Kipunji Facts

• The taxonomic name of the Kipunji, Rungwecebus kipunji, recognizes the monkey's local Kinyakyusa name (pronounced kip-oon-jee) used by a handful of hunters around Mt. Rungwe. Indeed, the monkey has long been known by the hunters who climb into the mountains to hunt. However, these days it seems that only the older generation are aware of the animal.
  
  

• It is suspected that the Kipunji will be classified as "critically endagered" due to its small population size and the increasing loss of habitat.
  
  
  

• The Kipunji is found in forested habitats and may form supergroups, or polyspecific associations, with other species of primates such as the Angola colobus.
  
  

• Despite being previously described as a type of managabey, recent studies have shown that the Kipunji in fact belongs to its own genus. This places Kipunji in a unique group closely related to baboons and mangabeys, with whom they share some behavioral and physical characteristics.
  
  

• Kipunji are hunted by humans for meat as well as due to their perceived threat as crop-raiders.