New Orange-Lipped Monkey Species Discovered in Congo

Scientists in the Democratic Republic of Congo have identified a new monkey species, named Colobus congoensis or likweli, distinguished by its orange lips and white anal tuft. Conservationists first photographed the monkeys in 2008 within the Lomami National Park, prompting a dedicated research effort.

The likweli, part of the colobus family known for lacking thumbs, features a striking black coat with grey cheeks and vibrant orange lips. Researchers noted the monkeys’ loud vocalizations, a combination of roars and snorts, as a unique characteristic.

Field studies estimate the likweli occupy approximately 1,700 square kilometers of forest, a limited range suggesting significant habitat loss. With only 114 sightings recorded from 2018 to 2022, researchers recommend classifying the species as endangered. The discovery underscores the importance of the Lomami National Park as a biodiversity hotspot and highlights how much remains undocumented in the Congo Basin.