A newly discovered species of titi monkey purrs like a cat and looks like a leprechaun.

Although it was first spotted in 1976 by biologist Martin Moynihan in the southern Caqueta province of Colombia, frequent armed conflict in the region has prevented scientists from being able to confirm its existence until now.

The new species, named the Caqueta titi monkey or Callicebus caquetensis, is one of about 20 species of titi monkeys, which all live in the Amazon basin, according to primatologist Thomas Defler, who led the expedition that made the discovery announced Aug. 12 in Primate Conservation.

"The titi monkey genus is so speciose that it is likely there are many species that we don't know now," Defler added.

The Caqueta titi monkey is being recommended for classification as Critically Endangered. The population size has been estimated at less than 250 individuals, and its habitat has been fragmented by clearing for agricultural land.

Titi monkeys are one of the only species of primate that are monogamous, gibbons being one of the only other ones.

"Even human beings aren't all that monogamous," Defler said.

Defler raised a couple titi monkeys once, and says that their monogamous behavior causes them to be endearing. He called one of their behaviors "space saving," where they encourage the other monkey to get closer to them.

Baby Caqueta titi monkey

"All of the babies purr like cats too," Defler added. "When they feel very content they purr towards each other, and the ones we raised would purr to us."

After years of wanting to go to the Caqueta region to search for the monkey, Defler was finally able to go in part because of a new government that has made the region safer, and in part because he met a biology student named Javier Garcia who was from the region, which also made it safer for them to go, Defler said. Conservation International provided funding for the project.

They spotted the monkey just a few days after they arrived in the region in August 2008. They returned to the region in 2009 to study the distribution of the species.

Defler hopes that the discovery will help lead to the creation of new preserves for the monkey. Garcia also plans to study the monkey for his master's degree.

Map of the area where a new species of titi monkey was found.

See Also:

Images: 1) Javier Garcia. 2) Illustration by Stephen Nash. 3) Javier Garcia. 4) Thomas Defler.

Follow us on Twitter @jessmcnally and @wiredscience, and on Facebook.