A new genus of African monkey, Rungwecebus: morphology, ecology, and molecular phylogenetics

Science. 2006 Jun 2;312(5778):1378-81. doi: 10.1126/science.1125631. Epub 2006 May 11.

Abstract

A new species of African monkey, Lophocebus kipunji, was described in 2005 based on observations from two sites in Tanzania. We have since obtained a specimen killed by a farmer on Mount Rungwe, the type locality. Detailed molecular phylogenetic analyses of this specimen demonstrate that the genus Lophocebus is diphyletic. We provide a description of a new genus of African monkey and of the only preserved specimen of this primate. We also present information on the animal's ecology and conservation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cercopithecinae / anatomy & histology
  • Cercopithecinae / classification*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Ecology
  • Male
  • Tanzania