Rare Image: The Myanmar snub-nosed monkey

Researchers working in Northern Myanmar have captured the first photographs of the recently discovered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey.

"These images are the first record of the animal in its natural habitat," said Ngwe Lwin, the Burmese national who first recognised the monkey as a possible new species.

"It is great to finally have photographs because they show us something about how and where it actually lives."

"The Myanmar snub-nosed monkey was described scientifically in 2010 from a dead specimen collected from a local hunter," said Frank Momberg of FFI, who organised the initial expeditions that led to the monkey's discovery. "As yet, no scientist has seen a live individual," he added.

Picture: FFI/BANCA/PRCF/REX FEATURES

The Longest Eclipse since July 1991

The longest solar eclipse this century has crossed Asia, plunging much of India and China into darkness. Millions gathered to watch the event, which began at dawn.

One of the best views was in the town of Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges in India.

Thousands of Hindus took a dip in keeping with the ancient belief that bathing in the river at Varanasi, especially on special occasions, cleanses your sins.

The eclipse then moved north and east from India to Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China.

At its peak, the eclipse lasted six minutes and 39 seconds. It was the longest such eclipse since July 11, 1991, when a total eclipse lasting six minutes, 53 seconds was visible from Hawaii to South America. There will not be a longer eclipse until 2132.