A new monkey species has been established, along with a new description and name.

 

The newest uakari, Cacajao ayresii, has been recognized recently, although no photographs are available yet. It lives in the mountains along the Brazil-Venezuela border, in an area known as Pico de Neblina. Situated in the northern part of Amazonia, the region is one of the wettest and home to mature evergreen forest. Uakaris are unusual primates due to their habit of occupying flooded swamp forests.

 

All four uakari species are quite rare. They can be found in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. Uakaris share certain distinctive features, such as long fur and bald faces. They are small monkeys, about 55 cm long, with fairly short (15 cm) tails. Adept climbers, uakaris tend to live in treetops and feed on fruit, seeds, and flowers. During the flood season, they move from tree to tree without descending to the ground. The newest uakari species has a small range, lying within an unprotected area.

 

Uakaris live in groups of 5-50 animals, although they forage in smaller packs. They live about 20 years. The populations of these monkeys are not well-described and they are subject to hunting, although the level is unclear. In Peru, the meat may be eaten, while it is used as hunting bait in Brazil.