Long-hidden monkey with orange lips finally named as new species in Congo

Scientists have formally identified a new species of colobus monkey in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, naming it Colobus congoensis and giving it the local common name 'likweli.' According to New Scientist, this marks only the fifth new monkey species documented in Africa in the past 75 years, a rare event that underscores how much of the continent's biodiversity remains unknown.

"It is only the fifth new monkey species documented in Africa in the past 75 years."

The discovery began nearly two decades ago. Mongabay reported that in 2008, wildlife researchers surveying a vast, underexplored forest region photographed a black monkey. That area later became Lomami National Park, and now, almost 20 years later, a study in PLOS One has confirmed the primate is new to science.

The likweli is notable for its striking appearance and unusual sounds. Discover Wildlife described the monkey in detail:

"The small monkey features conspicuous orange lips, slate grey cheek bones, black-rimmed eyes, silky black fur, and produces loud, roar-like vocalizations."

These distinctive calls, along with roaring and snorting sounds, help set the species apart from other colobus monkeys, Live Science noted. New Scientist added that the monkey has a mask-like face and is hunted by locals for bushmeat, making it severely threatened by poaching in a region with no paved roads or infrastructure.

For the researchers involved, the confirmation was deeply moving. BBC News quoted scientists describing the moment they finally recognized the species.

BBC NewsNew monkey species with orange lips found 'hiding' in DRC forest

"amazing feeling"

The outlet noted that scientists described an 'amazing feeling' to look into the face of an animal that so few people knew existed. As exploration of the Congo Basin continues, researchers told Live Science that more unknown monkey species may still be hiding in the remote forest canopy.