Following recent pictures of a Crested Black Macaque, taken, allegedly by the creature itself!
The Daily Mail is pleased to announce the first images of a, hitherto, unknown species of primate which has tentatively been named as.......FORSYTHS' MACAQUE -
Above, Crested Black Macaque (self portrait) and, Right - 'Forsyths' Macaque'.
RANGE AND HABITAT
Little is known about the status of the 'Forsyths' Macque, unlike its' close relative the 'Crested' it does not appear to inhabit the same wild, rocky terrain - a mixture of Karst landscape features, much of it cloaked in primary rain forest and untouched by loggers. It appears to favour land that has been cleared of tree cover and converted to relatively small areas that seem to consist of a mixture of pools and small trees/shrubs with what appears to be 18, irregularly spaced, small holes.
Below - Wild, Crested Black Macaque habitat and, Right, 'Forsyths' preferred terrain.
Below - both species photographed by 'Roly Birkin' in shared habitat.
Above - 'man of the woods' and Right, 'man of the irons'.
Below - assumed ranges of Crested and 'Forsyths' Macaques.
As stated, there is some overlap of both species and below is the only picture of a chance meeting taken by a remote camera......
Above - one is an upright, walking primate with a range of social skills and a highly developed social culture the other is a vain, impetous, Peter Pan-like golf fanatic!
'ROLY' BIRKINS' GRIPPING ACCOUNT!
The Daily Mails' very own Environmental correspondent 'Roly' Birkin secreted a number of these cameras all over the archipelago in order to record sounds and images of both species.
In the video below he regales an interviewer from the World Wildlife Fund with his exploits including his first views of captive Crested Black Macaques in Edinburgh Zoo seen whilst on honeymoon to falling down in Sarawak and having to fashion a home-made crutch whilst waiting for 3 days to be rescued.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm09d4z65Bg
Both species appear to have very little in common which would make 'Forsyths' Macaque a canditate for elevation to a 'full' species rather than just a subspecies which has been suggested by the Zoological Society of London.
Both appear to have a fondness for fresh fruit.
Above - "Nice to eat you, to eat you...............nice"
THAT 'CREST'
Physically, both species share similar traits being long-limbed and very agile well into old-age, this is a particular feature of the 'Forsyths' Macaque. Both species are, technically, 'Crested' - the Black Macaque is born with a vestigal 'crest' and retains it throughout its' lifetime whereas the 'Forsyths' does not develop a 'crest' for the first 2-3 years of its' life then developes a slight 'crest' for about 25-30 years then for some unknown reason the 'crest' is then lost.................only to reappear several years later changing colour from time to time! This phase was initially thought to be linked to habitat change or possibly disruptive colouration but now appears to be nothing more than vanity.
Below - Black Macaque c/w 'lifetime' crest and 'Forsyths' - before...........after!
VOCALISATIONS
Both species employ a wide range of sounds in their repertoire but with one important difference, Forsyths' Macaque tends to use the same series of repetitive phrases rather than the random sounds of the Black Crested Macaque. Below are 2 recordings, 1 of each species to illustrate the difference.
1. Black Crested Macaque.
http://soundcloud.com/rollingthunder/forsythsmacaque
The following sonograms of 'Forsyths' have been obtained and when broken down transcribe as follows -
2. GgguuuuuuudGaaaaaaymeGgguuuuuudGaaaaayme.
3. NyyysssseTooooSeeeYerrrrTuuuSeeeeeYerrrrrNyccce.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND PACK FIDELITY
Although potentially overlapping in habitat, sharing the same foraging habits, similar vocalisations and both posessing a 'crest' of sorts there is one very important aspect of behaviour in which the animals diverge markedly - this is in the area of fidelity and relationships.
Whereas 'Crested' appears to mate for life raising a small family and unless the female dies remains loyal to the extended pack the situation is quite the reverse in 'Forsyths'.
Below - Crested and 'Forsyths' Macaques in typical family grouping.
