KIPUNJI
Rungwecebus kipunji
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
The kipunji, sometimes called the highland mangabey (even though it is not a mangabey), is an Old World monkey endemic to Tanzania. The species became known to science in 2003, although local communities had been long familiar with these large charismatic monkeys. Dr. Tim Davenport, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Director of Species Conservation for Africa, and his team, who are responsible for describing the genus to the world, monitor the kipunji population. Only a little over 1,100 individuals exist. Kipunjis are sometimes referred to as “Africa’s rarest monkey.”
Kipunjis live in montane forests and are found between 4,265 and 8,038 feet (1,300–2,450 m) above sea level. Two main kipunji populations are found exclusively in protected areas—one in the highland forests of the Ndundulu Forest Reserve, and the other in the Rungwe-Kitilo forest in southwestern Tanzania. Kipunjis prefer the shelter of the forests and avoid open spaces, even as the forests where they make their homes grow thin due to logging. Their populations become more fragmented as their habitat degrades.
The kipunji, sometimes called the highland mangabey (even though it is not a mangabey), is an Old World monkey endemic to Tanzania. The species became known to science in 2003, although local communities had been long familiar with these large charismatic monkeys. Dr. Tim Davenport, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Director of Species Conservation for Africa, and his team, who are responsible for describing the genus to the world, monitor the kipunji population. Only a little over 1,100 individuals exist. Kipunjis are sometimes referred to as “Africa’s rarest monkey.”
Kipunjis live in montane forests and are found between 4,265 and 8,038 feet (1,300–2,450 m) above sea level. Two main kipunji populations are found exclusively in protected areas—one in the highland forests of the Ndundulu Forest Reserve, and the other in the Rungwe-Kitilo forest in southwestern Tanzania. Kipunjis prefer the shelter of the forests and avoid open spaces, even as the forests where they make their homes grow thin due to logging. Their populations become more fragmented as their habitat degrades.
The kipunji geographic range, circled in red, is so small that it is barely perceptible. Map: IUCN, 2020
Kipunji geographic range relative to the size of Africa. Credit: Chermundy and IUCN, 2010
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What Does It Mean?Altricial:
Infants of a species who are still not fully developed, and must be cared for by their parents. Deciduous: Plants that change seasonally. Diurnal: Active during daylight hours. Frugivorous: Having a diet that consists of fruits. Herbivorous: Anatomically and physiologically adapted for eating plant material (e.g., foliage is the main component of one’s diet). |
Size, Weight, and Lifespan
Kipunjis are large monkeys that can reach up to 35 in (90 cm) in length and typically weigh between 22 and 35 lb (10–16 kg). Because they were so recently described, there is no definitive information about their lifespan; however, scientists have estimated (by looking at similar species) that they could potentially live as long as 45 years.
Kipunjis are large monkeys that can reach up to 35 in (90 cm) in length and typically weigh between 22 and 35 lb (10–16 kg). Because they were so recently described, there is no definitive information about their lifespan; however, scientists have estimated (by looking at similar species) that they could potentially live as long as 45 years.
Appearance
The most striking physical characteristics of kipunjis are the triangular crest above their heads and the triangular tufts of hair on the sides of their cheeks. Their faces are hairless and black with a narrow nose line, slanted nostrils, a protruding muzzle, and light hazelnut eyes. Long spiky hair fans out at the shoulders. Their pelage, on the whole, is light brown—though it grows darker at the hands and feet with a white patch at the chest and tip of their tails. Kipunjis’ tails are longer than their bodies. There is no differentiation in appearance between the sexes.
Upon first encountering kipunjis, the WCS team believed them to be a species of mangabey, hence the misnomer “the highland mangabey,” mentioned earlier. However, DNA testing proved them to be more closely related to baboons. They are, in fact, a unique genus: Rungwecebus, the genus name derived from Mount Rungwe, where so many of these monkeys live. This is the first new genus identified in Africa since 1923.
