Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 April 2009
Field studies at distant sites in Brazilian Amazonia have brought to light two new species of primate, the black-headed marmoset Callithrix nigriceps and the Ka'apor capuchin Cebus kaapori. Little is known about either species, although both appear to have small geographical ranges in regions with relatively high human densities and where habitat-degrading activities, such as logging and mining, have been intensifying over the past two decades. These discoveries highlight the uncertain nature of our understanding of primate diversity in what is probably the biologically richest nation on earth. They also underline the urgent need for more detailed information from many areas, especially southern Amazonia, where habitat destruction is increasing.