Scientists confirm Colobus congoensis, a new colobus monkey species with orange lips and a frog-like roar, in the DRC's Congo Basin
A Yale-led team has formally described Colobus congoensis, a striking black primate with orange lips and loud, roar-like vocalisations, photographed first in 2008 in what became Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo; the species may already be endangered
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Summary
Scientists have formally described a new colobus monkey species, Colobus congoensis, locally known as "Likweli," from the Congo Basin rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A Yale-led team began tracking the animal after wildlife researchers photographed a black monkey in 2008 in a remote forest area that later became Lomami National Park. The monkey is distinguished by orange lips, black fur, and loud vocalizations resembling a frog's roar and snort. Scientific American notes the species may already be endangered before any formal IUCN assessment.
Why it matters
New primate species discoveries are rare and mark the outer edge of what is still unknown in one of Earth's most biodiverse but conflict-affected regions. The DRC Congo Basin holds more undescribed species than almost any other intact tropical forest.
What to watch
- Whether the IUCN assigns an endangered status to Colobus congoensis on a fast-track assessment
- Whether conflict and mining pressure in eastern DRC accelerates habitat loss in Lomami National Park before protections are formalised