[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Olotimcolobus narokensis & Lemucolobus orkimusei • A Systematic Revision of the Late Miocene Cercopithecid Monkeys From the Lemudong'o Formation, Kenya

 

Olotimcolobus narokensis

Arenson, Gilbert, Yang, Ambrose, Kinyanjui, Manthi, DiMaggio & Hammond, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70317 

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The late Miocene Lemudong'o Formation in southwestern Kenya (6.2–6.0 Ma) samples an important period in Africa when early representatives of modern catarrhine clades (Hominidae and Cercopithecidae) appear. Fossils collected from this formation before 2007 include three species of colobine monkey. However, several new fossils have been recovered, including a partial cranium, calling for a reassessment of Lemudong'o Formation cercopithecid taxonomy.

Materials and Methods: This study describes 79 new cercopithecid specimens from collection years 2007–2016 and 2019–2024. These specimens, together with previously published material from the Lemudong'o Formation, are compared to fossil cercopithecids from other contemporaneous sites in Africa as well as a sample of extant cercopithecids.

Results: New material supports the presence of the three previously identified colobine taxa and identifies a novel fourth colobine species. The novel colobine species is described as Olotimcolobus narokensis gen. et sp. nov., and the previously recognized small indeterminate colobine is here named Lemucolobus orkimusei gen. et sp. nov. Existing hypodigms are refined in light of this new taxonomy. A papionin is also identified from this formation for the first time, adding to the scant late Miocene cercopithecine record.

Discussion: The Lemudong'o Formation is remarkable for its high cercopithecid diversity in the Late Miocene. The predominance of colobines here and at other contemporaneous sites (e.g., Lukeino, Lothagam, Nakali, Toros Menalla) suggests that colobines were more diverse than cercopithecines through the early part of their radiation. Possible ecological factors are discussed in the context of early cercopithecid diversity and evolution.

 Olotimcolobus narokensis gen. et sp. nov.

 

Julia L. Arenson, Christopher C. Gilbert, Deming Yang, Stanley H. Ambrose, Rahab N. Kinyanjui, Fredrick K. Manthi, Erin N. DiMaggio and Ashley S. Hammond. 2026. A Systematic Revision of the Late Miocene Cercopithecid Monkeys From the Lemudong'o Formation, Kenya. American Journal of Biological Anthropology. 190(3); e70317. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70317 [27 July 2026]

Descobreixen dos nous gèneres de primats de fa 6 milions d’anys en un jaciment fòssil de Kenya

https://www.icp.cat/index.php/ca/sala-de-premsa-4/noticies-icp/item/3708-descobreixen-dos-nous-generes-de-primats-de-fa-6-milions-d-anys-en-un-jaciment-fossil-de-kenya

[Mammalogy • 2026] Colobus congoensis • Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Colobus congoensis  

  J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis et Detwiler, 2026 

 

Likweli  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857

 

Abstract

We describe and name a new species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis sp. nov. (Primates, Cercopithecidae), from the interfluve region of the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) Rivers in east-central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Colobus congoensis is a rare and cryptic monkey, poorly known even by local communities bordering its range, some of whom use the vernacular name Likweli for the species. Between 2018 and 2022, 114 field observations were made over an estimated range of 1,700 km2. Colobus congoensis is largely restricted to high, closed canopy forest on deep clay pediments and islands of terra firme forest, where it co-occurs with two other colobine species (Piliocolobus parmentieri and Colobus angolensis). Colobus congoensis was most frequently observed in small groups (mean = 6.2 individuals), often in mixed-species associations. Mitochondrial and morphological data confirm the attribution of C. congoensis to the genus Colobus and reveal that it is the sister to Colobus satanas, from which it is geographically separated by more than 1,200 km. Comparative analysis of C. congoensis vocalizations also reveals structural similarities with C. satanas to the exclusion of other Colobus species. Among other features, C. congoensis is distinguished from C. satanas and other Colobus species by its small size, a striking orange cream patch surrounding the mouth, philtrum, and portions of the inferior nasal alae on an otherwise black face, and a white perianal patch that is covered with fine white hairs in males and is glabrous in females. We propose a preliminary IUCN Red List classification of Endangered (EN) for C. congoensis based on its small range area and population size, coupled with the projected impact of increased hunting pressure and habitat conversion. Protection of Lomami National Park, within which most of the C. congoensis range occurs, and engagement of local communities in not hunting the species are the most important actions needed to ensure the conservation of C. congoensis.

