Lesula
Cercopithecus lomamiensis
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Primates · Cercopithecidae
About
The lesula is a species of Old World monkey in the guenon genus Cercopithecus, found in the Lomami Basin of the Congo. 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. This monkey is described to have human looking eyes and a blue bottom "...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."
Fun Fact
Though known to locals, it was unknown to the international scientific community until it was discovered in 2007 and confirmed in a 2012 publication.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Lives in rainforests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the 2007 specimen found in captivity in the village of Opala.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Degradation
- Overexploitation
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change