The discovery of the lesula (Cercopithecus lomamiensis) in 2007 and its scientific description in 2012 remains a significant event in primatology. Since the original publication, there have been no major updates or changes to the initial findings. Here is some additional context and information about this species:
The lesula is a medium-sized guenon monkey endemic to the lowland rainforests of central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)[1][2]. It was first encountered by scientists in 2007 and formally described in 2012, making it one of the most recently discovered primate species[1][2].
Here is the only actual video of the lesula we could find so far. If you have a better color video of lesulas, leave a link in a comment!
Key characteristics of the lesula include:
– A distinctive appearance with large, almost human-like eyes and a pink face[2]
– A golden mane and a blue-colored bottom[3]
– A restricted range of about 17,000 square kilometers within the Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba Conservation Landscape (TL2) in central DRC[1][3]
The lesula is closely related to the owl-faced monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni) but is distinguished by its unique coloration, morphology, and genetic makeup[1][2]. Genetic and molecular analyses suggest that the lesula and owl-faced monkey diverged from a common ancestor 1 to 2 million years ago[3].
Conservation concerns:
– The lesula’s habitat is threatened by commercial bushmeat hunting and potential habitat loss[3]
– Its limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental pressures[3]
The discovery of the lesula highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation in central Africa’s remote forests. It demonstrates that there may still be undiscovered species in these areas, emphasizing the need for further research and protection efforts[3][4].
The Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation continues to work on conserving the lesula and other endemic species in the region[3]. The discovery has brought attention to this remote part of the DRC, potentially aiding conservation efforts for the lesula and other species in the area[1][2][3][4].
Read More
[1] https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0044271
[2] https://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/dr-congo-new-monkey/index.html
[3] https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2012/09/21/scientists-discover-new-species-of-monkey/
[4] https://news.yale.edu/2012/09/12/congo-rare-find-new-species-monkey
[5] https://neprimateconservancy.org/lesula/