Lesula

• Common Name: Lesula
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 2012
• Monkey Size: 40 to 65 cm (15.75 to 25.59 in)
• Skin Color(s): Blonde
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Diet: Herbivorous
• Native Countries: Democratic Republic of Congo

The lesula^[1] (Cercopithecus lomamiensis) is a species of Old-World monkey occurring in the Lomami Basin of the Congo.

• Slender, medium-sized Lesulas feature a strong color contrast in their coat pattern, with blonde fur along the upper chest, throat, and chin.
• Black fur covers the lower abdomen and ventral region, fading to silver-gray tones on the thigh’s proximal half.
• Amber fur grows at the proximal end of their long, thin tails, gradually darkening to black towards the tip.
• The fur on the shoulders and long front legs is black. Their face, ears, and eyelids are bare and range in color from pinkish gray to brown.
• Lesulas and its sister species, Cercopithecus hamlyni, are distinguished from all other species in the genus Cercopithecus by their vertical nasal stripe, skull shape, and facial mane.

• This monkey is described as having human eyes and a blue bottom.
• Lesulas are shy and semi-arboreal, traveling and resting on the ground and in the treetops.
• They travel alone, in conspecific groups (usually 5 members or fewer), or small multi-specific assemblages with other primates.
• Lesulas communicate vocally, with the frequency of vocalizations increasing dramatically just before sunrise, from 5:45 to 6:30 a. m.
• Upon contact with humans, individuals often fled.