 Originally assigned to the genus "Lophocebus", genetic and morphological tests showed that it is more closely related to the baboons (genus "Papio") than to the other mangabeys in the genus "Lophocebus", and that "Lophocebus" was diphyletic, meaning that species with differing genealogies have been mistakenly lumped together.Scientists have assigned it to a new genus, Rungwecebus, named after Mount Rungwe, where it is found.Zoologists were initially skeptical of the existence of the kipunji until its discovery, as traditional tales of the Nyakyusa people described the monkey as both real and mythical.