The newly identified species, named Colobus congoensis and locally known as Likweli, is only the fifth new monkey species to be officially documented on the continent in the last 75 years.
The discovery was published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE by researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center.
The new monkey species stands out because of its glossy black coat, distinctive orange-cream lips and facial markings, long tail, and powerful deep roaring call.
The discovery was published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE by researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center.
The new monkey species stands out because of its glossy black coat, distinctive orange-cream lips and facial markings, long tail, and powerful deep roaring call.
Scientists also found that it possesses unique skull, dental, and skeletal features that clearly distinguish it from every other known African colobus monkey.
Researchers explained that the monkey is smaller than most of its relatives, weighing about 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds). Its sleek, light-reflecting fur, large folded ears, and long black facial hair make it one of the most visually distinctive primates discovered in recent years.
According to lead researcher Kate Detwiler, an associate professor of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University, the discovery is changing scientists’ understanding of African monkey evolution.
Genetic analysis revealed that the species’ closest known relative is Colobus satanas, found more than 1,200 kilometres away in west-central Africa.
Researchers explained that the monkey is smaller than most of its relatives, weighing about 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds). Its sleek, light-reflecting fur, large folded ears, and long black facial hair make it one of the most visually distinctive primates discovered in recent years.
According to lead researcher Kate Detwiler, an associate professor of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University, the discovery is changing scientists’ understanding of African monkey evolution.
Genetic analysis revealed that the species’ closest known relative is Colobus satanas, found more than 1,200 kilometres away in west-central Africa.
Despite the geographical distance, scientists believe the two species split from a common ancestor approximately four to five million years ago, making it one of the oldest evolutionary divisions within the Colobus monkey family.
The journey to identifying the species began in 2008 when researchers photographed an unfamiliar monkey in east-central Congo. A clearer sighting followed in 2018, leading to 114 confirmed observations between 2018 and 2022.
To verify that it was truly a new monkey species, researchers combined years of field observations with genetic testing and detailed comparisons of museum specimens, skulls, skeletons, and preserved animal skins. They also relied on knowledge shared by local communities living near the monkey’s habitat.
Christopher Gilbert, a professor of anthropology at the CUNY Graduate Center and one of the study’s authors, said the scientific evidence had to be overwhelming before the species could be officially recognised.
Despite the exciting discovery, scientists have warned that the species already faces serious conservation challenges. The monkey has only been recorded across an estimated range of about 1,700 square kilometres, with most of its habitat located inside Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Researchers have recommended that Colobus congoensis be classified as Endangered because of its limited habitat, ongoing deforestation, and hunting pressure. They stressed that protecting the forests where the monkey lives will be essential to ensuring its long-term survival.
Alexander Georgiev, a senior lecturer in primatology at Bangor University in Wales who was not involved in the research, described the study as thorough and convincing.
He noted that discovering a completely new monkey species that is largely unknown even to nearby communities is extremely rare.
The journey to identifying the species began in 2008 when researchers photographed an unfamiliar monkey in east-central Congo. A clearer sighting followed in 2018, leading to 114 confirmed observations between 2018 and 2022.
To verify that it was truly a new monkey species, researchers combined years of field observations with genetic testing and detailed comparisons of museum specimens, skulls, skeletons, and preserved animal skins. They also relied on knowledge shared by local communities living near the monkey’s habitat.
Christopher Gilbert, a professor of anthropology at the CUNY Graduate Center and one of the study’s authors, said the scientific evidence had to be overwhelming before the species could be officially recognised.
Despite the exciting discovery, scientists have warned that the species already faces serious conservation challenges. The monkey has only been recorded across an estimated range of about 1,700 square kilometres, with most of its habitat located inside Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Researchers have recommended that Colobus congoensis be classified as Endangered because of its limited habitat, ongoing deforestation, and hunting pressure. They stressed that protecting the forests where the monkey lives will be essential to ensuring its long-term survival.
Alexander Georgiev, a senior lecturer in primatology at Bangor University in Wales who was not involved in the research, described the study as thorough and convincing.
He noted that discovering a completely new monkey species that is largely unknown even to nearby communities is extremely rare.
According to him, only residents in eight out of 52 villages surrounding the monkey’s habitat were familiar with the animal, helping explain why it remained undiscovered for so long.
Scientists believe the vast and largely unexplored Congolese rainforest may still hold other undiscovered wildlife species, highlighting the importance of continued scientific research and stronger conservation efforts across the region.
Scientists believe the vast and largely unexplored Congolese rainforest may still hold other undiscovered wildlife species, highlighting the importance of continued scientific research and stronger conservation efforts across the region.
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