A new monkey species has been discovered in a Congo forest

Meet the Lesula! Awwwwwww!!!

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of clarin.com

 

This shy species of monkey was discovered by scientists in Congo's Lomami forest, although they have been known to the people of the forest basin for many years. According to an article on Yahoo, they were 1st noticed by scientists when they saw one tied to a post- it was a child's pet. They are characterized by their yellow eyes, pink faces and golden fur- as well as a painfully shy demeanor. They haven't been discovered by scientists and the rest of the world because there hasn't been very much exploration done in the area. A national park is in the works for the basin, in hopes of protecting this (and other) endangered species.

This article is interesting because it shows just how much we don't know about Africa and the species that inhabit their lands. Something so common to the people of Congo is an amazing find for American scientists- illustrating the fact that Africa not only holds precious mineral resources, but is additionally a unique natural habitat for endangered species. We've learned how rampant deforestation is posing a great risk to Africa's forests, and wildlife conservation is a great concern. I hope that the basin's national park is created sooner than later.

 

 

 

The Lesula and the Owl Face monkey... Can you see the resemblance?   

 



LESULA MONKEY (photo courtesy of msnbc.com)

OWL FACE MONKEY (courtesy of flickr.com)