A new species of monkey

Scientists have described a new species of monkeys that live in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Previously unknown primate was named Cercopithecus lomamiensis, his response was published in the journal PLoS ONE.

For the first time the representative of a new species, scientists were able to stumble in 2007 (in the building of the local school director). Since then, zoologists analyzed the anatomy, genetics, behavior, lifestyle characteristics, and even singing obezyan.

The researchers found that the animals represent a separate species in the genus Cercopithecus, rather than subspecies C. hamlyni, living in similar tropical conditions, but separated from the representatives of a new type of the rivers Congo and Lomami.

C. lomamiensis - small tropical monkeys that live primarily on the ground. They feed mainly terrestrial plants and fruits. They live in groups of 2-5 individuals.

Local residents, in contrast to zoologists, these primates are well known. They are called lesulami (lesula), they are hunted. The study authors say that this endangers the existence of a new vida.

At the moment, a small population is in stable condition, but the spread of hunting of primates could put on the brink of ischeznoveniya.

Source: lenta.ru/news/2012/09/13/lesula/