New giant apes found in Africa

Scientists say they have discovered a new group of giant apes in the jungles of central Africa.
They were spotted in the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reports the BBC.
The animals showed characteristics of both gorillas and chimpanzees and could be one of the most important wildlife discoveries in decades.

Local villagers claimed the apes were ferocious, and even capable of killing lions.

They stand up to two metres tall, the size of gorillas, and like gorillas, they nest on the ground, not in trees.

But they live hundreds of miles from any other known gorilla populations, and their diet is closer to that of chimpanzees.

New Scientist, which is to publish a report about the mysterious creatures, says it "reveals just how much we still have to learn about our closest living relatives".

Primatologist Shelly Williams captured them on video and located their nests during a visit to DR Congo two years ago.

She told New Scientist: "Four suddenly came rushing out of the bush towards me. If this had been a bluff charge, they would have been screaming to intimidate us.

"These guys were quiet. And they were huge. They were coming in for the kill. I was directly in front of them, and as soon as they saw my face, they stopped and disappeared."


Developed by Durigu Rares