This is a list of primates described in the 2020s. As
primates are a well-studied group, species that are unknown to science are rare. However, recent advances in
DNA sequencing have allowed scientists to compare populations and test for distinct lineages in extant species. This list includes species that have been discovered,
formally described, or brought to public light in the year 2020 or later. New primate species are recorded by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC) Primate Specialist Group, an organisation chaired by primatologist
Russell Mittermeier and deputy chaired by Anthony Rylands. In the previous ten years
36 primates were described.[1]
2020
Jonah's mouse lemur (Microcebus jonahi)
A species of
mouse lemur from northeastern Madagascar described by
Schüßler et al. 2020.
DNA sequencing confirmed its species status and it was named after Malagasy primatologist
Jonah Ratsimbazafy. Morphological differences to its closest relative,
MacArthur's mouse lemur (M. macarthurii), include its greater length, shorter tail, wider ears, larger head width and shorter head length. Jonah's mouse lemur is also whiter on its underside, while MacArthur's mouse lemur is more yellowish orange.[2]
A species of
marmoset from northern Brazil described by
Costa-Araújo et al. 2021. It is named after Professor Horatio Schneider, a Brazilian
geneticist and primatologist. It is morphologically distinct from other species of marmoset by its fur coloration; its tail and crown are black, its head is white, its mantle, forearms, and underparts are greyish cream and blend to orange as they reach its feet which are goldenish orange. It has a uniform lead saddle and rump.[4]