We've discovered a new, adorable species in Myanmar -- it's already on the brink of extinction
But it’s so cute!
Alexandru Micu by Alexandru Micu November 11, 2020
A new species of primate has been discovered in the forests of central Myanmar. The diminutive animal is a leaf-eating tree-dweller with a distinctive mask-like face framed by unruly grey hair. However, it’s probably already on the brink of extinction.
The newly discovered Popa langur. Image credits Thaung Win.
Christened as the Popa langur after an extinct volcano where the largest known group of these monkeys live (around 100 individuals), the species has likely existed for at least a million years, the study reports. But estimates place the species’ living population at somewhere between 200 and 250 individuals, so the researchers are calling for it to be classified as “critically endangered”.
Small and rare
“Just described, the Popa langur is already facing extinction,” said senior author Frank Momberg, a researcher at Fauna & Flora International (FFI), in Yangon.
The species is feeling extreme pressure from “hunting, habitat loss, degradation, fragmentation caused by agricultural encroachment, and illegal or unsustainable timber extraction” throughout all of its natural range, the study found, which helps explain how its numbers got so low.
More:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/weve-discovered-a-new-adorable-species-in-myanmar-its-already-on-the-brink-of-extinction/
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