New DRC monkey species Colobus congoensis described

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a new species of monkey in the remote rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking a significant addition to the known primates of Africa. The species, officially named Colobus congoensis and known locally as likweli, was formally described in a study published on July 15, 2026, in the journal PLOS One. It is only the fifth new African monkey species identified in the past 75 years.

The monkey is distinguished by its striking appearance, featuring glossy black fur, a conspicuous pinkish-orange patch of bare skin around its mouth and nose, and a white perianal patch. Adults weigh approximately seven kilograms and have a body length of about 1.3 meters. Like other colobus monkeys, it lacks thumbs. Researchers also documented its unique vocalizations, describing deep, roaring calls punctuated by distinctive snorts that differ from related species.

The path to discovery began in 2008 when conservationists in what is now Lomami National Park captured a single blurry photograph of an unusual monkey. A more definitive sighting occurred in November 2018, prompting a dedicated research effort. Between 2018 and 2022, scientists...