A once extinct Dracula monkey primate species was rediscovered on accident in the Wehea Forest in Borneo. The Miller's Grizzled Langur, thought wiped out in 2004, was accidentally photographed by scientists conducting research on salt licks and other species.
Dracula Monkey's Close Cousin at Tampa Florida Zoo?
Just like the primates recently found in Indonesia, the Collard Lemur (shown here) at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is on the endangered species list. The species hails from Madagascar, but many people liken its appearance to its Dracula Monkey due to the distinct fur around its neck. It’s not known if they are related, but they share a common appearance and living plight.
Watch Video of the Rediscovered Endangered Primate
The subspecies of the Brown Lemur has experienced habitat destruction over many years. This has contributed to its dwindling numbers.
It was a needle in a haystack find, and one that has excited primate researchers all over the world. Just in 2004, the endangered Dracula Monkey was ruled extinct after scientists found no evidence of their existence over a wide range, citing a Huffington Post story.
However, while on an expedition in the Indonesian forest in Borneo, a team uncovered some startling evidence that proves they are still alive. Camera traps meant to capture footage of leopards and other primates near salt licks revealed the existence of the Dracula Monkey, so called for its black face that is framed by a fluffy mass of white fur.
Strangely, the species was found far outside of its normal range in Kutai National Park.
"While our finding confirms the monkey still exists in East Kalimantan, there is a good chance that it remains one of the world's most endangered primates." ~ Brent Loken, from Simon Fraser University Canada
Primates on Endangered Species List other than Extinct Dracula Monkey
"There are so many animals we know so little about and their home ranges are disappearing so quickly," Loken added. "It feels like a lot of these animals are going to quickly enter extinction."
Like the Collard Lemur at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo and Miller's Grizzled Langur, here is a sampling of other primates that are listed as endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and encroachment:
- Greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus) -- Madagascar
- White-collared lemur (Eulemur albocollaris) -- Madagascar
- Perrier's sifaka (Propithecus perrieri) -- Madagascar
- Silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus) -- Madagascar
- Eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) -- Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda
- Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) -- Nigeria, Cameroon
See Full list of endangered species like the Miller's Grizzled Langur
Not only was the extinct Dracula monkey victimized by habitat destruction; they were hunted for their meat and bezoar stones found in their guts. They were known to neutralize poison. Hopefully, more is done to protect these rare animals from extinction.
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