges OUR WORK Approaches Projects Publications Documents and Reports ABOUT People Contact Media Enquiries Careers NEWS & VIEWS News Views SUPPORT Donate Membership TOP ©2021 Fauna & Flora International - - Registered Charity Number 1011102 LEGAL By using this site you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more here Close and don't show again