Putative white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus) × olive baboon (Papio anubis) hybrids from Comoé National Park in Côte d’Ivoire

Researchers document the first potential hybrid between white-naped mangabeys (Cercocebus lunulatus) and olive baboons (Papio anubis) observed in the wild at Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. The discovery was made through field observations and camera trap footage capturing three juvenile male hybrids over two years (2019–2021). While intergeneric hybridization has been reported in captivity among Papionini species, this finding suggests possible natural gene flow between the two species in a savanna-dominated protected area. The study highlights the need for genetic analysis to confirm hybrid status and assess population structure, while also exploring ecological factors that may facilitate such cross-species interactions. Given the Endangered status of C. lunulatus and the potential conservation implications, further research is recommended to clarify gene flow dynamics and demographic changes in these primate populations.

Matsuda Goodwin, R., Galat-Luong, A., & Galat, G. (2022). Putative white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus) × olive baboon (Papio anubis) hybrids from Comoé National Park in Côte d’Ivoire. Folia Primatologica, 93(2), 185–195. https://doi.org/10.1163/14219980-20211102