Scientists discover new monkey species in Myanmar – and it’s already going extinct

  • The Popa langur – named for an extinct volcano that is home to its largest population of 100 individuals – has been around for at least a million years
  • Throughout its range, the lithe monkey with startling chalk-white rings around its eyes is threatened by hunting and habitat loss

The newly discovered Popa langur (Trachypithecus popa) is seen on a tree branch on Mount Popa, Myanmar. Photo: German Primate Centre / AFP
Scientists have identified a new species of primate living in the forests of central Myanmar, a lithe tree-dweller with a mask-like face framed by a shock of unruly grey hair.

The Popa langur – named for an extinct volcano home to its largest population, some 100 individuals – has been around for at least a million years, according to a study detailing the find, published on Wednesday in Zoological Research.

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