lennart
16-08-03, 13:33
American zoo testing DNA from mystery apes
Scientists in the US hope DNA tests will reveal the origins of large, mysterious apes discovered in the heart of Africa.
Genetics research at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo on faecal samples collected from the rare apes should determine if are a new species, a new subspecies or a form of hybrid.
"It is a new, mystery ape and we are doing the DNA fingerprinting to find out more," said zoo director Dr Lee Simmons.
The apes, which stand five to six feet tall and have feet nearly 14 inches long, were first documented by primatologist Shelly Williams of Atlanta in a forest in the northern Democratic Republic of Congo.
They have bodies similar to those of gorillas, but generally the facial characteristics of a chimpanzee. Williams said the animals sleep on the ground at night like gorillas, but eat a fruit-rich diet like chimpanzees.
"I can't speculate yet as to what they are. Their behaviour is so unusual. It is a puzzle. I feel like Dr Dolittle in the land of Oz," said Williams, who has captured some video of the animals but no photographs.
Because of their size and elusiveness, the apes have no predators - not even poachers hunt them, Williams said. With no fear of lions, leopards or hyenas, the large animals hoot at the moon as it rises and sets, which is extremely unusual for apes, she said.
"The people are very afraid of them. They call them the 'lion killers' because they are huge creatures," Williams said.
"If this ends up being a new species of ape, that would be amazing. Even if it's a hybridisation, that would be fascinating," Louis said.
© Associated Press
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_809369.html?menu=news.latestheadlines.worldnews
Scientists in the US hope DNA tests will reveal the origins of large, mysterious apes discovered in the heart of Africa.
Genetics research at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo on faecal samples collected from the rare apes should determine if are a new species, a new subspecies or a form of hybrid.
"It is a new, mystery ape and we are doing the DNA fingerprinting to find out more," said zoo director Dr Lee Simmons.
The apes, which stand five to six feet tall and have feet nearly 14 inches long, were first documented by primatologist Shelly Williams of Atlanta in a forest in the northern Democratic Republic of Congo.
They have bodies similar to those of gorillas, but generally the facial characteristics of a chimpanzee. Williams said the animals sleep on the ground at night like gorillas, but eat a fruit-rich diet like chimpanzees.
"I can't speculate yet as to what they are. Their behaviour is so unusual. It is a puzzle. I feel like Dr Dolittle in the land of Oz," said Williams, who has captured some video of the animals but no photographs.
Because of their size and elusiveness, the apes have no predators - not even poachers hunt them, Williams said. With no fear of lions, leopards or hyenas, the large animals hoot at the moon as it rises and sets, which is extremely unusual for apes, she said.
"The people are very afraid of them. They call them the 'lion killers' because they are huge creatures," Williams said.
"If this ends up being a new species of ape, that would be amazing. Even if it's a hybridisation, that would be fascinating," Louis said.
© Associated Press
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_809369.html?menu=news.latestheadlines.worldnews