An illustration of Colobus congoensis, whose common name is the local vernacular name, “likweli.”

Illustration: Kimio Honda

Systematics 

Family Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821

Subfamily Colobinae Blyth, 1863

Subtribe Colobina Blyth, 1863

Genus Colobus Illiger, 1811

Colobus congoensis and C. satanas in life.
(A & B) Colobus congoensis, Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.
(C & D) C. satanas, Lope National Park, Gabon.

Photo credits:(A) Daniel Rosengren, (B) Bravo Bofenda, (C) Martin Royele/Royele Safaris, (D) Barna Takats. Photos used with permission.

Colobus congoensis J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis, and Detwiler, sp. nov.  

 

Etymology: The nominal congoensis refers to the species range limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Likweli, the vernacular name given to the species by communities bordering its range, is the recommended common name.

Diagnosis and Description: A small, long-tailed Colobus monkey that exhibits little sexual dimorphism in overall pelage coloration. The pelage of the limbs and torso is black. Hair length is longest on the upper shoulders and back (Color 89 in [54]), producing a sheen in some lighting and a cape-like pelt in some individuals. Body hairs are relatively short (~9–12.5 cm long in the male; ~ 6–8 cm long in females at mid-dorsum). The tail is largely black. Older individuals may show gray hairs (Glaucous Colors 79–80 in [54]) along the caudal dorsum and the tail, as seen in YPM MAM 17308, which also exhibits heavily worn dentition in the associated cranium, indicating an advanced age for this individual (Text A and Fig B in S4 File). The single male examined had a small, black terminal tail tuft in the fresh specimen, not seen on the two females. The head in both sexes is framed by long black hairs (~4–6 cm) on the forehead and sides of the face. The dark glabrous face is marked in both males and females by ...

  

John A. Hart, Junior D. Amboko, Julia L. Arenson, Emma R. Horton, Kathryn F. Coates, Jean-Pierre I. Kapale, Mardoché B. Koko, Terese B. Hart, Christopher C. Gilbert, Eric J. Sargis and Kate M. Detwiler. 2026. Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. PLoS One. 21(7): e0349857. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857 [July 15, 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2022] Macaca selai • A Distinct Phylogenetic Species (Primates: Cercopithecidae) that evolved from the Arunachal Macaque following Allopatric Speciation

Macaca selai

 Ghosh, Thakur, Singh, Dutta, Sharma, Chandra & Banerjee, 2022

 

 Sela Macaque  ||  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107513

Highlights

• Arunachal macaque showed ample genetic polymorphism, and evolved into two phylogenetic species.

• Allopatric speciation driven by the sela mountain pass.

• A new species, Macaca selai described based on phylogenetic species concept.

• Novel findings imperative for conservation planning and management of Arunachal macaque.

Abstract

Arunachal macaque (M. munzala) is an endangered and recently discovered cercopithecine primate from Western Arunachal Pradesh, India. On genetic analyses of Arunachal macaques, we observed spatially distributed substantial inter-species genetic divergence among the samples collected from Arunachal Pradesh. The results suggested that Arunachal macaque evolved into two phylogenetic species about 1.96 mya following allopatric speciation by means of Sela mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, India. We describe - Sela macaque (Macaca selai) as a new macaque species that interestingly exhibited high intra-specific genetic variation and also harbors at least two conservation units. Further, we report the past demographic trajectories and quantify genetic variation required for taxonomic clarification. The present study also identifies gap areas for undertaking surveys to document the relic and unknown trans-boundary populations of macaques through multinational, multi-lateral cross border collaboration.

 

Keywords: Arunachal macaque, Sela macaque, Eastern Himalayas, Sela mountain pass, Allopatric speciation, Taxonomic revision

Order Primates Linnaeus, 1758

Superfamily Cercopithecoidea Gray, 1821

Family Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821

Genus Macaca Lacépèpde, 1799

Macaca selai species novum

Etymology: The proposed specific name for the taxon is derived from a local tribal woman ‘Sela’. The ‘Sela pass’ named after her who supported Indian soldier during the attack and invasion by Chinese army in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. For giving respect to the brave local girl-Sela, we chose her name to the newly defined macaque species which also a phylogenetic divergent of Arunachal macaque.

