Newly discovered monkey needs own genus

A recently discovered type of African monkey is different enough from others that it needs to be listed in a separate genus, scientists have decided. The monkey, which lives in Tanzania, was first described last year.

A recently discovered type of African monkey is different enough from others that it needs to be listed in a separate genus, scientists have decided. The monkey, which lives in Tanzania, was first described last year.

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At that time it was listed in the genus Lophocebus, which includes the mangabey. After further study, researchers now say the monkey — known as kipunji — is more closely related to some types of baboon than to mangabeys, though it is anatomically different from baboons, and thus should have its own genus.

A research team led by Tim R B Davenport of the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests in the Science Express that kipunji should be placed in the newly created genus Rungwecebus.

It is the first new genus for an African primate in 83 years. The name refers to Mt Rungwe, where this type of monkey was first seen.