Popa Langur

Context

Recently, the scientists have identified ‘Popa Langur’ from the forests of central Myanmar.

It is newly discovered species of primate.
It is a lithe tree-dweller with a mask-like face framed by a shock of unruly grey hair.
It is named after an extinct volcano Mount Popa which is home to its largest population.
It is critically endangered with numbers down to about 200 individuals as per IUCN.
Trachypithecus popa or T. popa, has a grey-brownish and white belly, with black hands and wrists that look a bit like gloves.

Back to basics

Mount Popa

It is an extinct volcano which is 1518 metres above sea level.
It is located in central Myanmar in the region of Mandalay.
The name Popa is believed to come from the Pali/Sanskrit word puppha meaning flower.
The main edifice of the volcano is composed of basalt and basaltic andesite lava flows, along with pyroclastic deposits and scoriaceous material.
It is the headquarters of Myanmar’s most powerful Nats and four of the Buddhist spirits worshiped by the Burmese are considered to have their home here.

Source: The Hindu

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