New colobus monkey species confirmed in DR Congo’s Lomami National Park
Researchers have confirmed that a black-furred monkey with pinkish-orange lips in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a species new to science, naming it Colobus congoensis. The animal, locally called Likweli, was documented in Lomami National Park through recordings, photographs and genetic studies after years of limited sightings. Researchers say it may be rare, is hunted for meat, and requires a fuller population and behaviour survey.
The story
An international research team has formally described a monkey from the Democratic Republic of Congo as a new species, Colobus congoensis. The black-furred primate, known locally as Likweli, has a black face, distinctive pinkish-orange lips and a resonant roaring call. It was found in the high canopy of dense tropical forest in Lomami National Park, in the country’s central east. The discovery did not mean local communities had never encountered the animal. In this case, formal discovery means demonstrating that it is genetically distinct and recording it as a separate species. The team, involving researchers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States and Germany, used audio recordings, photography and detailed genetic studies. Junior Amboko of Florida Atlantic University played a leading role in the search. Conservationists had first reported the monkey in 2008, when only a blurry image was obtained. Another sighting 10 years later prompted the focused work that led to the description. The findings were published in PLOS One. BBC News reports that this is the fifth African monkey species discovered in the past 75 years. Researchers say the animal tends to hide high in trees and that its range appears restricted to forest that supplies its required food and habitat.
Why it matters
A formal species description can make a poorly documented animal more visible to researchers and conservation authorities. That is particularly relevant here because the researchers believe the monkey is rare and limited to a particular forest area, while also reporting that it is hunted for meat. The work may help separate questions about this monkey’s abundance, habitat use and threats from those affecting other colobus populations. It does not, however, itself provide protection or establish how many animals remain.
Evidence and context
The finding comes from Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where dense canopy and the monkey’s secretive behaviour have limited observations. Researchers interviewed people in 52 nearby villages, yet people in only eight reported having seen the animal, according to the BBC. The species is a colobus monkey, a group of canopy-dwelling herbivores that researchers say may contribute to seed processing and germination. Its formal description provides a defined subject for population surveys, behavioural research and any future conservation assessment.
Limits and unknowns
Conservationists first reported the unusual monkey in 2008, but had only one blurry photograph. A further sighting came 10 years later, after which a team from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States and Germany undertook recordings, photography and genetic work. Important uncertainties remain: researchers believe the animals are rare and range-restricted, but have not yet estimated their population, and their behavioural ecology is still being studied. The reported hunting pressure also does not establish the species’ conservation status or the protection it may receive.
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Story timeline
Initial report
Conservationists first reported seeing the unusual monkey, obtaining one blurry photograph.
Further sighting
A further sighting was reported 10 years after the first report.
New colobus monkey species confirmed in DR Congo’s Lomami National Park
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Highlights
- New colobus monkey species confirmed
- Distinctive features and call recorded
- International team confirms species
- Formal description enables focused research
Transcript
Scientists have formally identified a new colobus monkey species in DR Congo’s Lomami National Park.
The black-furred monkey has distinctive pinkish-orange lips and a unique roaring call recorded by researchers.
Researchers from Congo, the US, and Germany used genetics, photos, and audio to confirm the species.
This formal description helps focus future studies on the monkey’s population, behavior, and conservation needs.
The discovery raises awareness of this rare monkey, supporting efforts to protect its forest habitat.