New species of monkey with orange mouth and nose found in forest in national park

Researchers found the Colobus congoensis monkey, known locally as Likweli, in the forests of Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo

NEED TO KNOW

• A new monkey species with an orange-cream patch around its mouth and nose has been found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a news release from Florida Atlantic University
• The Colobus congoensis monkey, known locally as Likweli and described as “kind of shy,” was found by scientists in the forests of Lomami National Park
• Scientists warn the species may be at risk due to habitat loss, hunting pressure and its small population size

A new colobus monkey species with an orange-cream patch around its mouth and nose has been found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to a release by Florida Atlantic University, published Wednesday, July 15, scientists discovered the previously unknown species of African monkey in the Lomami National Park forests.

Known locally as Likweli, genetic analysis confirmed that the Colobus congoensis monkey belonged to the colobus family.

The species features mainly black fur, cape-like shoulders and a long tail, per Florida Atlantic University’s release. Weighing around 15 lbs., the new species — which a scientist described as “kind of shy” due to hiding in trees, per the BBC — is smaller than other related colobus monkeys.

It also has distinctively long facial hair and folded ears, as well as perianal markings, per the university’s release.

Researchers first spotted the species in 2008, before discovering the animal again 10 years later, sparking further investigation.

Scientists concluded in their findings, published in PLOS One on Wednesday, July 15, that the monkey “represents a distinct evolutionary lineage that diverged from its closest known relative 4 to 5 million years ago,” per Florida Atlantic University’s release.

“This discovery is both exciting and deeply personal, highlighting the extraordinary biodiversity of my homeland and how much remains undocumented,” Junior Amboko, a co-corresponding author and Ph.D. student said in a statement. “I was honored to name the species ‘Colobus congoensis,’ recognizing the Congo Basin’s remarkable natural heritage and, we believe, marking the first primate named after the Democratic Republic of Congo itself – underscoring both its global importance and local pride.”

Julia L. Arenson, Ph.D., and co-author, said researchers compared the skulls and skin of the Colobus congoensis monkey with other species of African colobines, “which underscored how unique this new species is,” she said.

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“At the same time, despite being much smaller in body size, we also demonstrated it shares features of the teeth, skull and face with Colobus to the exclusion of other African colobines,” she added.

The animal is the fifth new monkey species identified in Africa in the last 75 years, according to Florida Atlantic University’s release.

Researchers think the species could be at risk due to its limited range, hunting pressure, habitat loss and small population size.

Amboko told the BBC, “As part of our search, we interviewed people in 52 villages close to where the animals live. And only people in eight villages [had ever seen] them.”

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