New Monkey Species Discovered in Congo After Years Hidden

Scientists in the Democratic Republic of Congo identified a new species of monkey, the ‘likweli’ (Colobus congoensis), after initial sightings in 2008. The small primate, part of the Colobus genus, is characterized by its black fur, a distinctive crest of hair, and an orange mouth.

Researchers spent over a decade gathering evidence, including photographs and genetic analysis of specimens obtained from hunters, to confirm its unique status. The discovery occurred within the remote region between the Lomami and Lilo rivers, an area of high biological importance.

The likweli lives in mature forests and has a smaller range, approximately 1,700 square kilometers, than other Colobus monkeys. This is only the fifth primate species discovered in Africa in the last 75 years, highlighting the region’s still largely unexplored biodiversity. The team hopes this finding will bolster conservation efforts in the area, particularly within Lomami National Park, which previously documented another new primate species in 2012.