New Species of Snub-nosed Monkey

I've had to keep very quiet about this for the past few weeks, but today the American Journal of Primatology announces the discovery of a new species of primate, the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri).

© Martin Aveling/Fauna & Flora International

The research that led to this exciting discovery was carried out by the Myanmar Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA), and supported by an international team of primatologists from Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRFC). The new monkey was named in honour of John Styker, President and Founder of the Arcus Foundation, who supported the project. As there are currently no images of a living specimen, I was commissioned to produce this illustration for identification purposes. As far as I know, it is the first ever drawing of this new species of monkey.

Sightings of the monkey have been reported from the eastern Himalayas to the north-eastern Kachin state, and it is believed that there are between 260-330 individuals, making it critically endangered. Although the species is new to science, the local people know it well, claiming it's actually quite easy to spot when it rains, because its upturned nose often fills up with water, causing it to sneeze!

Together with their partner organisations, FFI are taking immediate action to safeguard the survival of this important new species.

Elephant Mural in Ghana

I've now posted this video on my own YouTube channel...

Tusk Trust Christie's Auction

In celebration of the Tusk Trust's 20 year anniversary, their co-founder Sir Timothy Ackroyd, is putting together a compilation book of drawings, sketches, doodles and short stories by an extensive collection of know personalities, artists and authors. All the artwork will be auctioned at Christie's later this month to raise funds for the charity.

I donated a piece to the cause. Unfortunately it was too late to be included in the book, but it will be auctioned along with the other lots on the 20th September. To preview the artwork, or to register an interest, click here.

Society of Wildlife Artists 2010

I've had two pieces accepted into this year's Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition, which runs from the 22nd September - 2nd October (10am - 5pm daily).

The World's Most Endangered Ape

I recently did an illustration for an article on gibbons in BBC Wildlife Magazine. Helen Chatterjee talks about how she first became interested in gibbonology, and why this fascination has persisted for the past 35 years.

The Hainan gibbon is the world's most endangered ape, with fewer than 25 individuals remaining in the wild. Fauna & Flora International has been implementing an environmental education program over several years on Hainan Island, just off the coast of southern China. More recently they have been supporting the nature reserve to directly strengthen protection of this species in its habitat.

Elephant Parade Grand Auction

The London Elephant Parade concluded yesterday, with approximately £4 million raised for Asian elephant conservation. A live auction, hosted by Sotheby's, took place on Saturday, and Nanook sold for £9,500.

I am thrilled with the amount raised, which will help fund conservation projects supported by Fauna & Flora International and Elephant Family. I am equally pleased with Nanook's new home, where I know he will be very well looked after.

Parading Nanook

Here is the video from a couple of Saturdays ago, with Nanook in Green Park. On a miserably wet day, spirits were still high, and credit to Ben Westaway for putting this together under difficult conditions.