snubnosed

Snub-nosed is a common name used primarily for a group of Asian monkeys in the genus Rhinopithecus, known for their short, upturned noses. The term is most often applied in zoological contexts to these primates, rather than to other animals. The group is part of the old world monkey subfamily Colobinae and is native to forested regions of East Asia.

These monkeys are adapted to temperate and montane habitats, often at high elevations, in countries such as China, Myanmar, and Vietnam. They typically have robust bodies, long fur, and a facial appearance marked by the distinctive upturned nostrils. Socially, snub-nosed monkeys form complex multilevel societies that commonly include one-male units within larger bands, with extensive social grooming and seasonal movement between subgroups.

Ecology and diet vary by species and season. Their diet is generally folivorous and frugivorous, comprising leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark. In harsher winters or in high-altitude environments, they may rely more on lichens and other available vegetation. Reproduction patterns differ among species, but many give birth to a single infant after a gestation spanning several months, with infant care involving group members.

Conservation status varies by species, but all snub-nosed monkeys face significant threats. Habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and human disturbance have reduced populations in many areas. Several species are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered or critically endangered, motivating protected-area management, habitat restoration, and captive-breeding efforts.

Taxonomically, Rhinopithecus is the genus name, placing these monkeys within the broader Cercopithecidae family. The term “snub-nosed” highlights their prominent nasal morphology, a key field-mark characteristic used to identify the group in natural history contexts.