New Monkey Species Discovered in Congo’s Rainforest

Scientists in the Democratic Republic of Congo discovered a new species of monkey, characterized by its black fur and orange lips. The primate was first photographed in 2008, but only recent observations, photographs, and genetic research confirmed it as a distinct species of colobus monkey. Researchers have named the species Colobus congoensis, though it is locally known as Likweli, a name provided by the Balanga community.

The Likweli inhabits a remote area of the Congolese rainforest, primarily living in the upper canopy of old-growth forest. Between 2018 and 2022, researchers recorded just over one hundred sightings, mostly along the Lomami River. Many local communities were unfamiliar with the monkey, with only a few able to identify and describe it.

Researchers propose listing the Likweli as endangered due to potential threats from deforestation, expanding settlements, and hunting, despite much of its habitat falling within the Lomami National Park. The discovery underscores the vast, undocumented biodiversity still present in Central African forests.