New species of monkey identified in Africa

by Andrea Bellemare Posted: September 13, 2012 1:30 PM Last Updated: September 13, 2012 1:34 PM

Categories: Community, Science & Technology

View the story "New species of monkey identified in Africa" on StorifyNew species of monkey identified in AfricaA new species of monkey has been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Called the lesula, it's only the second time in 28 years that a new monkey species has been identified in Africa. Storified by CBC News Community · Thu, Sep 13 2012 10:18:42This new monkey they've found in the Congo is fantastic! Look at him! #newmonkey http://pic.twitter.com/jSnFqOPvMarc LeedsA new species of monkey called the lesula (scientific name Cercopithecus lomamiensis), has been identified in Africa.

According to The Guardian, the discovery came about when John and Terese Hart from Yale University first saw a young female lesula being kept at the home of an elementary school director in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2007.

The lesula looks similar to the owl-faced monkey, but genetic testing confirmed that it is a distinct species.

"This was a totally unexpected find, and we knew we had something unusual and possibly unknown when we first saw the animal. But it was not until we had the genetic and morphological analyses of our collaborating team that we knew we really had a new species," the Harts told the Guardian.

Since then, other wild lesula have been spotted in a remote central area of the DRC. These monkeys live in small groups of one to five and feed on fruits, flower buds and vegetation. Their habitat is limited to roughly 16,834 square kilometres of lowland rainforest (or 6,500 square miles) and is sparsely populated, but researchers warn that the monkeys are vulnerable to extinction because of hunters looking for bush meat.

The Harts published their study in the PLOS ONE journal, available online.

It didn't take long for Twitter users to weigh in.
I've never discovered a new type of monkey and at my age its getting to look like I never willZardoz the DestroyerA new species of monkey has been found in the rainforest, and it already has a higher klout score than I do.The Night StalkerA new species of monkey has been discovered in the Congo. Researchers are excited to see how this may change the science of poo throwing.Mike RevenaughSure sure they've found a new monkey species in the Congo, but the big question is what does it look like in a fez hat?Tiernan DouiebOthers found the monkey frightening, despite the fact the lesula is described as shy.
The new species of monkey found in the D.R of Congo looks so scary ConnieSeriously, that monkey gives me the willies. #thewilliesCBC Radio 2 Morning@CBCR2Morning That monkey looks like Dobby from Harry Potter.Mark Pearce@CBCR2Morning That monkey looks like he's right out of a Renaissance painting of a monk! Sideways-downward glance and everything.Emily Carr CrashOthers compared the new monkey to the iPhone 5 launch on Sept 12.
@taswell and here's jon ive to tell you all the amazing design work that went into the amazing new cercopithecus lomamiensisBrian Silva@taswell Take note, Nintendo and Apple. That's how you announce a new monkey.Giancarlo Varanini@taswell Do I have a good reason to switch to this monkey, or will my Howler still hold up for a while longer?Jeff RiveraAnd it didn't take long for Twitter users to draw comparisons between the new species of monkey and a certain famous fresco. Even The Sun tabloid weighed in.
New monkey looks exactly like botched artworkA NEW species of monkey has been discovered - and it looks exactly like a famous botched artwork of Jesus. The creature known as the lesu...undefinedThesunThey found a new species of monkey in the congo called Lesula...umm that ain't a monkey its a man... http://pic.twitter.com/O4GVky7nSarah Fraser@misssarahfraser it looks oddly similar to that botched Jesus fresco that was in the news a few weeks ago...MackenzieLooks like an elderly granny tried to do a DIY restoration job on this new species of monkey: http://bit.ly/OjydCkPaul DuaneI would like to propose that we all refer to this new species as the "Botched Jesus fresco" monkey. http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/dr-congo-new-monkey/index.html?hpt=hp_c3Tim ForsterOr something a little deeper.
New monkey discovered contemplating the inherent human alienation of post-modernity. http://twitpic.com/au5je3Justin LingThen came the inevitable "who-does-this-monkey-look-like?" comparisons.
For real though. If you took that new monkey and gave it a shave and a hat, it could totally pass as a weird person.Claire FriedmanNew species of monkey, the Lesula, totally reminds me of @trohman in the hairy days. In a nice and kind of funny way.RosieJoint effort with .@blindfumble regarding that new monkey they've found. http://twitpic.com/au3v1yTokyo SexwhaleFound!! New monkey that looks like Woody Allen http://pic.twitter.com/6C3YYu6sBen MarshScientists claim they've discovered a new monkey ( http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/dr-congo-new-monkey/index.html ), but they should look more closely: http://twitpic.com/atychaEric D. SniderHoly crap! Species of Alan Tudyk monkeys discovered http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2202569/The-colourful-new-species-African-owl-faced-monkey.htmlJim Vejvoda@taswell Looks like Jake GyllenhaalRon DiBonaOthers just really liked the monkey.
I had a moment today when reading about how they have found a new species of monkey when I quietly whispered 'I love nature'Stef SmithThey found a new species of monkey anyone else as excited as I am about this!?(:ryan estradathey discovered a new type of monkey!Mike Wysockihave yall seen the new monkey. the lesula!! so cuteeee!Joye NettlesI like that new monkey. It looks wise. http://tinyurl.com/9pqco9gDiane HillScientists just discovered an entirely new species of monkey in the Congo rainforest.. The world is an amazing place, experience all u can!Brian KosovskyI like the look of that new monkey that's been discovered.Andy EdwardsWhat are your thoughts on the new monkey? Let us know in the comment section below.

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