Scientists Go Bananas for a New Monkey

By Jenna Lee Stevens

On September 12, 2012, scientists announced the discovery of a new monkey species, the Lesula, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The unfamiliar, brightly colored primate has a naked face with a think blond mane, red patch on its lower back, and aquamarine buttocks. Lesula monkeys typically weigh 12 pounds and measure around 20 inches. While new insect species are common and plentiful, the exposure of an unknown mammal species is a rarity. In fact, the Lesula is only the second primate species uncovered in Africa for nearly three decades. The wild Lesula monkey’s home, the lush Lomani Rainforest, explains how such a large mammal went unnoticed, as it is vast and remote.

Conservation biologists John and Therese Hart initially encountered the monkey in 2007 whilst working on the Lukuru Wildlife Research Project. The primate was a local family’s pet. Through genetic testing and observation, researchers concluded that the monkey was, in fact, a unique species.
Unfortunately, the Lesula monkey’s future is questionable. The monkey may be new to scientists, but it is certainly familiar to the dinner table in the region. Hunters target the Lesula, along with dozens of other species, because of the thriving market for bush meat. According to Hart, “Under the current trends of uncontrolled bush-meat hunting, it could become very endangered.” Now, the task is to save the newly discovered monkey.