Download New Snub-Nosed Monkey Discovered in Northern Myanmar

MEDIA RELEASE
New Snub-Nosed Monkey Discovered in Northern Myanmar
The New ‘Rhinopithecus strykeri’ Species ‘Sneezes in the Rain.’
27 October 2010 - A team of Burmese and international primatologists have discovered a new
species of monkey in Northern Myanmar (formerly Burma). The research, published in the
American Journal of Primatology, reveals how Rhinopithecus strykeri, a previously undescribed
species of snub-nosed monkey, has an upturned nose that causes it to sneeze when it rains.
Field reserach was led by Ngwe Lwin from the Myanmar Biodiversity and Nature Conservation
Association (BANCA) and supported by an international team of primatologists from Fauna &
Flora International (FFI) and the People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRFC).
The team discovered the new species, also called the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey, as part of
the nationwide Myanmar Primate Conservation Program in early 2010. Hunters reported the
presence of a monkey species with prominent lips and wide upturned nostrils, which did not fit
the description of any primate currently known from the area.
Sightings were reported from the eastern Himalayas to the north-eastern Kachin state leading
the team to conduct further field surveys resulting in the discovery of a small population of the
new species that display characteristics unlike any other snub-nosed species previously
described.
Thomas Geissmann, who is leading the taxonomic description, describes the monkey as having
almost entirely blackish fur with white fur only on ear tufts and chin beard. It also has a relatively
long tail, approximately 140 per cent of its body size.
The species has been named ‘Rhinopithecus strykeri’ in honour of Jon Stryker, President and
Founder of the Arcus Foundation who supported the project. However, in local dialects it is
called mey nwoah, ‘monkey with an upturned face.’
While the species is new to science the local people know it well and claim that it is very easy to
find when it is raining because the monkeys often get rainwater in their upturned noses causing
them to sneeze. To avoid this they spend rainy days sitting with their heads tucked between
their knees
Frank Momberg, FFI’s Regional Programme Development Coordinator, Asia Pacific, who
interviewed local hunters during the field surveys suggests that the species is limited to the Maw
River area. The distribution area is believed to be 270 km2 with an approximate population of
260-330 individuals. This means it would be globally classified as Critically Endangered by
IUCN citeria for the level of threat of extinction.
As this new species of snub-nosed
monkey inhabits the Kachin State in northeastern Myanmar it is geographically isolated from
other species by two major barriers, the Mekong and the Salween rivers, which may explain
why the species has not been discovered earlier.
Dr Tony Htin Hla, Chairman of BANCA, indicated the importance of the discovery for the country.
“Myanmar is rich in biodiversity but there has been insufficient research to identify all the
national priorities, and there are probably still many unknown species to find. BANCA greatly
appreciates the support of international organizations to meet this gap in our understanding.”
According to local hunters the monkeys spend the summer months, between May and October,
at higher altitudes in mixed temperate forests. In winter they descend closer to villages when
snow makes food scarce.
Species of snub-nosed monkeys are found in parts of China and Vietnam. Presently all species
are considered endangered. Until now no species have been reported in Myanmar.
Fernando Potess, President Director and Chief Executive Officer of PRFC, stated “The project
partners have collaborated now for nearly three years on primate research throughout Myanmar,
and it is gratifying to see the BANCA team making important new discoveries that can lead to
better conservation in the country.”
However, this latest addition to the snub-nosed family is already threatened due to increasing
hunting pressure resulting from the building of logging roads by Chinese companies beginning
to invade the previously isolated distribution area of this newly discovered monkey.
Mark Rose, Chief Executive of FFI said, “We are committed to taking immediate conservation
action to safeguard the survival of this important new species together with our partners and
local communities in Myanmar.”
Media contacts:
Rebecca Foges
Communications Officer
Fauna & Flora International
+44 (0) 1223 579 491
[email protected]
Ben Norman
+44 (0) 1243 770 365
[email protected]
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This paper is published in the American Journal of Primatology. To request a copy contact
[email protected] or +44 (0) 1243 770 375
Full Citation: Geissmann. T, Lwin. G, Aung. S, Naing Aung. T, Aung. Z M, Hla. T, Grindley. M, Momberg.
F, “A new species of Snub-nosed monkey, Genus Rhinopithecus Milne-Edwards, 1872 (Primates,
Colobianae), From Northern Kachin State, Northeastern Myanmar”, American Journal of Primatology,
Wiley-Blackwell, October 2010, DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20894
Images: There are currently no images of living specimens of this new species available.
Fauna & Flora International has commissioned the attached artist’s impression of the new species in its
habitat, based on field sightings and a carcass of the newly discovered species. The image should be
credited to Martin Aveling/Fauna & Flora International.
An image reconstructed by photoshop, based on a Yunnan snub-nosed monkey and the carcass of the
newly discovered species, is also available. This image should be credited to Dr Thomas Geissmann.
Species Classification Information:
• Order Primates Linnaeus, 1758
• Superfamily Cercopithecoidea Gray, 1821
• Family Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821
• Subfamily Colobinae Jerdon, 1867
• Genus Rhinopithecus Milne-Edwards, 1872
• Rhinopithecus strykeri species novum
About Fauna & Flora International (FFI)
FFI protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable,
based on sound science and take account of human needs. Operating in more than 40 countries
worldwide – mainly in the developing world – FFI saves species from extinction and habitats from
destruction, while improving the livelihoods of local people. Founded in 1903, FFI is the world’s longest
established international conservation body and a registered charity.
www.fauna-flora.org
About the Journal:
The American Journal of Primatology is the official journal of the American Society of Primatologists. The
Journal aims to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and findings among primatologists and to
convey our increasing understanding of this order of animals to specialists and interested readers.
Primatology is an unusual science as its practitioners work in a wide variety of departments and
institutions throughout the world, carrying out a vast range of research procedures. The journal aims to
reflect this diversity of research
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