News

Newly discovered monkey clings to survival

August 27th 2008

Despite being discovered just a few years ago, the kipunji, a monkey noted for its long whiskers and prominent crest of hair on the head, is already considered to be on the brink of extinction. A recent census of the kipunji undertaken by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) revealed just how few of this primate remain, and the numerous activities that threaten its continued existence.

image: Adult male kipunji - holotype
An image of the rare kipunji, taken by one of the scientists who discovered it, Dr Tim Davenport.

The kipunji was first discovered as recently as 2003, living in patches of montane forest in southern Tanzania. While the discovery of a new primate was an extraordinary and amazing event, this excitement was quickly dampened with the realization that this species was hanging on to survival by a thin thread.

The recent census by WCS counted just 1,117 individuals, inhabiting just two small areas in the Southern Highlands and Undzungwa Mountains. Illegal logging and land conversion have taken their toll on these forests, while poachers hunting the kipunji for bushmeat compound the threat of habitat loss.

image: Two kipunji leaping between branches
The tree-dwelling kipunji has a very unique and distinctive call, described as a loud, low-pitched honk-bark', which is very different to that of other monkeys.

Now likely to be classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the kipunji requires immediate conservation action if it is to be pulled back from the brink of extinction. WCS is investing in the protection and restoration of the kipunjis remaining patches of habitat, in addition to helping to educate local people, in an effort to secure the future of this rare and remarkable monkey.

For further information on the conservation of the kipunji see:



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