The Primate Name Yòu (狖) and Its Referents: Implications for the Future Conservation of François' Langurs in China

Abstract

Rethinking traditional animal names and their referents throughout history is important for understanding indigenous knowledge of wildlife, defining the role of animals in traditional cultures, and potentially promoting the conservation of species. The character yòu (狖) was the name of a nonhuman primate in ancient China. To date, yòu has been considered a gibbon (Nomascus spp.), a snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus spp.), or a François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi). To better understand its original identity, I analyzed additional evidence to revisit the ideas and referents associated with yòu. Overall, identifying yòu as François' langurs is more consistent with historical archives. Historical records reveal that Fraznçois' langurs were widely distributed across South China in earlier periods. However, the species has since become extirpated from most of its primary habitats in the country. Reintroducing captive individuals into areas where François’ langurs were once found may be a key conservation strategy for restoring locally extinct populations and safeguarding this endangered species in the future.

Keywords

conservation / primate name / Rhinopithecus / semantic value / Trachypithecus francoisi / Yòu

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2025 The Author(s). Integrative Conservation published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG).