Scientists Confirm New Monkey Species Discovered in DR Congo Rainforest
Scientists have officially identified a new species of monkey in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to verified reports and a statement from Florida Atlantic University.
The newly classified species, named Colobus congoensis and locally known as “likweli,” is distinguished by light or orange-colored skin around its mouth and nose, along with a dark face and unique markings.
Researchers say the species had been previously observed for years but not formally classified, with detailed fieldwork and genetic analysis between 2018 and 2022 confirming it as a distinct species.
The monkey is found in a remote section of the Congo Basin, particularly around Lomami National Park, where scientists recorded over 100 sightings across a limited range.
Experts describe the discovery as significant, noting it is one of only a handful of new monkey species identified in Africa in the past several decades.
Researchers have also raised concerns about conservation, warning that the species may be endangered due to habitat loss and hunting, given its restricted habitat and low population visibility.
The finding highlights the rich but still underexplored biodiversity of the Congo rainforest, with scientists suggesting that more undiscovered species may still exist in the region.