Population demography and phylogenetic position of Arunachal macaque and Sela macaque.
 (a) Bayesian skyline plots showing the trend of effective population size (Ne) of Arunachal macaque and Sela macaque. T is generation time. M. munzala and West Kameng population of M. selai showed declining trend of effective population size since last 2000 years while Upper Subansiri pop of M. selai showed expansion in last 8000 years followed by very recent decline. Scale in years.
(b) Bayesian phylogenetic tree of ‘sinica’ group of macaques using mitochondrial d-loop sequences. Rhesus macaque (M. mulatta) was considered as an outgroup. Three groups, i.e., M. munzala from Tawang, Upper Subansiri and West Kameng populations of M. selai showed significant divergence in term of their origin. Node time given in million years.

Avijit Ghosh, Mukesh Thakur, Sujeet K. Singh, Ritam Dutta,Lalit K. Sharma, Kailash Chandra and Dhriti Banerjee. 2022. The Sela Macaque (Macaca selai) is A Distinct Phylogenetic Species that evolved from the Arunachal Macaque following Allopatric Speciation. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press, 107513. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107513

[PaleoMammalogy • 2020] Mesopithecus pentelicus from Zhaotong, China, the easternmost representative of A Widespread Miocene Cercopithecoid Species

 Mesopithecus pentelicus   Wagner, 1839

in Jablonski, Ji, Kelley, Flynn, Deng & Su, 2020. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102851

Reconstruction by Mauricio Antón.

  facebook.com/MauricioAnton3

Abstract

A dentate mandible and proximal femur of Mesopithecus pentelicus Wagner, 1839 are described from the Shuitangba lignite mine in Zhaotong Prefecture, northeastern Yunnan Province, China. The remains were retrieved from sediments just below those that yielded a juvenile Lufengpithecus cranium and are dated at about ∼6.4 Ma. The mandible and proximal femur were found in close proximity and are probably of the same individual. The lower teeth are metrically and morphologically closely comparable with those of confirmed M. pentelicus from Europe, and on this basis, the specimen is assigned to this species. The anatomy of the proximal femur indicates that the Shuitangba Mesopithecus was a semiterrestrial quadruped that engaged in a range of mostly arboreal activities, including walking, climbing, and occasional leaping, with an abducted hip joint. The Shuitangba Mesopithecus is dentally typical for the genus but may have been more arboreal than previously described for M. pentelicus. M. pentelicus is well known from late Miocene (MN 11–12) sites in Europe and southwest Asia. Its estimated average rate of dispersal eastward was relatively slow, although it could have been episodically more rapid. The presence of a colobine, only slightly lower in the same section at Shuitangba that produced Lufengpithecus, is one of the only two well-documented instances of the near or actual co-occurrence of a monkey and ape in the Miocene of Eurasia. At Shuitangba, M. pentelicus occupied a freshwater-margin habitat with beavers, giant otters, swamp rabbits, and many aquatic birds. The presence of M. pentelicus in southwest China near the end of the Miocene further attests to the ecological versatility of a species long recognized as widespread and adaptable. The modern colobines of Asia, some or all of which are probable descendants of Mesopithecus, have gone on to inhabit some of the most highly seasonal and extreme habitats occupied by nonhuman primates.

 

Keywords: Colobinae, Cercopithecoidea, Shuitangba, Zhaotong Basin, Fossil primates, Primate dispersal

Systematic paleontology

Order Primates Linnaeus, 1758

Infraorder Catarrhini É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812

Superfamily Cercopithecoidea Gray, 1821

Family Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821

Subfamily Colobinae Blyth, 1863

Genus Mesopithecus Wagner, 1839

Mesopithecus pentelicus Wagner, 1839

Reconstruction of Mesopithecus pentelicus from Shuitangba by Mauricio Antón.  

