First new monkey genus found in 83 years

NEW YORK, May 11 (UPI) -- A monkey species found in Tanzania last year has now been shown to be so unique, it requires a new genus -- the first one for monkeys in 83 years.

But conservationists warn quick action is needed to protect the monkeys' home from illegal logging and hunting, or the species may soon vanish.

The monkey, first described by New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society scientists and other groups, was found in Tanzania and initially believed related to mangabeys.

However, DNA studies reveal the species is unique, marking the first new genus for a living monkey species since 1923.

The new genus, Rungwecebus, refers to Mt. Rungwe, where the monkey was first observed. Scientists estimate approximately 500 of the monkeys remain in the wild.

"The discovery of a new primate species is an amazing event, but the discovery of a new genus makes this animal a true conservation celebrity," said the lead author Tim Davenport.

"It would be the ultimate irony to lose a species this unique so soon after we have discovered it," said WCS primatologist John Robinson. "This is a world treasure and, as such, we urge the world community to protect it."

The study appears in the journal Science.