Kipunji Monkey

- Habitat: Forested southern highlands of Tanzania
- Diet: Fruit, leaves, bark and flowers
- Height: 3 feet
- Weight: 22-35 pounds (estimated)
- Closely related to baboonsWildlife Conservation Society: Kipunji Facts

Discovered in May of 2005, the kipunji monkey was originally placed in the genus Lophocebus, but further analysis showed that the primate was unique enough to warrant a new genus. Named Rungwecebus, this was the first new primate genus to be discovered in 83 years.BBC News: Tanzanian monkey goes up a notch (May 11, 2006)
Habitat and Appearance

The kipunji is found only in specific areas in the African country of Tanzania, where it lives in groups numbering 30-36 individuals. It has grayish-brown fur, long whiskers and an erect tuft of fur on top of its head.Live Science: Scientists Discover New Monkey Genus In Africa (May 11, 2006)
Endangered Species

In 2008, a census revealed that there were just under 1,200 kipunjis living in two separate regions in Tanzania. In response, representatives for the Wildlife Conservation Society, which co-sponsored the kipunji research, have encouraged the World Conservation Union to add the newly-discovered monkey to the "critically endangered" species list.MSNBC: Recently discovered monkey on extinction path (July 28, 2008)