The monkey has been known for some time, but not closely studied until recently, and now it has a name, the Popa langur Trachypithecus popa.

A rare monkey found in Myanmar has finally been named. The monkey is light grey in colour and has a long white tail, close to two times the length of its body. The monkey has been known for some time, but not closely studied until recently, and now it has a name, the Popa langur Trachypithecus popa.

The Popa langur is found in central Myanmar and is named after the sacred extinct volcano Mount Popa, which holds the largest population of the species with just over 100 animals.

As Kris Helgen explains, species such as the Popa langur, are in danger of extinction due to threats including urbanisation, land clearing, logging, human encroachment, and the illegal pet trade.

There are estimated to be only 200-250 monkeys remaining, which live in four isolated populations in Central Myanmar. Throughout its range the langur is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Naming the monkey is an important step allowing scientists to recommend the species be classified immediately as critically endangered.

Originally published at abc