Distribution of Mesopithecus sites, color coded by grouped European Neogene Mammal (MN) stages, based on data from Table 6. Blue circles denote ‘Early’ sites (?MN 09–MN 12); green circles denote ‘Middle’ sites (MN 13–MN 14); and red circles denote ‘Late’ sites (MN 15–MN 17). The greatest expansion of the genus' distribution occurred in the late Miocene (MN 11–12, ‘Early’). Further expansion occurred in the terminal Miocene (MN 13–14, ‘Middle’ in Fig. 11), including dispersal into China at Shuitangba.

 

Nina G. Jablonski, Xueping Ji, Jay Kelley, Lawrence J. Flynn, Chenglong Deng and Denise F. Su. 2020. Mesopithecus pentelicus from Zhaotong, China, the easternmost representative of A Widespread Miocene Cercopithecoid Species. Journal of Human Evolution. 146, 102851. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102851

  facebook.com/MauricioAnton3/posts/10215504012508203

Oldest monkey fossils outside of Africa found

 news.psu.edu/story/634645/2020/10/07/research/oldest-monkey-fossils-outside-africa-found

 phys.org/news/2020-10-oldest-monkey-fossils-africa.html

[Mammalogy • 2017] On the Taxonomy of Erythrocebus with A Re-evaluation of Erythrocebus poliophaeus (Reichenbach, 1862) from the Blue Nile Region of Sudan and Ethiopia

Erythrocebus poliophaeus  (Reichenbach, 1862) 

in Gippoliti, 2017.

 Primate Conservation. 31; 53-59. 

Abstract

 Erythrocebus taxonomy has been dormant for almost a century now, with the consequent costs in our understanding of the biology of the genus and for the conservation of these remarkable monkeys. New data on the distribution and physical appearance of patas monkeys in Ethiopia, together with a review of the old taxonomic literature, allows to us disentangle some questions concerning the taxonomy of Erythrocebus in northeast Africa. Specifically, I resurrect Erythrocebus poliophaeus (Reichenbach, 1862) as a valid species that is found along the Blue Nile Valley at the extreme northeastern portion of the range of the genus. The still little-known, but certainly limited, extent of the range of the species is a cause for conservation concern, but it may be that Erythrocebus poliophaeus could serve as a flagship species for conservation in the biologically rich Western Ethiopian Escarpment region and adjoining Sudan. The proposed common English names for the new species are Heuglin’s patas monkey (Heuglin was the famous German explorer who discovered it) or the Blue Nile patas monkey.

Keywords: Benshangul Gumuz State, Ethiopia, Sudan, Primates, Cercopithecidae, patas monkey, taxonomy

Erythrocebus poliophaeus (Reichenbach, 1862) 

Illustration: Stephen Nash 

Figure 3. Adult male Erythrocebus poliophaeus, Beijing Zoo.

Courtesy of Jonas Livet.

Erythrocebus poliophaeus (Reichenbach, 1862)

Heuglin’s or Blue Nile patas monkey

 Syn. Cercopithecus poliophaeus Reichenbach, 1862 

Cercopithecus poliolophus Heuglin, 1877, renaming of poliophaeus 

Erythrocebus albigenus Elliot, 1909

....

Conclusions: 

As anticipated by Allen (1925), some of the named forms of Erythrocebus could be valid taxa if more evidence came to light. The main aim of the article was to revive interest in the topic and highlight some conservation priorities in East Africa. A species first described over 150 years ago is re-evaluated; it is known from the Blue Nile basin in western Ethiopia and adjoining Sudan, and separated from another Erythrocebus taxon by the Sudd swampy region in Sudan and the Ethiopian highlands, which stretch up to the Sudanese border north of Gambela. It is an obvious focus for further research and conservation. Monkeys of the genus Erythrocebus are potential flagships for important African ecosystems, and may well be at greater risk than is generally believed. 

