Scientists have identified a new species of monkey with unusual orange lips deep in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species, named Colobus congoensis, is already feared to be endangered due to its limited range, habitat loss, and hunting pressure.
Discovery and identification
The monkey, known locally as 'Likweli', is only the fifth new monkey species identified in Africa in the last 75 years. It was first sighted in 2008 when researchers captured a partially obscured photograph. A decade later, a much clearer image was obtained, sparking further investigation. Genetic, anatomical, and acoustic analyses have now confirmed that the monkey represents a distinct evolutionary lineage that diverged from its closest known relative four to five million years ago.
Physical characteristics and range
C. congoensis is described as having glossy black fur with cape-like shoulders, a long sweeping tail, and a vivid orange-cream patch around the mouth and nose, giving it a 'striking, mask-like' appearance, according to study co-author Junior Amboko, a PhD student at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Between 2018 and 2022, researchers recorded 114 sightings across an estimated range of 1,700 square kilometers.
Conservation status
Despite the discovery, scientists are proposing that C. congoensis be classified as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List due to its extremely limited range, small population size, growing hunting pressure, and ongoing habitat loss. Study first author Dr John Hart of the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation noted, 'We continue to be reminded that the Congo Basin remains one of the world's last great frontiers for mammal discovery. Even in regions that have been scientifically explored, entirely new species are still coming to light.'
Significance of the discovery
The discovery was made by an international team led by researchers from FAU and the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation. Junior Amboko expressed pride in the discovery, stating, 'This discovery is both exciting and deeply personal, highlighting the extraordinary biodiversity of my homeland and how much remains undocumented. Being involved through every stage, from fieldwork to the lab, made this an especially rewarding experience. It makes it even more meaningful that the name I proposed, Colobus congoensis, was chosen. The name honours the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country with extraordinary biodiversity.'
