, May 28 -- China is strengthening conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, also known as the golden monkey, in Mount Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in southwest Guizhou Province.

Deep inside the misty mountains, veterinarian Yang Wei has spent the past six years closely working with the rare primates, building a strong bond while helping improve their chances of survival.

The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is a nationally protected species and is listed as critically endangered, with its entire wild population - estimated at around 850 - living in the Fanjingshan area.

After completing his studies, Yang returned to his hometown in 2020 and now leads the monkey research centre u...