In China, slow lorises mainly live in Yunnan province and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. The species is endangered and under the top-level protection. 

Mucheng has been working in recent years to protect and restore the ecology along the Nujiang River, including efforts to eliminate deforestation. More than 75 percent of the town is now covered by forest, according to the town government.

"We have spotted more wildlife in recent years. This year alone, we spotted new bird species", including Malabar pied hornbills (Anthracoceros coronatus) and crow sparrows, said Yan Nenglu, a town official.

Longling county is known for its abundant wildlife, with more than 10 percent of China's wild species. 

To date, seven species of primates, including gibbons and langurs, have been discovered living in the 5,800-hectare  conservation area of Xiaoheishan mountain in Longling county.