The western Ethiopian escarpment flora has received due scientific attention only in this century, and a number of new endemic species have been discovered in Benshangul Gumuz in recent years (Sebsebe Demissew et al. 2005). A revised taxonomy of the genus Erythrocebus is also fundamental to analyze the available data concerning the natural history and biology of the different taxa. With the recognition of the Heuglin or Blue Nile patas monkeys Erythrocebus poliophaeus we have now two taxa with a black face and nose (at least in the adult male)—the other being Erythrocebus baumstarki— at the fringe of the genus’s range in East Africa, and possibly representing ancient surviving lineages that have been supplanted by a white-nosed species elsewhere in East Africa that is provisionally referred as Erythrocebus pyrrhonotus, with E. p. formosus and a number of other subspecies occurring over its range

Spartaco Gippoliti. 2017. On the Taxonomy of Erythrocebus with a Re-evaluation of Erythrocebus poliophaeus (Reichenbach, 1862) from the Blue Nile Region of Sudan and Ethiopia. Primate Conservation. 31; 53-59.

 static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1200343/27795196/1515432572007/PC31_Gippoliti_Patas_Ethiopia.pdf 

ResearchGate.net/publication/319037401_Taxonomy_of_Erythrocebus_with_a_Re-evaluation_of_Erythrocebus_poliophaeus

BBC News - Moustached monkey is separate species
  bbc.com/news/science-environment-42720556

[Mammalogy • 2016] The Critically Endangered Myanmar Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus strykeri found in the Salween River Basin, China

Family of Rhinopithecus strykeri in Luoma, China, near the border with Myanmar. 

Photo: Yinping Tian  mongabay.com  

DOI: 10.1017/S0030605316000934  

Abstract

The Myanmar snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus strykeri was discovered in 2010 on the western slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains in the Irrawaddy River basin in Myanmar and subsequently in the same river basin in China, in 2011. Based on 2 years of surveying the remote and little disturbed forest of the Gaoligong Mountains National Nature Reserve in China, with outline transect sampling and infrared camera monitoring, a breeding group comprising > 70 individuals was found on the eastern slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains in the Salween River Basin. Given the Critically Endangered status of this primate (a total of < 950 individuals are estimated to remain in the wild), efforts to protect the relatively undisturbed habitat of this newly discovered population and to prevent hunting are essential for the long-term survival of this species.

Keywords:  China; Myanmar snub-nosed monkey; new population; Rhinopithecus strykeri; Salween River

Rhinopithecus strykeri in the newly discovered population in Luoma, China, near the border with Myanmar.  

Photo: Dong Shaohua DOI: 10.1017/S0030605316000934  

  

  Mother and infant of Rhinopithecus strykeri in the newly discovered population in Luoma, China, near the border with Myanmar.

Photo: Dong Shaohua  DOI: 10.1017/S0030605316000934  

  

Yin Yang, Ying-Ping Tian, Chen-Xiang He, Zhipang Huang, Shao-Hua Dong, Bin Wang, Guang-Song Li, Zuo-Fu Xiang, Yong-Cheng Long and Wen Xiao. 2016. The Critically Endangered Myanmar Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus strykeri found in the Salween River Basin, China.

Oryx. DOI: 10.1017/S0030605316000934 

New population of rare Myanmar snub-nosed monkey discovered in China https://news.mongabay.com/2016/12/new-population-of-rare-myanmar-snub-nosed-monkey-discovered-in-china @mongabay 

 

[Mammalogy • 2012] Lesula | Cercopithecus lomamiensis • A New Species of Cercopithecus Monkey (Cercopithecoidea, Cercopithecinae) Endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Implications for Conservation of Congo’s Central Basin

Lesula | Cercopithecus lomamiensis

Lesula | Cercopithecus lomamiensis

Hart, Detwiler, Gilbert, Burrell, Fuller, Emetshu, Hart, Vosper, Sargis & Tosi, 2012

