A new species of primate, the highland mangabey (Lophocebus kipunji), has been discovered by two separate teams of researchers in Tanzania. One team discovered the new species in the Ndundulu Forest in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. A second team identified the species at a site in the Southern Highlands, located about 350km (217mi) southwest of Ndundulu Forest (Williams, 2005).
The highland mangabey is a medium-sized primate with a long tail, well suited for its arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle. It has off-white fur on its belly, black eyelids, feet, and face, and thick brown fur covering the rest of its body. Their fur is a necessary adaptation to the cold, mountain climate they inhabit which extends to elevations up to 2438m (8000ft).
Researchers estimate that the population of highland mangabeys is less than 1000 individuals but formal population counts have yet to be completed. If this estimate is accurate, the highland mangabey is expected to be placed on the World Conservation Union's critically endangered list.
The discovery of a new species of primate in Tanzania is highly significant. Primates have long been studied in eastern Africa and the fact that a species has remained unidentified for so long in such a well monitored region emphasizes that there is much to learn about wildlife and biodiversity, in that area and around the world.
References:
- Williams, P. 2005. 'UGA Professor Takes Part in Discovery of New Primate in the Mountain Forests of Tanzania' (On-line). UGA News Service. Accessed May 20, 2005.
- Roach, J. 2005. 'New Monkey Species Discovered in East Africa' (On-line). National Geographic. Accessed May 19, 2005.
