Science

"When I first saw it, I immediately knew it was something new and different. I just didn't know how significant it was," Hart said.  Hart and fellow researchers spent the next five years doing field, genetic and anatomical research to find out more about the mysterious monkey.

Their discovery was made known to the world this week when they published their research in the open-access PLoS ONE journal.  Hart calls the lesula, which has a blond mane and bright-red patch on its lower back, a "gorgeous" animal Male lesulas can weigh up to 15 pounds, twice that of female lesulas. Males also have bright blue buttocks, which stand out in the dark, dense rain forest they roam.  Researchers hope the discovery of the lesula will lead to its protection. While it is not considered an endangered species, Hart says it is vulnerable because of the high demand for bush meat in the relatively small area it inhabits.