Monkey Business in Myanmar

   Earlier this year, a new species of monkey was recently discovered in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, a country located in South East Asia. The Rhinopithecus strykeri,  one of a species of snub-nosed monkey, have been known to dwell within mainly Vietnam and China until this recent detection. The unearthing of this species occurred when field biologists led by Ngwe Lwin from the Myanmar Biodiversity And Nature Conservation Association supported by an international team of primatologists from Fauna & Flora International and the People Resources and Biodiversity Foundation, discovered the new species during the nationwide Hoolock Gibbon Status Review in early 2010.

   Even though this species has previously existed in other parts of South East Asia, scientists have somewhat of an explanation why they weren't discovered until recently. It is believed that since this new species of snub-nosed monkey inhabits the Kachin State in northeastern Myanmar it is geographically isolated from other species by two major barriers, the Mekong and the Salween Rivers, which may explain why the species has not been discovered earlier. According to local hunters the monkeys spend the summer months, between May and October, at higher altitudes in mixed temperate forests. In winter they descend closer to villages when snowfall makes food scarcer.

    However, even with this discovery of the new species, the snub nosed monkey is still considered to be critically endangered. This endangerment is a result of the increasing pressure of the hunters. The hunting pressure has increased from the building of logging roads by Chinese companies beginning to invade the once isolated distribution area of this newly discovered monkey. Although there haven't been many acts enforced to slow down the decline of this species, many people aware of the situation are determined to come up with a solution. Mark Rose, Chief Executive of Fauna & Flora International said, "We are committed to taking immediate conservation action to safeguard the survival of this important new species together with our partners and local communities in Myanmar."

Fun Facts:

When it rains, water gets in the upturned noses of the monkey, which causes them to sneeze.

To avoid getting rainwater in their noses they spend rainy days with their heads tucked between their knees.

It also has a relatively long tail, approximately 140% of its body size.

In local dialects it is called mey nwoah (monkey with an upturned face).

Looks like Michael Jackson (in my opinion).