Genus Miopithecus Higher classification Talapoin | Phylum Chordata Family Cercopithecidae Scientific name Miopithecus ogouensis Rank Species | |
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Similar Talapoin, Dent's mona monkey, Lowe's mona monkey, Angolan talapoin, Dryas monkey | ||
Gabon talapoin monkey miopithecus ogouensis prague zoo
The Gabon talapoin (Miopithecus ogouensis), also known as the northern talapoin, is a small species of African monkey in the family Cercopithecidae. It is found in riparian habitats in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and western Republic of the Congo and far western Democratic Republic of Congo. It may have been introduced to Fernando Poo and the Canary Islands. Unlike the related Angolan talapoin, the Gabon talapoin has flesh-coloured (not blackish) ears and facial skin.
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Taxonomy
While better known than the Angolan talapoin, and recognized as distinct as far back as 1969, the Gabon talapoin remained unnamed until 1997. Kingdon pointed out that the presently used binomial, where the specific name is a reference to the Ogoue River, is a nomen nudum:
A nomen nudum, 'Miopithecus ogouensis' is used here [in Kingdon's book] in anticipation of a formal description.
However, it can be argued that his description is valid per ICZN rules, as he included an illustration (thereby possibly providing a valid type), a description, and specifically said the name was intended for this new species, leading later authorities to accept it.
