The monkey closely resembles the local titi monkey, while other features make it quite different. So different, in fact, that it is completely unlike any other documented primate.

Scientists are now studying the new animal and record all of its characteristics.

The team was traipsing through mid-western Brazil when they came across the new monkey. It has been dubbed as a type of titi, or Callicebus, and brought to researchers at the Emilio Goeldi Museum in the state of Para.

The new titi has features on its head and tail that they’ve never seen before of titis in the same area. The area, specifically, was between the Guariba River and the Roosevelt River in the northestern part of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

During the expedition, which took 20 days in total during December 2010, the researchers explored four different protected areas of the Guariba-Roosevelt Extractive Resrve, as well as the Tucuma State Park, and the Roosevelt River and Madeirinha River.

The group discovered forty-eight specifies of mammals in total, including aramadillos, anteaters, deer, monkeys, and others. Bird specie discoveries topped 313, including some that were only previously seen in other South American countries. They also turned up another new possible species of fish, including a catfish, tetra, and a piaus.

Among the threatened species were a giant anteater, giant armadillio, giant otter, jaguar, and ocelot.

The scientist who made the discovery, Julio Dalponte, officially handed over the specimen to the museum.

“By integrating this animal to a reputable collection such as that of the Goeldi museum we have taken an important step towards gaining better knowledge of the fauna in the northwest Mato Grosso region which is still a puzzle with many pieces missing”, Mr Dalponte explained in a statement.

The discovery of the new species increases the potential biodiversity of the northwest of Mato Grosso and the conservation in the area. He elaborated, “We do have some information on Protected Areas surrounding this region but little information on this part of the State itself. That means we must work to complete this map and fill in the gaps in our information on the region.”

The monkey sported a ginger-coloured beard with a bright red tail. The beard colour is common to titi monkeys, all of which are known for their bright or vivid facial hair. It isn’t too surprising of the new discovery: there are 28 types of titi monkeys; 25 of which have been found in the last 40 years. However, finding a completely new species is still very rare.

This is the second titi monkey to be found in the last three years; in 2008 the Caquetá titi was discovered in the Colombian Amazon.

The new titi will be the main part of studies that have been designed to provide a detailed description of its characteristics to mammalian zoology experts and primatologists worldwide, according to the WWF.

The studies will go on over the next six months. This will be followed by publications in about a year’s time.

My concern for the environment began after hearing so many stories about the battle to save sensitive land from unnecessary development near my home in Canada. I learned about the Oak Ridges Moraine (a natural habitat formed during the ice age), and the how housing developments there are destroying the land. This made me think of all the wildlife that depend on that area and the natural resources it provides; thus, inspiring me to promote the awareness of endangered species.

I wanted to use my design skills to transcend my everyday nine-to-five job by spreading this important message . Images are powerful; we see marketing tactics everywhere, but is there not a better usage for eye catching visuals than selling real estate or a can of pop? Each and every one of us has the ability to help the Earth in our own unique way. I have found that using ones own skills and interests is a great way to accomplish this. In doing so, we will not only benefit the present day, but also the future environment our children will exist in.

At first, I didn’t know anything about starting an organic clothing line. I educated myself through books, websites and others in the industry. As my knowledge progressed, I became more aware of how daunting this task would really be. I chose to start of with a simple plan ; a small line of graphic t-shirts, each one raising awareness about a particular endangered animal. These shirts also feature a cute slogan for young adults to gravitate towards. I wanted my t-shirts to take into consideration both environmentally friendly construction and ethical issues such as labor practices.

When I began my research a few years ago, there were hardly any t-shirt wholesalers selling organic cotton and those who did provided no variety of colours, only natural beige. I was left to develop my own custom t-shirts and to source out clothing manufacturers, fabric wholesalers, dyers, label companies, and more! All of this took a great amount of patience, because I did not want to run a sweatshop, or hire one either. I wanted to keep everything in North America. Nowadays, organic fabric has become increasingly popular and is available in a variety colours and fabric blends, such as soy, bamboo and hemp.

The Internet has been a major catalyst for change, popularizing the green lifestyle by providing an endless source of information that has quickly developed over recent years. Therefore, in designing my website I decided not only to showoff my collection, but offer information about the animals featured on my t-shirts; their characteristics, where they live and why they are endangered. I also offer tips on how to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, and hold a poster contest every Earth Day.

In addition to all of this, I felt the best way to give back to the community would be to donate a portion of my profits to a reputable charity , such as the World Wildlife Fund . In the future I would like to create a foundation, which will give funds to reputable, albeit lesser recognized environmental charities. By helping spread awareness, I believe that a difference can be made and since Endangered Couture is accessible via the World Wide Web, information can be exchanged at a higher rate among more people and across geographical areas, especially among younger generations.

Starting an eco business is just one small footprint in the larger picture of conservation initiatives and the battle against global warming. As an eco business owner, I realize that money isn’t everything and that it is equally important to create a positive change in the world . This idea of mine is an ever-growing vision and not a charity campaign. It takes time to build something great; all you have to do is start small and be patient. There are so many resources available to help you make your dreams a reality, no matter what dream you choose to pursue never forget that you can make a difference, too .

Image courtesy of onlinezoo2323.wordpress.com

The group assume that, because of the remote area, there were possible discoveries to be made. Unlike most orangutan habitats, it had been protected from destruction, for resources such as palm oil, found in cosmetics and similar products.

And they were right. The conservationists counted 219 nests, significantly adding to the number of the animals that are thought to have remained.

These nests, researchers estimate, increase the total amount of orangutans to potential thousands. Erik Meijaard, a senior ecologist with the Nature Conservancy, calls the findings “significant”, paving the way for enhanced protection. “The immediate steps include going back to the area to see how far the population ranges and to put better protection in place,” Meijaard told CNN.

These new findings could increase the number of orangutans (previously at approximately 50, 000) by five percent. And because of the region they were found, Meijaard pointed out that the locals are interested in keeping the area as is. “For orangutans,” he noted,  “we have a real chance to protect and save this species—and we need make it happen now.”
Sources: CNN and National Geographic.

Image courtesy of JeanKern at Flickr.