Scientists Identify New Monkey Species in Eastern Congo After 20 Years

A new species of monkey has been identified in eastern Congo, according to a study published on Wednesday. The monkey, named "Likweli" by locals and scientifically classified as Colobus congoensis, had eluded researchers for nearly two decades due to its shy nature and the rarity of sightings. It is distinguished by its black face and fur, along with large pink-orange lips. This discovery marks only the fifth new monkey species identified in the past 75 years.

Genetic analysis revealed that the Likweli is most closely related to the black colobus monkey, also known as the "shiny colobus," despite their habitats being approximately 1,200 kilometers apart. The identification of this species adds significant knowledge to primate biodiversity in the region. The study highlights the challenges of studying elusive wildlife and the importance of genetic testing in species classification.