|
 |
|
The new ape has some gorilla
characteristics |
Scientists believe they have discovered a new group of giant apes in
the jungles of central Africa.
The animals, with characteristics
of both gorillas and chimpanzees , have been sighted in
the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They stand up to two metres tall, the size of gorillas, but unlike
gorillas, they nest on the ground, not in trees.
If they are a new species of primate, it could be one of the most
important wildlife discoveries in decades.
According to local villagers, the apes living in the remote forests of
northern DR Congo are ferocious, and even capable of killing lions.
But these mysterious apes live hundreds of kilometres away from any
other known gorilla populations, and their diet is closer to that of
chimpanzees.
The discovery has baffled
scientists.
They are now studying whether this could be a new species of ape.
Another possibility is that the creatures are giant chimpanzees, much
larger than any so far recorded, but which behave like gorillas.
Or alternatively, they could be hybrids, the product of gorillas mating
with chimpanzees.
So far, researchers have little to go on, but they now plan to return
to northern DR Congo to study the apes further.
In the meantime, there are fears that unless measures are taken to
protect them, poaching could
threaten this new group of primates before the mystery of their identity
is resolved.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-10-10 15:09