Lophocebus kipunji
2006
Suggestion of Rungwecebus kipunji
due to early evidence
suggesting that Lophocebus is diphyletic (
Information From the Wild
L. kipunji are known in two areas in Tanzania. The first area is Mount Rungwe and Livingstone in the Southern Highlands of south-western Tanzania. This area is degraded submontane and montane forest approximately 1750 – 2450 m (5741 – 8038 ft) above sea level. Temperature lows at the upper elevations reach -3 degrees C (26.6 degrees F) and rainfall can reach 2900 mm (114.2 in) annually. Separated by 370 km (230 mi) of mainly non-forested land is the second site, Ndundulu in the Udzungwa Mountains of south-central Tanzania. This area is submontane forest approximately 1300 – 1750 m (4265 - 5741 ft) above sea level (Erhardt and Butynski, 2006). The submontane forest in this area is fairly pristine and trees can reach the height of 40 m (131.2 ft).
Sixteen groups of L. kipunji have been confirmed in Mount Rungwe – Livingstone area in fragmented sections. Only three groups have been confirmed in Ndundulu. The total population estimate encompassing both areas is no more than 1000 individuals (Edhardt and Butynski, 2006). As with other Lophocebus species, the Highland mangabey is predominately arboreal and rarely comes to the ground. It inhabits mainly the mid-to-upper-canopy. Preliminary observations on diet preference indicate that this species is primarily frugivorous also eating shoots, leaves, flowers, bark, moss, lichen and invertebrates (Jones et al, 2005, Davenport et al, 2006). Highland mangabeys in the fragmented areas of Mount Rungwe – Livingstone have been known to crop raid (Davenport, 2006). Upcoming studies will be able to better describe any sexual dimorphism and group social structures. Since at this time the Highland mangabey is in Lophocebus, it can be extrapolated that they live in single or multi-male groups of up to 20 individuals.
The Highland mangabey does not emit the characteristic “whoop gobble” vocalization that has been described in other mangabey species. Instead, their vocalization is called a “honk-bark”. This loud low-pitched call is emitted either singly or in a series and is comprised of a variable number of units. The primary frequency of this call is 0.28 kilohertz, with a frequency range of 0.180- 0.304 kilohertz with a mean interval of 0.076 seconds (Jones et al, 2005). This call occurs when conspecific groups meet. The Highland mangabey is Critically Endangered, with existence threatened by continued loss and fragmentation of habitat and by hunting.
Description
Field researchers (from video and photographs) have determined the Highland mangabey to be approximately 3 feet (1 meter) long, 2 meters including the tail and weighing 10 -16 kg (22 - 35 lbs). The fur is described as long and brown with off-white chest coloration down the abdomen. The distal portion of the tail is off-white. There is a broad, upright crest of hair on its head. The cheek hair is long (Jones, et al, 2005). Elongated shoulder pelage (similar to a cape or mantle) occurs more prominently in some males. The skin color of the face, hands and feet is uniformly black and they possess no non-pigmented areas on the upper eyelid areas (Ehardt and Butynski, 2006). The ischial callosities are pink.
In Captivity - North American Region
None.