Newly Discovered Monkey Species Is Already on the Verge of Extinction

Scientists have recently discovered a new primate species in Myanmar’s central forest. However, the Popa langur, named after nearby Mount Popa, is tragically already on the verge of extinction. Researchers estimate only 200 to 260 individuals remain. Due to their dwindling numbers, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as Critically Endangered. Although Popa Mountain National Park is a legally protected site, the Popa langurs still face significant challenges.

How Were Popa Langurs Discovered?

Popa langurs, or Trachypithecus popa, belong to the Trachypithecus genus of Old World primates that live throughout Southeast Asia. “Old World” refers to primates native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Popa langur is no doubt familiar to generations of local people.

For years, researchers speculated about an undiscovered species due to the DNA in wild monkey droppings. A team of primatologists combined data from field surveys, DNA samples from similar species, and information from historical specimens stored in natural history museums in New York, London, Leiden, and Singapore. The collaboration of international researchers and cutting-edge genetic sequencing techniques helped scientists determine Popa langurs were different enough to be considered a separate species.

Differences and Similarities to Other Langurs

An elongated skull plus larger molars and canine teeth differentiate Popa langurs from other langur species. Otherwise, they are very similar to their langur cousins. Popa langurs are primarily found in the evergreen and deciduous forests of Myanmar. The largest populations live in Popa Mountain Park and Panlaung-Pyadalin Cave Wildlife Sanctuary. These primates are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in the trees. Langurs are leaf eaters, which is why they are sometimes called leaf monkeys. They live in family groups of multiple males and females, led by a dominant male.

Popa langurs are small monkeys that only weigh around 15 pounds. They measure 20–23 inches from the head to the base of the tail. Their tails are longer than their bodies at around 31 inches. They have fluffy gray fur with silvery grey-white chests and bellies. Like other langur species, they have a tuft of fur on their heads. Popa langurs have distinctive white rings around their eyes and a furry, white muzzle to match. Their offspring are born with pale white to light yellow fur that darkens as they mature.

Challenges Ahead

Normally, discovering a new monkey is a celebrated scientific event, but Popa langurs face significant threats to their long-term survival. Popa langur populations are small and fragmented, so even minor changes in these populations can have serious ramifications on their ability to reproduce. Hunting for meat or the illegal pet trade removes healthy animals from the population. This leaves fewer mature monkeys to reproduce and maintain their numbers.

Myanmar is a quickly developing country with an increasing population, so human actions have taken a heavy toll on the Popa langurs’ habitat. Despite living in a protected area, deforestation for the logging industry is still a major issue. Researchers also cite threats such as agricultural encroachment, water and soil pollution, and cattle ranching. Conservationists hope to protect the remaining population by working with the Myanmar government, local communities, law enforcement, and private-sector stakeholders to implement conservation strategies.