The popa langur is a type of monkey that has a long tail, rings around its eyes and a fur crest at the top of its head. Only about 200 to 260 remain, according to a report published by the London Museum of Natural History, which co-authored the study.
The research team named the anchors after the sacred extinct volcano Mount Popa and classified them as “seriously endangered”.
Roberto Portella Miguez, senior curator of the Museum of Natural History in the publication, said that unfortunately, this is a bitter discovery as there is a limited number of individuals left in the wild and fragmented people.
“The hope is that by giving this species scientific status and notoriety, it will make more concerted efforts to save the area and some of the remaining populations.”
In the study, researchers from Zoology and Floral International (FFI) and the German Primate Center (GMC) surveyed the langur area, which is scientifically named “Trachypithecus popa.” They also collected samples and DNA from all the other tracheopithocus species – cousins of the popa langur.
They have confirmed the existence of a new species by combining data from these surveys and specimens as well as specimens from other museums, the news release said.
One of the crucial parts of the puzzle was a 100-year-old specimen housed in the London Museum of Natural History. In the early 20th century, British zoologist Guy C. Shortridge collected thousands of specimens, including the 1913 Trachepithecus specimen, which was re-examined by the Popa langur team.
There are other clues that the popa langur was a completely new species, such as differences in tail length, fur color and skull shape – but genetic analysis confirmed it.
“These studies show that the collection of natural histories is a valuable and key tool for genetic research and, in the context of the current biodiversity crisis, they are clearly more relevant and important today than ever before.”
According to the study, Popa Langur was once widespread in central Myanmar, analyzing historical records such as museum specimens and travel notes – but only a few groups survived. Now, the rest of the individuals live in only four different populations.
The largest population is on Mount Popa, with more than 100 langurs. Mount Popa, a sacred pilgrimage site, is also home to an important wildlife sanctuary – but threats remain for endangered popa anchors.
“Nevertheless, Mount Popa is a national park, which means that the species that occur there are legally protected, hunting for the timber industry and deforestation and fuel wood are still found,” Miguage said.
The study called on international organizations such as the International Union for Nature (IUCN) and the International Convention on International Trade in Langeral Species (CITES) to add popa langurs to their list of endangered species.
“Improved protected area management, especially in improved law enforcement … is needed to stabilize the two largest known populations,” the study says. “The forests of Bago Yoma are severely degraded and fragmented, but even if deforestation and deforestation are reversed through improved forest conservation and restoration, it will provide the largest, most sustainable habitat.”
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