The 'Forsyths' current Alpha female is Wilmelia and despite appearing highly fertile and in the words of 'Roly' Birkin 'up for it' has only produced one cub but the Alpha male and pack leader, known to research biologists simply as 'Brucie' has had several 'mates' over the last 4 decades and there have been sightings with non-Alpha females a selection of which has been made available from archived material.
1. Alpha female Penny Calvert - 'Brucies' facial expression could be an innate response to her pheremones.
2. Anne Sidney - numerous sightings with this 'unattached' female, there would have, undoubtably been repeated attempts at copulation but it would appear that no lasting bond was established. Interestingly 'Brucie' appears to favour females that adorn themselves with bright, glittery materials usually with bits of metal on their heads, when not overcome with amorous antics 'Brucie' appears mollified with such objects.
3. Alpha female Anthea Redfern - although this individual appeared to have no interest in 'bright, shiny objects' she was made to 'twirl' in a circular motion by 'Brucie' much to the amusement of the Field Observers!
4. Kathy Kirby - rumours still persist of sightings from decades ago but she was known to have an Alpha male in attendance who would not tolerate another male on his territory (East End of London, a habitat consisting of rough boulders and little vegetation.
Below - Kirbys' Alpha male.
Roughly translated as...........
"Where's Brucie? - I'll break 'izz fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckin' legs!!!!!!!
5. Current Alpha female - note the bright, metal adornments.
Alas - for 'Brucie' this, suitably receptive, female was 'one that got away'!
RUMOURS PERSIST OF EXOTIC SPECIES
The sprawling Indonesian Archipelago is home to a wide range of primates which have found a niche in the numerous 'micro' habitats that are to be found from island to island. Both the Black Crested and Forsyths' Macaque are endemic to the Celebes. New species are being found every decade but rumours abound of several , little-known, relatively undescribed animals. Are these 'ghosts' from the past? Figments of the imagination from trail-blazing naturalists from the Victorian era?
Or is it just a feeble attempt at word-play and rhyming slang?
Some possible candidates that might still be found in the CELEBRITES......................
FRANK SUMATRA.
THE MAMAS AND THE PAPUA'S.
GET JAKARTA.
COUNT BASIE FROM SULAWESI.
THE 'WILD MAN' OF BONEO.
Finally..........................A popular misconception is that primates only inhabit 'exotic', foreign and far-flung locations. It is true that most of the worlds species are to be found withing the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn but a number of species are resident in both Northerly and Southerly latitudes, indeed Europe has the Barbary Ape, resident on Gibraltar and the Atlas mountains of Morocco and the Mahgreb region of North Africa.
Closer to home there are a number of associated species that are thought to have diverged from the local hominids of the Black Country and are to be found, at large, within the Greater Stourbridge area. Below are the best photographs available of several of the individuals concerned with what little information about their lifestyle and habits that is currently known.
ETHERIDGES CHAVPANZEE (PRONOUNCED CHAV-PANSY).
This species was thought to be highly gregarious, always to be found in mass troop meetings in the Oldswinford area. The group was led by a single Alpha male (pictured) and at one stage was rumoured to have over 6,000 'followers'. But, after a series of clashes with local troops the 'Chavpanzees' split, the Alpha male disappearing seemingly into thin air overnight! Recent sightings suggest that he may have relocated to the Wollaston area where an individual of similar appearance has been observed drinking a strange, insipid, flat-tasting, Yellow liquid from pools in forest clearings that the locals call 'Stella'.
PLOMBIERS ROCK-APE
There is only an artists impression of this species from some hurried field sketches. Anecdotal evidence from several observers suggest that this species is far more thick set and muscular than the above image would suggest. The shoulders and abdomen being particularly broad and quite often giving the appearance of having no neck whatsoever! This species, unlike the others, appears to have mastered the skill of using a range of tools from spanners and hammers to pipe cutters and saws. This would suggest the creature is far more intelligent than it looks..........But beware and if spotted do not approach as they are considered aggresive and capable of great physical harm.
THE LOWLAND MARTIN GORILLA.
Thought to be closely related to the Lowland Mountain Gorilla that is to be found in the Central African Republic of Rwanda. This species shares a similar demeanour, being docile and very sociable, only vocal when provoked, highly agitated or when individuals have over-indulged in overripe forests fruits that have undergone fermentation to produce a potent alcoholic brew.
