A new species of monkey, Colobus congoensis, has been discovered in the tropical forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was reported by UNN citing the NYT.
Researchers say this is only the fifth new species of African monkey in the last 75 years.
Details
The monkeys belong to the genus Colobus and are known locally as likweli. They have black fur, a long tail, and pinkish-orange skin around the mouth, which is why they are called orange-lipped.
The first photos were taken in 2008, but confirmation of the new species only came after repeated observations in 2018. Between 2018 and 2022, 114 sightings were recorded, and genetic and morphological studies were conducted.
The closest relative is Colobus satanas, although the species are separated by more than 1,200 km. Their common ancestor lived 4–5 million years ago.
Likweli weigh about 7 kg, live in groups of up to 20 individuals in the upper forest canopy, and rarely descend to the ground. They are quiet, producing deep sounds that differ from other colobus monkeys.
The range is about 1,700 km² in the provinces of Tshopo and Maniema, mainly in Lomami National Park.
The species is proposed to be recognized as endangered due to its small range, deforestation, and hunting. The population size is unknown, and research is ongoing.
Recall
Rainfall and landslides in Indonesia threaten the extinction of Tapanuli orangutans.