| Lesula monkey | |
|---|---|
.png) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Primates |
| Family: | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus: | Cercopithecus |
| Species: | C. lomamiensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Cercopithecus lomamiensis Hartet al., 2012 | |
Thelesula (Cercopithecus lomamiensis) is a species ofOld World monkey in theguenon genusCercopithecus, found in theLomami Basin of theCongo. Though known to locals, it was unknown to the international scientific community until it was discovered in 2007 and confirmed in a 2012 publication. The lesula is the second new species of African monkey to be discovered since 1984.[2] This monkey is described to have human looking eyes and a blue bottom[3][4] "...and adult males have a huge bare patch of skin in the buttocks, testicles and perianal area," said John A. Hart, the researcher who described the monkey. "It's a brilliant blue, really pretty spectacular."[5]
The species was listed among theTop 10 New Species 2013 discovered in 2012 as selected by theInternational Institute for Species Exploration atArizona State University out of more than 140 nominated species. Its distinctiveness is its human-like eyes, genital area and booming dawn chorus. The selection was declared on 22 May 2013.[6][7]
The lesula lives in rainforests in theDemocratic Republic of Congo, with the 2007 specimen found in captivity in the village ofOpala. Since that sighting, it has also been seen in the wild. Its range is between theLomami andTshuapa rivers in the central part of the country.[8]
The lesula is vulnerable to hunting forbushmeat.[9] Protecting the species could be challenging, as species with such a small range can go from vulnerable toseriously endangered in a few years. The lesula's range is within theTshuapa–Lomami–Lualaba Conservation Landscape, and theLomami National Park has been proposed to protect this and other species in the region.
The lesula are generally described by researchers as quiet and shy.[10] They also tend to usually live in small family groups of around five members or less. The Lesula's days consist of leisurely activities such as foraging for fruits and vegetation, grooming, and resting.
