KIPUNJU
Rungwecebus kipunji
Geographic Distribution & Habitat:
The kipunji is found in the mid to lower altitudes (1300-2450m) of the closed canopy rainforests of southern Tanzania. They are limited to only two sites, around Mt. Livingstone, and their habitat is greatly fragmented
The kipunji is found in the mid to lower altitudes (1300-2450m) of the closed canopy rainforests of southern Tanzania. They are limited to only two sites, around Mt. Livingstone, and their habitat is greatly fragmented
Kipunji geogrphic range, so small it is barely perceptible on this map. Credit: Chermundy and IUCN
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Size : While no official measurements have been obtained, it is estimated that males are 85-90 cm long (33-35 in), and weigh 10-16 kg (22-35 lb). Appearance: The kipunji has medium length, tan fur, with a black face. There is white fur on the head and tail as well. Sexing can be difficult, as there is little sexual dimorphism among them. Diet: The kipunji is described as a dietary generalist, with seasonal preferences. They eat ripe and unripe fruits, stems, leaves, bark, twigs, lichen, and even invertebrates. |
Fun FactsThe kipunji was only discovered in 2003 and 2004 (by two separate teams), and it was the first new primate species discovered in Africa in 20 years at the time. As a result of their discovery being so recent, they are still somewhat of a mystery. |
Behavior & Lifestyle:
The kipunji is arboreal and lives in large, multi-male groups. They have a loud, distinctive ‘honk-bark’ call. This is one of the features that establishes them as a distinct species.
The kipunji is arboreal and lives in large, multi-male groups. They have a loud, distinctive ‘honk-bark’ call. This is one of the features that establishes them as a distinct species.
Threats and Conservation:
The IUCN lists the kipunji as Critically Endangered (IUCN, 2008), and a 2008 population study put their numbers at a mere 1,117 individuals. Their main threats are hunting, and habitat loss. Connecting fragmented habitats is currently the main conservation strategy.
Threats and Conservation:
The IUCN lists the kipunji as Critically Endangered (IUCN, 2008), and a 2008 population study put their numbers at a mere 1,117 individuals. Their main threats are hunting, and habitat loss. Connecting fragmented habitats is currently the main conservation strategy.
Photo of courtesy of ARKive.org
References:
- Arkive.org
- Bracebridge, C. E. et.al. Can we extend the area of occupancy of the kipunji, a critically endangered African primate? Animal Conservation, Volume14, Issue 6,687-696, December 2011.
- DeLuca, Daniela W. et.al Home range, core areas, and movement in the ‘critically endangered’ kipunji (Rungwecebus kipunji) in southwest Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology, vol 48, issue 4, 2010.
