The Blue Nile patas: A new monkey species

  • The Blue Nile patas monkey has been identified as a distinct monkey species.
  • This species can be identified with ‘handlebar moustache’.
  • This is found in Ethiopia and Sudan.
  • Actually, it was recognised as a separate species way back in 1862, but in 1927, on the basis of some scientists argument, it was categorised with other patas monkeys to form a single species. But now, once again scientists accepted it a distinct monkey species.
  • These are found mainly in Blue Nile region of Ethiopia and Sudan, hence it is named after that region.
  • It’s biological name is Erythrocebus poliophaeus.
  • -Blue Nile patas faces and noses are black and they lack the characteristic band between the ear and eye found on other patas monkeys.
  • Patas monkeys are found across sub-Saharan Africa. They are among the fastest-moving of ground-dwelling monkeys. They are able to reach speeds of about 55 km/h.

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