With orange lips and unique sounds, new monkey is discovered in Congo
A new species of monkey, known for its vibrantly hued lips and distinctive vocalizations, has been identified and scientifically described for the first time deep in the Congo rainforest. The scientific name given to the primate is *Colobus congoensis*.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of this animal that emits peculiar roars and snorts. The distinctive monkey inhabits a remote area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
On the same topic: New species of monkey with orange lips and pig-like snout surprises scientists in Congo
This discovery is notable as it represents only the fifth new monkey species identified on the African continent in the last 75 years, indicating the vast biodiversity still to be explored. Scientists named the species *Colobus congoensis*, a tribute to the region, and it is already called “likweli” in the local Kilanga language.
“It’s remarkable because it’s not that common these days to find a new species of primate that’s never been documented before, much less a relatively large monkey,” said Joshua Linder. Linder is an anthropologist and president and co-founder of The Forest Collective, an organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of tropical forests.
The story of the discovery began in 2008, when conservationists at Lomami National Park, in the Congo Basin (DRC), recorded images of an unidentified, although partially hidden, monkey. A decade later, in 2018, a similar animal was filmed, motivating Junior Amboko, a park researcher and anthropologist at Florida Atlantic University, to actively seek out the enigmatic primate.
More on this story: Species of monkey with orange lips found in remote Congo forests
To understand existing local knowledge, Amboko and his team presented the photos to residents of 52 villages neighboring the park.
See Also
“These people really know the fauna and flora of the forest,” Amboko explained. He highlighted that, of all the villages, only in eight did the inhabitants, mainly hunters who understand the economic value of the animals, recognize the monkey, but even they had limited information about the species.
Hunters from the Balanga ethnic group call it “likweli”, the meaning of which has not been fully ascertained. In some Mituku communities, the name used is “kasaba nkoni”, which translates as “twig shaker”, a reference to the habit of colobus monkeys of jumping vigorously between branches.
During expeditions carried out between 2018 and 2022, researchers documented 114 sightings of the species. The estimated area of occurrence is approximately 1,700 square kilometers (equivalent to 660 square miles), naturally isolated by the Lomami and Lualaba rivers. The findings were published July 15 in the journal *PLOS One*.
Learn more: Virginia denies racism accusation against Vinicius Júnior after controversial video kissing monkey
The monkeys were observed in groups ranging from one to 20 individuals. Its coat is predominantly black and shiny, complemented by a striking orange patch around the mouth and nose. The exposed gray skin on the cheekbones gives them a mask-like appearance. Interestingly, they also sport an area of white fur around their anus.
“We’re focusing on the face and the rump as the two most distinctive features,” explained Kate Detwiler, study co-author and anthropologist at Florida Atlantic University. “When you see the face, you see this unique creamy-orange bare skin. And, coming from behind, you see the white patch.”
