A New Genus of African Monkey, Rungwecebus: Morphology, Ecology, and Molecular Phylogenetics
Tim R. B. Davenport,1*
William T. Stanley,2
Eric J. Sargis,3
Daniela W. De Luca,1
Noah E. Mpunga,1
Sophy J. Machaga,1
Link E. Olson4
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.
1 Wildlife Conservation Society, Southern Highlands Conservation Programme, Post Office Box 1475, Mbeya, Tanzania.
2 Department of Zoology, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA.
3 Department of Anthropology, Yale University, Post Office Box 208277, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
4 University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: tdavenport{at}wcs.org