The most striking physical characteristics of kipunjis are the triangular crest above their heads and the triangular tufts of hair on the sides of their cheeks. Their faces are hairless and black with a narrow nose line, slanted nostrils, a protruding muzzle, and light hazelnut eyes. Long spiky hair fans out at the shoulders. Their pelage, on the whole, is light brown—though it grows darker at the hands and feet with a white patch at the chest and tip of their tails. Kipunjis’ tails are longer than their bodies. There is no differentiation in appearance between the sexes.
Upon first encountering kipunjis, the WCS team believed them to be a species of mangabey, hence the misnomer “the highland mangabey,” mentioned earlier. However, DNA testing proved them to be more closely related to baboons. They are, in fact, a unique genus: Rungwecebus, the genus name derived from Mount Rungwe, where so many of these monkeys live. This is the first new genus identified in Africa since 1923.
© Tim Davenport / WCS. Used with permission.
Diet
The first study of the kipunji’s diet was published in 2010, revealing that they are plant-eaters. The primary species consumed was Macaranga capensis var. capensis—also known as iphubane, unompumelelo, and umfongafonga, or David’s heart because it has large heart-shaped leaves. This deciduous, medium-sized tree has a round crown. Its sap is watery and its fleshy fruit is yellow, small, and round with purple seeds. It is also used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people. During the wet season, they prefer fruit; during the dry season (late June to October), kipunjis depend more on leaves than fruit. They also occasionally add bark, moss, seeds, fungi, and even soil to their diet.
The first study of the kipunji’s diet was published in 2010, revealing that they are plant-eaters. The primary species consumed was Macaranga capensis var. capensis—also known as iphubane, unompumelelo, and umfongafonga, or David’s heart because it has large heart-shaped leaves. This deciduous, medium-sized tree has a round crown. Its sap is watery and its fleshy fruit is yellow, small, and round with purple seeds. It is also used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people. During the wet season, they prefer fruit; during the dry season (late June to October), kipunjis depend more on leaves than fruit. They also occasionally add bark, moss, seeds, fungi, and even soil to their diet.
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Behavior and Lifestyle
Kipunjis live in large groups of 10 to 35 individuals. Within these groups, there are typically only two infants, which rely on their troops for protection and care. Kipunjis are shy monkeys. Some scientists believe this trait contributed to their going undiscovered for so long—that, and the fact that humans rarely venture into the remote areas where kipunjis live. They are diurnal tree-dwellers and are rarely found on the ground. In the trees, they do their best to remain out of sight. These monkeys have a very limited range—researchers used GPS to track 34 groups of kipunji and found that they remain within a range of 6.8 sq mi (17.7 sq km). |
Fun FactsThe kipunji wasn’t discovered until 2003. It is among the newest named African monkey species, and the first new monkey genus to be named since 1923. |
Daily Life and Group Dynamics
Because kipunjis are so shy and elusive, little is known about their day-to-day lives. What can be gleaned from the research is that they are largely sedentary—they do not move around all that much—and they live in large groups. If anything, this dearth of knowledge emphasizes the need to protect this species, so more can be learned.
DNA reveals that some kipunji populations have cross-bred with baboons.
Because kipunjis are so shy and elusive, little is known about their day-to-day lives. What can be gleaned from the research is that they are largely sedentary—they do not move around all that much—and they live in large groups. If anything, this dearth of knowledge emphasizes the need to protect this species, so more can be learned.
DNA reveals that some kipunji populations have cross-bred with baboons.
Communication
The kipunji’s vocalizations are extremely unique, and have been described as a “honk-bark.” Tim Davenport, who has been at the forefront of kipunji research, explained it as a “goose followed by a dog.” These monkeys also “chirp.” The meanings of these vocalizations are unclear, and they have only been observed in the kipunji population found in the southern highlands.
It is likely that, like other primates, they communicate through a variety of vocalizations and body postures.
The kipunji’s vocalizations are extremely unique, and have been described as a “honk-bark.” Tim Davenport, who has been at the forefront of kipunji research, explained it as a “goose followed by a dog.” These monkeys also “chirp.” The meanings of these vocalizations are unclear, and they have only been observed in the kipunji population found in the southern highlands.
