Kipunji
Rungwecebus kipunji
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Primates · Cercopithecidae
About
The kipunji, also known as the highland mangabey, is a species of Old World monkey that lives in the highland forests of Tanzania. It was independently described in December 2003 and July 2004, making it the first new African monkey species discovered since 1984. Originally assigned to the genus Lophocebus, genetic and morphological data showed that it is more closely related to the genus Papio. It was subsequently assigned to a new genus, Rungwecebus, named after Mount Rungwe. Rungwecebus is the first new monkey genus described since 1923.
Fun Fact
It was independently described in December 2003 and July 2004, making it the first new African monkey species discovered since 1984.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found 59 groups in Livingstone Forest (within Kitulo National Park), Mount Rungwe Nature Reserve, and Madehani Village Forest.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Poaching and Hunting
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Disease