KAMPALA — Scientists have identified a new species of monkey in central Africa known to locals simply as lesula, a medium-sized, slender animal that looks similar to an owl-faced monkey that was already known to scientists.
In findings published this week in the scientific journal Plos One, the researchers identified the new species as Cercopithecus lomamiensis, which is found in the lowland rainforests of the central Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is only the second time in the past 28 years a previously unknown species of monkey has been identified, they said, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity in a part of central Africa where forests are threatened by illegal logging.
Scientists began investigating in June 2007, when researchers saw a young female monkey of unknown species at the home of a school director. The new monkey was not quite similar to the clearly owl-faced Cercopithecus hamlyni, but researchers say the two are close relatives.
The new findings prove the two monkeys are different species, even though to local hunters they might look similar. A lesula, for example, has “significantly larger incisors, upper and lower second molars.”
Lesula males also make “a characteristic low frequency, descending, loud call or boom” that is distinguishable from the vocalizations of owl-faced males.
The lesula is described as “semi-terrestrial with a diet containing terrestrial herbaceous vegetation.” It has a colourful appearance, with a mane of long grizzled blond hair and a cream-coloured vertical nose stripe. It also has a faintly owlish look and the eyes seem almost human.
Robert Kityo, a zoology professor at Uganda’s Makerere University, said the discovery is proof Africa’s vast jungles are teeming with species yet to be discovered.
“Something that was thought to be abundant can turn out to be rare,” Prof. Kityo said, referring to the previous confusion between lesula and its close relative. “In a sense, it’s a nice find.”
The team said the monkey’s common name should not be changed, since lesula is used over most of its known range.