It is likely that, like other primates, they communicate through a variety of vocalizations and body postures.
© Tim Davenport / WCS. Used with permission.
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Our GratitudeMany thanks to Tim Davenport for providing and permitting our use of his stunning kipunji photos.
TIM DAVENPORT NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Dr Tim Davenport, Country Director, WCS Tanzania Program, PO Box 922, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa Contact: tdavenport@wcs.org |
Reproduction and Family
Little is known about the kipunji’s reproduction habits. We do know that females display genital swelling when in estrus, that they are group-dwelling monkeys, and that infants, like many primate infants, are helpless, or altricial, meaning they depend upon adults for basic necessities and protection. In 2013, a rare photograph of a baby kipunji was taken, along with its mother, who, despite having lost her hand in a snare, still cared for her baby.
Low genetic variability is a concern for the conservation of the species. Within large groups of kipunjis, small numbers of young are observed. As mentioned before, there is evidence of cross-breeding between kipunji and baboons, though this only exists in the DNA of monkeys who live in the southern highlands. Kipunjis found in the Udzungwa Mountains, however, have no traces of baboon DNA. While this does not reveal much about the reproduction habits of these primates—breeding between different species isn’t exactly uncommon—it is valuable knowledge within the context of conservation efforts to protect these monkeys. Some scientists speculate that the kipunji has a hybrid origin.
Little is known about the kipunji’s reproduction habits. We do know that females display genital swelling when in estrus, that they are group-dwelling monkeys, and that infants, like many primate infants, are helpless, or altricial, meaning they depend upon adults for basic necessities and protection. In 2013, a rare photograph of a baby kipunji was taken, along with its mother, who, despite having lost her hand in a snare, still cared for her baby.
Low genetic variability is a concern for the conservation of the species. Within large groups of kipunjis, small numbers of young are observed. As mentioned before, there is evidence of cross-breeding between kipunji and baboons, though this only exists in the DNA of monkeys who live in the southern highlands. Kipunjis found in the Udzungwa Mountains, however, have no traces of baboon DNA. While this does not reveal much about the reproduction habits of these primates—breeding between different species isn’t exactly uncommon—it is valuable knowledge within the context of conservation efforts to protect these monkeys. Some scientists speculate that the kipunji has a hybrid origin.
Ecological Role
Like many monkeys who eat a mainly herbivorous and frugivorous diet, the kipunji’s feeding habits likely contribute to seed dispersal.
Like many monkeys who eat a mainly herbivorous and frugivorous diet, the kipunji’s feeding habits likely contribute to seed dispersal.
Conservation Status and Threats
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The kipunji is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2018), and it faces many threats. The forests it calls home are degraded, due to logging and other practices. Nudundulu Forest, one of the reserves where this monkey is found, is in good condition, but Mount Rungwe, the mountain from which this monkey’s genus name is derived, is not.
As these forests become more fragmented, so too do kipunji populations, and this drastically reduces their chance of long-term survival. These animals also face predation from leopards and eagles, and are sometimes hunted by humans, illegally, since they occasionally raid crops for food. There are an approximate 1,100 wild kipunji left—most of which live in the southern highlands. If a serious effort is not made, these newly discovered primates will be gone before we can learn anything more about them. In 2006, just three years after discovery, this species was listed among the world’s 25 most endangered primates. It made the list again in 2008, and yet again in the 2018-2020 report. In 2018, after a census conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania revealed more individuals than previously estimated, the kipunji’s conservation threat was down-listed from Critically Endangered to Endangered, however its small population continues to be negatively impacted by hunting and habitat loss. |
Conservation Efforts
The fact that the kipunji was so recently discovered, and is of its own genus, means it is even more paramount that we do all that we can to protect it. Estimations indicate that, without proper protection, the species could go extinct in anywhere from 20 to 50 years. If these monkeys are to survive, then Mount Rungwe must be prioritized. Efforts to raise awareness that this monkey exists, and to emphasize its importance, are key—before it is too late.