A rather distinct aspect of the creatures' behaviour is that the species seems to be fascinated by watches and has been responsible for numerous 'incidents' where tourists gather. It is thought that there is nothing malicious in this behaviour and why they persisit in 'collecting' these items remains a mystery. Although basically a 'terrestial' species it is known to scale small buildings foraging for items and often shelters from the rain.
NOTE - Information has just been reliably recieved that this species has a special liking for, of all things, BANANAS! So no points for originality there........Those visiting areas where this species is likely to occur are reccomended to carry one in order to distract them from trying to 'acquire' their valuable watches! You have been warned...........
LOWLAND MARTIN GORILLA (FEMALE).
The same cannot be said for the brightly-coloured, noisy and highly garrulous female (pictured).
Primate experts have put forward a hypothesis that the male is subdued, quieter and indeed considered docile because they have evolved a lifestyle that does not compete. We consider that the packs are run by the Alph female with the Beta males' role reduced to one of servitude. The female closely resembles the West African Mandrill but wheras the 'true' Mandrills' gaudy facial colouring is completely natural the 'Manthrill' of Wollaston spends most of the day preening, texting and daubing its' face with a variety of clays and powders whilst the male is doing his best to provide for the troop. It is thought that her behaviour is a responce to innate vanity and decreasing fertility. On the plus side it is considered very loyal to the family pack, when not indulging in preening etc it is often to be heard, incessantly, pestering the male with a range of calls and repeated requests for "chips-chips"..... "chips-chips"..... "chips-chips"!
CRADDOCKS LANGUR.
Last but not least! -
Not much is known about this species. its' overall appearance is one of incredible hairiness. There is evidence of 'crest' loss when the animal approaches 30 years old but maybe this will mysteriously re-appear as in the Forsyths' Macaque? If so, this species may have to be re-classified, only time will tell.
The species is considered highly nocturnal, not because it is active at night but because it appears to be inactive during daylight hours, most of the foraging etc being carried out by the females. Indeed, during one reported incident of the Alpha females' domestic habitat being accidently set on fire (possibly the result of lightning from a tropical storm) the male made no attempt help assist the agitated creature.
Langur derives from 'long' and refers to the length of the limbs but in this case is possibly refers to 'languish' i.e. to lounge around.
The species is considered 'shy' when out of habitat and very protective of the single offspring that is the norm. Having said that, it seems to have a fascination for printed images of itself and will readily pose for photographs. Indeed, captive individuals will readily allow themselves to be dressed up, like dogs, in a range of garments such as waistcoats, bowler hats etc etc.
STOP PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Information has been obtained of a 'strange' hitherto, undescribed individual seen roaming Mary Stevens Park. It would appear to favour dawn and dusk thus it could be considered of crepuscular habit? It has been seen methodically collecting shiny metal and glass detritus left by parties of tourists. No social interaction has been observed, the creature intent on gazing at the ground and mumbling to itself. The most distinguishing feature appears to be its' vocalizations and consists of loud, belicose, yelping, quite distinctive and possibly diagnostic. Recordings and sonograms will hopefully be available shortly along with first pictures. 'Roly' Birkin has been hard at work setting up a series of remote cameras in the parkland habitat that this species has been recently located in.
As is often the case, locals have known of this species and its' strange habits for a while and have nick-named the individual NUTTYBILL.
STOP PRESS............STOP PRESS..........STOP PRESS..........
The first known pictures of 'NuttyBill' have now been obtained by remote camera - the short series of grainy images show the creatures' distinctive 'gait', true to form he stopped by the first waste bin to check for bits of metal for potential recycling that should'nt be in there, mooched around by the gates at great personal risk of being flattened by visiting day-trippers keen on observing the local wildlife that frequents the park before stopping at the 2nd litter bin again to check for more shiny bits of metal to adorn his lair - all the while his eyes focussed on the ground with complete disregard for is own safety!
WINSTON SAYS -
"MY BLOG, MY RULES - FUCK OFF!".....................