Lesula 

illustration: Kimio Honda | http://flic.kr/p/d9PiZt

Camera trap captures Lesula

: On the Losekola study area, just west of the Lomami River

http://flic.kr/p/d9MTZH

In June 2007, a previously undescribed monkey known locally as “lesula” was found in the forests of the middle Lomami Basin in central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We describe this new species as Cercopithecus lomamiensis sp. nov., and provide data on its distribution, morphology, genetics, ecology and behavior. C. lomamiensis is restricted to the lowland rain forests of central DRC between the middle Lomami and the upper Tshuapa Rivers. Morphological and molecular data confirm that C. lomamiensis is distinct from its nearest congener, C. hamlyni, from which it is separated geographically by both the Congo (Lualaba) and the Lomami Rivers. C. lomamiensis, like C. hamlyni, is semi-terrestrial with a diet containing terrestrial herbaceous vegetation. The discovery of C. lomamiensis highlights the biogeographic significance and importance for conservation of central Congo’s interfluvial TL2 region, defined from the upper Tshuapa River through the Lomami Basin to the Congo (Lualaba) River. The TL2 region has been found to contain a high diversity of anthropoid primates including three forms, in addition to C. lomamiensis, that are endemic to the area. We recommend the common name, lesula, for this new species, as it is the vernacular name used over most of its known range.

Adult male Cercopithecus lomamiensis, Yawende, DRC, photo by Maurice Emetshu

eagle-killed subadult female Cercopithecus lomamiensis, photo by Gilbert Paluku.

Juvenile coloration: Cercopithecus lomamiensis, captured near Obenge, DRC .

Adult pelage coloration. Portraits are of a captive adult male Cercopithecus hamlyni (upper left), photo by Noel Rowe, with permission; and captive adult male Cercopithecus lomamiensis (upper right). 

Credit: doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044271

John A. Hart, Kate M. Detwiler, Christopher C. Gilbert, Andrew S. Burrell, James L. Fuller, Maurice Emetshu, Terese B. Hart, Ashley Vosper, Eric J. Sargis, Anthony J. Tosi. 2012. Lesula: A New Species of Cercopithecus Monkey Endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Implications for Conservation of Congo’s Central Basin. PLoS ONE. 7 (9): e44271.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044271

A New Species of Monkey from the Center of Congo: http://www.bonoboincongo.com/2012/09/12/a-new-species-of-monkey-from-the-center-of-congo/

In Congo, a rare find — a new species of monkey

http://news.yale.edu/2012/09/12/congo-rare-find-new-species-monkey

http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0912-hance-lesula.html

New African monkey species identified http://phys.org/news/2012-09-african-monkey-species.html

photos: New Species of Monkey Discovered http://on.fox8.com/ShWyzSX

[Mammalogy • 2006] Kipunji | Rungwecebus kipunji • A New Genus of African Monkey, Rungwecebus (Cercopithecoidea, Cercopithecinae): Morphology, Ecology, and Molecular Phylogenetics

Rungwecebus kipunji

(Jones, Ehardt, Butynski, Davenport, Mpunga, Machaga, De Luca. 2005)

Rungwecebus new Genus 

Davenport, Stanley, Sargis, De Luca, Mpunga, Machaga and Olsen, 2006

synonym: Lophocebus kipunji

Jones, Ehardt, Butynski, Davenport, Mpunga, Machaga, De Luca. 2005

A new species of African monkey, Lophocebus kipunji, was described in 2005 based on observations from two sites in Tanzania. We have since obtained a specimen killed by a farmer on Mount Rungwe, the type locality. Detailed molecular phylogenetic analyses of this specimen demonstrate that the genus Lophocebus is diphyletic. We provide a description of a new genus of African monkey and of the only preserved specimen of this primate. We also present information on the animal's ecology and conservation.

Mammals of Tanzania | Rungwecebus kipunji 

http://archive.fieldmuseum.org/tanzania/species.asp?ID=46

Mammals of Tanzania

Rungwecebus kipunji

Davenport, Stanley, Sargis, De Luca, Mpunga, Machaga and Olsen, 2006

http://archive.fieldmuseum.org/tanzania/species.asp?ID=46

http://ziva.avcr.cz/2010-6/pavianec-kipunji-pribeh-jedne-opice.html

Davenport, Tim R. B.; William T. Stanley, Eric J. Sargis, Daniela W. De Luca, Noah E. Mpunga, Sophy J. Machaga, and Link E. Olson. 2006. A New Genus of African Monkey, Rungwecebus: Morphology, Ecology, and Molecular Phylogenetics. Science. 312 (5778): 1378–81. doi:10.1126/science.1125631.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/extra-newmonkey.html

new Monkey species found in Africa

http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0520-new_monkey.html

The secret life of the Kipunji

http://www.primatehandshake.org/latest/secret-life-kipunji/

[Mammalogy • 2006] The Recently Described Highland Mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji (Cercopithecoidea, Cercopithecinae): Current Knowledge and Conservation Assessment

 The Highland Mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji. 

