New Mask-Faced Monkey Species Discovered in Congo

An international team of scientists discovered a new monkey species, Colobus congoensis, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rare primate lives between the Lomami and Congo rivers and is largely unknown even to nearby communities who call it “Likweli.” Researchers differentiate C. congoensis from its relative, Colobus satanas, by its smaller size and a distinctive orange-cream marking around its mouth and nose on a black face.

The team, representing institutions in the United States and Germany, proposes listing C. congoensis as endangered on the IUCN Red List. This classification reflects the monkey’s limited range and population size, as well as increasing threats from hunting and habitat loss.

Scientists advocate for protecting the Lomami National Park, which contains most of the species’ habitat, and collaborating with local communities to prevent hunting and ensure the monkey's survival.