A previously undocumented species of monkey, distinguished by its bright orange lips and unique vocalizations, has been identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, detail the discovery of the primate, which researchers have scientifically named C. congoensis, after the Congo Basin.
Local communities refer to the monkey as "Likweli." Conservationists first encountered the animal in 2008 within Lomami National Park, but initial photographic evidence was inconclusive. It took another ten years for the monkey to be captured on camera again, prompting researchers to investigate the possibility of a new species.
While belonging to the genus Colobus, the "orange mask around the lips" and its spiky hair differentiate it from known relatives. To confirm its status, scientists conducted field observations between 2018 and 2022, recording behavior, calls, and local knowledge. Out of 52 villages surveyed, only eight recognized the animal, primarily because they hunted it for food.
The Likweli monkey weighs approximately 15 pounds and travels in groups of up to 20. Its physical characteristics include glossy black fur, a white patch on its rump, and the distinctive orange coloration around its mouth and nose. Researchers speculate these markings may serve as a form of identification or play a role in attracting mates. Unlike other Colobus monkeys, their calls consist of deep, loud roars and snorts.
Evidence for the new species was solidified through DNA sequencing of confiscated carcasses obtained from hunters. Cross-referencing this genetic material with museum collections confirmed C. congoensis as a distinct species. This marks the fifth African monkey species discovered in the last 75 years.
The closest known relatives of C. congoensis are the black colobus (C. satanas), with which it diverged approximately 5 million years ago, representing the longest evolutionary split within the genus. This discovery is expected to alter the understanding of African monkey evolution.
Scientists are recommending that C. congoensis be classified as endangered due to its rarity and limited geographical range, estimated at around 650 square miles. Ecologists express concern that the species is vulnerable to threats from hunting and deforestation encroaching on the national park's buffer zone.