Drawing by Stephen D. Nash.

Abstract

The highland mangabey (Lophocebus kipunji), described and named in 2005, is the first monkey to be discovered in Africa since 1984. This species, endemic to Tanzania, was independently discovered by two research groups, one working in Ndundulu Forest in the Udzungwa Mountains, the other ~350 km to the southwest in the Rungwe-Livingstone Forest in the Southern Highlands. Lophocebus kipunji is an arboreal omnivore with a morphology and vocal repertoire distinct from other mangabeys (Lophocebus spp. and Cercocebus spp.). Although few data are available, studies of its molecular biology, ecology, behavior, and conservation status are underway. Lophocebus kipunji is Critically Endangered as a result of hunting and loss of habitat, which have produced small and fragmented populations. Efforts to improve the conservation status of both Ndundulu Forest and Rungwe-Livingstone Forest are ongoing, as well as augmentation of community-based conservation programs with expanded law enforcement. Research, long-term monitoring, effective law enforcement, and additional conservation projects are all essential to the long-term survival of L. kipunji.

Key Words: Highland mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji, Tanzania, conservation, Udzungwas, Southern Highlands

Carolyn L. Ehardt and Thomas M. Butynski. 2006. The Recently Described Highland Mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji (Cercopithecoidea, Cercopithecinae): Current Knowledge and Conservation Assessment. Primate Conservation. (21): 81 –87

http://www.primate-sg.org/storage/PDF/PC21.kipunji.pdf

[Mammalogy • 2005] 'Highland Mangabey' | 'Lopocebus' kipunji • A New Species of African Monkey from southern Tanzania

Highland Mangabey | Lophocebus kipunji 

 Jones, Ehardt, Butynski, Davenport, Mpunga, Machaga, De Luca. 2005

A distinct species of mangabey was independently found at two sites 370 kilometers apart in southern Tanzania (Mount Rungwe and Livingstone in the Southern Highlands and Ndundulu in the Udzungwa Mountains). This new species is described here and given the name “highland mangabey” Lophocebus kipunji sp. nov. We place this monkey in Lophocebus, because it possesses noncontrasting black eyelids and is arboreal. L. kipunji is distinguished from other mangabeys by the color of its pelage; long, upright crest; off-white tail and ventrum; and loud call. This find has implications for primate evolution, African biogeography, and forest conservation.

http://www.primatehandshake.org/latest/secret-life-kipunji/

http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_images.jsp?cntn_id=104165&org=NSF

http://www.zina-studio.com/p218329099/

The Highland Mangabey Lophocebus kipunji: A New Species of African Monkey

 Jones, Trevor; Carolyn L. Ehardt, Thomas M. Butynski, Tim R. B. Davenport, Noah E. Mpunga, Sophy J. Machaga, Daniela W. De Luca. 2005. The Highland Mangabey Lopocebus kipunji: A New Species of African Monkey. Science. 308 (5725): 1161–1164. doi:10.1126/science.1109191.  

[Mammalogy • 2007] The Endemic Uganda Mangabey, Lophocebus ugandae, and Other Members of the Lophocebus albigena-Group

Abstract

 Revising the grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena group) in the light of the Phylogenetic Species Concept reveals more taxonomic diversity than was formerly suspected. The three subspecies recognized by Groves (1978) are diagnosably distinct, and are here upgraded to species rank. Most significantly, the mangabeys of Uganda, not recognized as distinct at all in the 1978 revision, are now shown to constitute a fourth species, Lophocebus ugandae (Matschie, 1912), which is apparently confined to Uganda, and as such probably Uganda’s only endemic primate

Key Words: Mangabey,  Lophocebus albigena, Lophocebus osmani,  Lophocebus johnstoni,  Lophocebus ugandae, Uganda endemicity

 Groves, Colin. 2007. The Endemic Uganda Mangabey, Lophocebus ugandae, and Other Members of the albigena-Group (Lophocebus). Primate Conservation. 22.

http://arts.anu.edu.au/grovco/Uganda%20mangabey.pdf