Ding Kuanliang photographs in the forest. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A photography exhibit on the golden snub-nosed monkeys inhabiting in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces evoked great enthusiasm from more than 100, 000 visitors in Chengdu in early May, while photographer Ding Kuanliang won more recognition as an ecological photographer.

54-year-old Ding Kuanliang is a member of Inner Mongolia Photographer’s Association and also a member of the Inner Mongolia Wildlife Conservation Association. He is well known for his photography of golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Golden snub-nosed monkeys are an endangered species. Like the pandas, they are regarded as "State treasures" under the highest level of protection in China. They have four habitats across the world, three of which are in China: Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. Ding has photographed them in all three habitats.

Ding used to shoot natural scenery, but in 2005 he began shooting endangered animals, becoming an influential photographer for China’s golden snub-nosed monkeys photography.

"I’m glad that still there are photographers like Ding Kuanliang who are concentrating on rare animals distinctive to China. Ding’s works show the most beautiful primate in China. I hope more photographers will join in nature conservation through visual works," said Xi zhinong, a famous wildlife photographer in the preface of Ding’s photography exhibit.

Photography is not just a split-second art, but also a spark between the photographer’s soul and nature, said Ding. He regards photography as a part of his life. "When I photograph these animals, I feel responsibility. Love for nature and protecting wildlife are the responsibilities of the whole society," Ding said.

Though he works as a bank clerk, Ding spends almost all his holidays doing wildlife photography.

This September, Ding will bring his photography to the Pingyao International Photography Festival in Shanxi, which he has already attended twice as a representative of Inner Mongolia.