New species of monkey identified in Africa

KAMPALA, Uganda -- A team of scientists has identified a new species of monkey in central Africa that had been known to the locals simply as lesula, a medium-size, slender animal with an owlish face and eyes that look almost human.

In findings published this week in the scientific journal Plos One, the researchers identified the species as Cercopithecus lomamiensis, which is endemic to the lowland rain forests of central Congo.

This is only the second time in the past 28 years that a previously unknown species of monkey has been identified, they said, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity in a part of central Africa where forests are threatened by illegal logging.

Scientists began investigating in June 2007, when researchers saw a young female monkey of unknown species at the home of a school director. The new monkey was not quite similar to the clearly owl-faced Cercopithecus hamlyni, but researchers say the two are close relatives. The new findings prove the two monkeys are different species, even though to local hunters they might look similar.

The research team described lesula as "semi terrestrial with a diet containing terrestrial herbaceous vegetation." The ape looks colorful in pictures, with a mane of "long grizzled blond hairs" and "a variably distinct cream colored vertical nose stripe," as it is described by the scientists.-- AP