New Monkey Species with Orange Lips Discovered in DR Congo

A new species of monkey, characterized by striking pinkish-orange lips and a black face, has been officially identified by scientists in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primate, with its distinctive markings, lives in the Lomami National Park in the central-eastern part of the country.

Conservationists first reported sightings of this unusual black-furred primate in 2008, but only managed to capture a blurry photograph. A decade later, an international research team embarked on a mission to find, study, and confirm the existence of this potentially unknown species. This marks only the fifth new species of African monkey discovered in the past 75 years.

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incredible

Junior Amboko, a doctoral student at Florida Atlantic University, led the search, which involved audio recordings, photography, and detailed genetic research. The findings were published in the journal PLoS One. Amboko described the feeling of looking into the face of an animal known to so few people as "incredible."

Locals have long known about the monkey, referring to it by the common name Likveli. Amboko noted that the monkeys are shy and typically hide high in the trees. "As part of our search, we spoke with people in 52 villages near the area where the animals live. And only people in eight villages had ever seen them," he recalled.

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As part of our search, we spoke with people in 52 villages near the area where the animals live. And only people in eight villages had ever seen them

The research team, comprising scientists from the DRC, the U.S., and Germany, has given the monkey the Latin name Colobus congoensis, honoring the country's natural diversity. It belongs to the broader group of colobus monkeys. Professor Kate Detwiler from Florida Atlantic University explained that these are "very important monkeys for Africa that do not have thumbs." She added, "They are forest canopy herbivores and a key part of the ecosystem. We think they significantly influence seed processing and germination in the forest."

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very important monkeys for Africa that do not have thumbs

Professor Detwiler speculates that the monkeys' unusual, brightly colored facial markings might serve as a visual signal to other animals, possibly attracting mates, or enabling mutual recognition. The monkeys also possess a distinctive roaring call. "You often hear them, but you don't see them," Amboko said.

Researchers believe the animals are rare and confined to a specific part of the forest where they find the necessary food and habitat. The monkeys are hunted for meat, leading researchers to hope that with Colobus congoensis now classified as a distinct species, its existence can be officially protected. Scientists indicate that many questions remain about this newly described, elusive species, and they plan more detailed surveys to estimate its population.

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They are forest canopy herbivores and a key part of the ecosystem. We think they significantly influence seed processing and germination in the forest.