New Northwestern Range Limit of the Northern Talapoin, Mbam et Djerem National Park, Cameroon

Recent surveys carried out in the Mbam Djerem National Park, Cameroon, have recorded the presence of talapoin monkeys (Miopithecus ogouensis). This area, at about 6°N, is in the transition zone between the Central African forest block and the Guinea-Congolia/Sudania savannas. These observations, plus those from similar habitat in the Central African Republic to the east, suggest that the distribution of the northern talapoin may be much more extensive than previously thought. Its small size and choice of habitat may have precluded it from being noticed by wildlife surveys in the past, as these monkeys tend to occur in swampy areas with thick vegetation. Future survey teams are encouraged to be on the lookout for talapoins both north and south of the Equator in savanna gallery forests.