New Primate Species Discovered in Congo Faces Immediate Extinction Risk

Researchers have identified a new species of monkey in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known locally as Likweli and scientifically named Colobus congoensis. The species was first captured in a blurry photo in 2008 during an expedition near the Lomami River, but it took nearly two decades to confirm it as a distinct species. A clearer photograph in 2018 reignited scientific interest, leading to extensive field research between 2018 and 2022 that documented 114 encounters within a 1,700 square kilometer area.

The Likweli monkey is characterized by its shiny black fur, mask-like face, and distinctive orange markings around its mouth and nose. It typically lives in small groups of about six individuals high in the forest canopy, making it difficult to observe. Weighing approximately 6.8 kilograms, it is smaller than related colobus species. Despite surveys in 52 nearby villages, only residents in eight recognized the monkey, underscoring its rarity.

A breakthrough came in 2021 when park rangers confiscated three dead Likweli monkeys from poachers, allowing scientists to conduct genetic, anatomical, and vocalization analyses. These confirmed that Likweli is a unique species. However, researchers warn that the species may already be endangered due to habitat loss from expanding settlements, deforestation, and hunting pressures. Most of its habitat lies within Lomami National Park and its buffer zone.

Scientists have recommended classifying Likweli as endangered, though this status has not yet been officially recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The discovery marks the fifth new primate species found in Africa in the past 75 years but highlights urgent conservation concerns for this elusive monkey.