Talon Posted October 10, 2004 #1 Share Posted October 10, 2004 'New' giant ape found in DR Congo 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. According to local villagers, the apes are ferocious, and even capable of killing lions. The UK magazine New Scientist is to publish its report about the mysterious creatures next week. If they are a new species of primate, it could be one of the most important wildlife discoveries in decades. The discovery of these apes "reveals just how much we still have to learn about our closest living relatives," New Scientist says. They stand up to two metres tall, the size of gorillas, and like gorillas, they nest on the ground, not in trees. But they live hundreds of kilometres away from any other known gorilla populations, and their diet is closer to that of chimpanzees. Primatologist Shelly Williams is thought to be the only scientist to have seen the apes. During her visit to DR Congo two years ago, she says she captured them on video and located their nests. She describes her encounter with them: "Four suddenly came rushing out of the bush towards me," she told New Scientist. "If this had been a bluff charge, they would have been screaming to intimidate us. These guys were quiet. And they were huge. They were coming in for the kill. I was directly in front of them, and as soon as they saw my face, they stopped and disappeared." Mystery The discovery has baffled scientists. There are three controversial possibilities to explain the origin of the mystery apes: They are a new species of ape They are giant chimpanzees, much larger than any so far recorded, but behave like gorillas 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. "This is a lawless area," says Kenyan-based Swiss photographer Karl Ammann, who tipped Ms Williams off about the apes. "The government has practically no control over hunting. If we found something interesting it would attract more investment. People would be more interested in conserving it." Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/3730574.stm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erikl Posted October 10, 2004 #2 Share Posted October 10, 2004 I heard about expeditions to this region to find out what it is for the last two years. I also heared these apes bi-pedals most of the time, and are also capable of running on their two feet quite easily. If these apes are real - this is huge! Another bi-pedal ape. Could it be an evolutionary stage of chimps toward another type of intelligence? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twpdyp Posted October 10, 2004 #3 Share Posted October 10, 2004 I agree that the discovery of any new animal species is very important and the discovery of a new primate is even bigger. It can and in all likelyhood will nesessitate the rewriting of all of books on biology. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lottie Posted October 10, 2004 #4 Share Posted October 10, 2004 Wow they are huge! This is fantastic news, lets just hope evil nasty hunters don't kill them and that new laws are brought in to protect such species. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellar Posted October 10, 2004 #5 Share Posted October 10, 2004 I agree that the discovery of any new animal species is very important and the discovery of a new primate is even bigger. It can and in all likelyhood will nesessitate the rewriting of all of books on biology. 299299[/snapback] Why would it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twpdyp Posted October 10, 2004 #6 Share Posted October 10, 2004 I guess biology was the wrong term, I apoligize for my ignorance. I mean't primatology? Is that term correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thanato Posted October 10, 2004 #7 Share Posted October 10, 2004 (edited) If this is true then it might be possible that there is a giant ape in the remote areas of North America. This is fantastic news, tho i wouldnt want to get close to them since the villagers say there capable of killing lions. ~Thanato Edited October 10, 2004 by Thanato Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talon Posted October 11, 2004 Author #8 Share Posted October 11, 2004 According to local villagers, the apes are ferocious, and even capable of killing lions. Proves their definately not Gorillas. Gorillas are gentle giants unless the Silverback feels completely threatened. Would be great if they were a new species and not a gorilla sub-species, or corss breed. Being able to day 6 Known Great Apes, rather than 5... oh, all the text books need to put out new editions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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