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New Congo Monkey Species Could Already Be Endangered, Study Shows
Researchers said the Likweli is only the fifth African monkey species identified in 75 years and urged endangered status for the rare primate.
- On Thursday, researchers published findings in the scientific journal PLOS One officially identifying a new monkey species in the Democratic Republic of Congo, scientifically classified as Colobus congoensis and known locally as Likweli.
- A blurry photograph taken nearly two decades ago sparked the search for the mysterious primate. Conservation biologist Terese Hart noted that only after 10 years of exploring the Lomami Forest did the team obtain sufficient documentation to verify the distinct species.
- Genetic and anatomical analyses confirmed the monkey represents a distinct lineage that separated from its closest relative 4 million to 5 million years ago. At about 15 pounds, the animal features a mask-like face with distinctive pinkish-orange lips and glossy black fur.
- Researchers identified Likweli as endangered, with its habitat constrained to a forest patch roughly half the size of Rhode Island. The team argues the species faces significant threats from hunting and human encroachment in the region.
- Study lead author John Hart credited Congolese field experts, stating, "The discovery and documentation of the Likweli never would have happened without our team of Congolese explorer naturalists." This finding highlights the Central Congo Basin's vast, undocumented biodiversity.
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Scientists Capture First Images of Mysterious New Monkey Species with Striking Orange Lips
Scientists have identified a new species of monkey -- with a striking mask-like face and distinctive pinkish-orange lips -- after a decades-long search for the primate was sparked by a blurry photograph.
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After 114 sightings in Congo, researchers confirm a rare monkey as a new species
Scientists have formally recognized a little-seen monkey from the high forest canopy of the Democratic Republic of Congo as its own species, a type of discovery that is exceedingly unusual in primate research. The monkey, known locally as Likweli, is only the fifth African monkey species to be identified in the last 75 years, reported YaleNews. What happened? In a study published July 15 in PLOS One, an international research team that included …
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