Newly Identified Monkey Species in Africa

Discovery of a New Monkey Species

A remarkable discovery has emerged from the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A new species of monkey, named Colobus congoensis and locally known as Likweli, has been officially identified. This marks only the fifth new African monkey species recognized in the past 75 years.

Journey from Blurry Photos to Recognition

In 2008, researchers from the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation spotted a unique monkey in the rainforest, which is now part of Lomami National Park. The photograph they captured was blurry, leading it to be overlooked initially. Junior D. Amboko, a Ph.D. student at Florida Atlantic University, mentioned that the unclear image didn’t attract attention.

A decade later, clearer photos surfaced, revealing a medium-sized monkey with shaggy black hair and a distinctive orange patch around its nose and mouth. The images were sent to Mr. Amboko and John Hart, the scientific director at the foundation. They realized it didn’t match any known species.

Efforts to Identify the Species

Funded by the National Geographic Society, a dedicated project was initiated to find this elusive primate. From 2018 to 2022, researchers conducted surveys in Lomami National Park and surrounding areas. They observed treetops, recorded monkey calls at dawn, and interviewed residents from 52 nearby villages. People in eight villages recognized the orange-faced monkey. The Balanga ethnic group called it Likweli.

Range and Characteristics of the Likweli Monkey

The Likweli monkey inhabits a small area in northeastern Congo, approximately half the size of Rhode Island. Its limited range and shy nature contribute to its obscurity among locals, Mr. Amboko explained.