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New monkey species with orange lips found 'hiding' in DRC forest
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- A new species of monkey with pinkish-orange lips and a black face, named Colobus congoensis, has been discovered in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in Lomami National Park.
- This black-furred primate, part of the colobus monkey group, was first spotted in 2008 but only confirmed as a new species after detailed studies involving photography, audio recordings, and genetic analysis.
- The discovery is significant as it is only the fifth new African monkey species identified in the last 75 years, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity.
- The monkeys are elusive, living high in the canopy and known locally as Likweli, with sightings reported in just eight out of 52 nearby villages surveyed by researchers.
- Researchers hope the official classification of Colobus congoensis will lead to conservation efforts, as the species is rare, restricted to specific forest areas, and threatened by hunting for meat.
