New Monkey Species Discovered in the Congo

Scientists discovered a new monkey species in the Democratic Republic of Congo, distinguished by light-colored patches around its mouth. Locals call the monkey “Likweli” while researchers named it Colobus congoensis. The monkey is small with black fur and a distinctive orange-salmon colored stripe around its mouth and nose, giving it a masked appearance.

This discovery marks only the fifth new monkey species identified in Africa over the last 75 years. John Hart of the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation noted the finding highlights how much of the Congo River basin’s wildlife remains unknown.

Researchers estimate the population of Colobus congoensis is small and have proposed the International Union for Conservation of Nature list the species as endangered. Conservation efforts will be crucial to ensure the survival of this newly identified primate.