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New monkey species discovered in Democratic Republic of Congo
🇵🇱 Poland /Environment & Climate

New monkey species discovered in Democratic Republic of Congo

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A new species of monkey, named Likweli, has been discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Lomami National Park.
  • This marks the fifth African monkey species discovered in the last 75 years, with initial sightings dating back to 2008.
  • The monkey, scientifically named Colobus congoensis, plays a vital role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a new monkey species in the dense rainforests of the Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primate, known locally as "Likweli," was first spotted by researchers in 2008, but it took a decade of further observation and extensive research, including genetic analysis, to confirm it as a distinct species.

It was an incredible feeling to look into the face of an animal that so few people knew existed.

— Junior AmbokoA doctoral student at Florida Atlantic University, describing the discovery of the new monkey species.

This discovery is significant as it represents only the fifth new species of African monkey identified in the past 75 years. Junior Amboko, a doctoral student at Florida Atlantic University who was involved in the research, described the experience as "incredible" to see an animal whose existence was known to so few. The scientific name given to the species is Colobus congoensis, referencing the Congo region and its rich biodiversity.

These are incredibly important animals for African ecosystems. We believe they participate in seed dispersal and support the natural regeneration of the forest.

— Kate DetwilerProfessor at Florida Atlantic University, explaining the ecological importance of the new monkey species.

The Likweli, belonging to the colobus family, is characterized by its plant-based diet and arboreal lifestyle. Researchers emphasize the species' crucial role in the tropical ecosystem, particularly in seed dispersal, which aids in the natural regeneration of the forest. Its distinctive light-colored facial markings may serve as a visual signal for recognition or attracting mates, while its deep, resonant call is often heard but the animal itself is rarely seen due to its shy nature and preference for high tree canopies.

They are extremely shy and spend most of their time high in the tree canopies.

— Junior AmbokoDescribing the behavior of the newly discovered monkey species.

Scientists believe the population of Colobus congoensis is limited to specific forest fragments, making them vulnerable. Poaching for bushmeat poses an additional threat to the species. The researchers hope that the official recognition of the Likweli will bolster conservation efforts for this unique primate and its habitat.

You can often hear them, but they are extremely difficult to see.

— Junior AmbokoDescribing the elusive nature of the newly discovered monkey species.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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