Since the existence of the kipunji was revealed to the world, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has striven to engage local and international entities in conservation efforts of a region rich in biodiversity. Mount Rungwe was gazetted in 1949 and upgraded to nature forest reserve in 2009 thanks, in part, to this rare primate.
In 2014, WCS partnered with the Fish and Wildlife Services Division of International Conservation to support community-based initiatives focusing on the long-term survival of the kipunji in Mount Rungwe and Livingstone forests. Such initiatives included education programs for local farmers to reduce retaliatory hunting.
Since 2016, the McArthur Foundation and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) have been working with the Tanzania Forest Services to preserve Mount Rungwe National Reserve ecosystem. The long-term financial requirements of these projects are also addressed through the implementation and development of ecotourism including primate sighting tours. Although “primate tourism” needs to be conducted with care to avoid cross-species disease transmission, it is a valuable monetary resource for conservation in the region.
In April 2020, the non-profit Ecosia launched four reforestation projects with WCS around Mount Rungwe and the Njombe forests. They will plant native trees to protect wildlife and preserve water resources, fruit bearing trees for soil enrichment, and woodlot for locally accessible firewood. These conservation projects are extremely important, not only to ensure local people’s livelihoods but to protect habitat and biodiversity, including the rare kipunji, which could otherwise go extinct within 20 to 50 years.
The fact that the kipunji was so recently discovered, and is of its own genus, means it is even more paramount that we do all that we can to protect it. Estimations indicate that, without proper protection, the species could go extinct in anywhere from 20 to 50 years. If these monkeys are to survive, then Mount Rungwe must be prioritized. Efforts to raise awareness that this monkey exists, and to emphasize its importance, are key—before it is too late.
Since the existence of the kipunji was revealed to the world, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has striven to engage local and international entities in conservation efforts of a region rich in biodiversity. Mount Rungwe was gazetted in 1949 and upgraded to nature forest reserve in 2009 thanks, in part, to this rare primate.
In 2014, WCS partnered with the Fish and Wildlife Services Division of International Conservation to support community-based initiatives focusing on the long-term survival of the kipunji in Mount Rungwe and Livingstone forests. Such initiatives included education programs for local farmers to reduce retaliatory hunting.
Since 2016, the McArthur Foundation and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) have been working with the Tanzania Forest Services to preserve Mount Rungwe National Reserve ecosystem. The long-term financial requirements of these projects are also addressed through the implementation and development of ecotourism including primate sighting tours. Although “primate tourism” needs to be conducted with care to avoid cross-species disease transmission, it is a valuable monetary resource for conservation in the region.
In April 2020, the non-profit Ecosia launched four reforestation projects with WCS around Mount Rungwe and the Njombe forests. They will plant native trees to protect wildlife and preserve water resources, fruit bearing trees for soil enrichment, and woodlot for locally accessible firewood. These conservation projects are extremely important, not only to ensure local people’s livelihoods but to protect habitat and biodiversity, including the rare kipunji, which could otherwise go extinct within 20 to 50 years.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20204672
- https://www.ispotnature.org/communities/southern-africa/species-dictionary/29353/macaranga-capensis-var-capensis
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/critically-endangered-kipunji-rungwecebus-kipunji-of-southern-tanzania-first-census-and-conservation-status-assessment/6CB47F8B4EC342D066611C012073C876/core-reader
- https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080804-rarest-monkey.html
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123606.htm
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4759535.stm
- https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Rungwecebus_kipunji/#lifespan_longevity
- http://science.sciencemag.org/content/308/5725/1161.full
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/136791/0
- https://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/05/rare-look-at-a-baby-kipunji-one-of-the-worlds-most-endangered-monkeys/?mtrref=www.google.com&assetType=opinion
- https://www.britannica.com/animal/kipunji
- https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/a-conversation-about-primate-conservation-43641
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08bzy0b
- https://www.rufford.org/
- https://www.macfound.org
- https://blog.ecosia.org/three-new-reforestation-projects-in-tanzania-how-your-internet-searches-transform-landscapes/
Written by James Freitas, July 2018; Updated by Sylvie Abrams, August 2020
