A rare monkey species, which was discovered three years ago in Tanzania, could already become extinct, according to scientists.

The Kipunji or Highland Mangabey was discovered in 2005 in the Southern Highlands in Tanzania, reports Fox News.

After scientists carried out tests on the monkey in 2006, it was revealed that the species represented a new genus of primate.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in New York has now released a census of the endangered primate and awareness is being raised through eco-tourism.

"We must do all we can to safeguard this extremely rare and little understood species while there is still time," Tim Davenport, Tanzania country director for the WCS, told Fox.

Research shows that just 1,117 individuals of the Kipunji species live in two forest regions spanning seven square miles with 38 groups of 15 to 39 members.

Defining features of the monkeys include long whiskers and a crest of hair on the top of the head. It also has a distinctive honk-bark call.

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