Lesula
The lesula is a species of Old World monkey in the guenon family. It is the second new species of African monkey that was discovered since 1984. This monkey is described to have human looking eyes and a blue bottom. Lesulas have blond fur on their chest, throat and chin. The rest parts of their body has black fur fading into silver-grey tones on the thighs. Their slender tails are amber in color, darkening to black closer the tip. The face, ears and eyelids of these monkeys are naked and range from pink-grey to tan.
Photos with Lesula
Distribution
Lesulas are found in the Lomami Basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the 2007 specimen found in captivity in the village of Opala. These monkeys live in rainforests, ranging between the Lomami and Tshuapa rivers in the central part of the country.
Geography
Biome
Climate zones
Habits and Lifestyle
Lesulas are shy and semi-arboreal creatures. They travel and rest on the ground and in the tree canopy. They travel alone or in groups of 5 or fewer members or in small multi-species assemblages with other primates. Lesulas are diurnal, which means that they are active during the day and sleep at night. These monkeys communicate vocally, and usually can be heard around dawn, from 05:45 to 06:30 in the morning. During the rest of the day they are usually quiet.
Diet and Nutrition
Lesulas are herbivores (frugivores, folivores). They feed on different fruits, leaves, and flowers of arrowroot plants.
Mating Habits
Little is known about the mating system in Lesulas. Females give birth to a single infant after the gestation period that lasts around 5-6 months.
Population
Population threats
Currently, there no major threats to this species. However, these animals are vulnerable to hunting for bushmeat.
Population number
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Lesula total population size. Currently, this species is Not Evalueted (NE) on the IUCN Red List.
Ecological niche
As frugivorous animals, Lesulas act as key seed dispersers of many local plants.