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New Monkey Species Identified in DR Congo
Genetic, acoustic and anatomical analyses confirmed the monkey as a distinct species, and researchers say it may already be endangered.
- On Wednesday, researchers published confirmation in PLOS One that Colobus congoensis, known locally as Likweli, is a new monkey species identified through genetic, anatomical and acoustic analyses—only the fifth such African primate discovery in 75 years.
- The discovery began in 2008 when Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation conservationists Bernard Ikembelo and Ashley Vosper captured a blurry photograph; a decade later, surveillance patrol leader Jean Pierre Kapale obtained a much clearer image in November 2018, sparking seven additional documented sightings over 10 months.
- Likwelis weigh about 7 kilograms with glossy black fur and striking orange-cream facial markings, while genetic analysis reveals they diverged from their closest relative, Colobus satanas, roughly 4 to 5 million years ago; researchers recorded 114 sightings across 1,700 square kilometers between 2018 and 2022.
- Researchers propose classifying the species as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its restricted range and small population; study senior author Kate Detwiler, an associate professor of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University, cited hunting pressure and habitat loss as primary threats.
- The Congo Basin remains a frontier for mammal discovery; researchers interviewed residents in 52 villages but only 8 recognized the species, explaining why it remained undocumented for decades, and study authors now plan research into Likweli's diet, behavior and reproduction.
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132 Articles
Scientists find new monkey species in Congo’s rainforest
July 16 (Reuters) - Scientists have identified a new species of monkey in Democratic Republic of Congo's rainforest, distinguished by patches of light-colored skin around its mouth, Florida Atlantic University said in a statement. • The discovery mar...
Scientists recommend labeling the new black-orange monkey as endangered.
·Helsinki, Finland
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It has been over 20 years since the monkey was first spotted, but now researchers have determined that it is a new species.
·Copenhagen, Denmark
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Locals have known it as Likweli for twenty years, but it has now been given a much more boring Latin name.
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Total News Sources132
Leaning Left24Leaning Right30Center43Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 25%
C 44%
R 31%
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