New Monkey Species with Orange Lips Found in DR Congo National Park

A new monkey species, distinguished by its bright orange lips and black face, has been identified deep within the forests of the Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Local communities refer to the primate as Likweli, while scientists have given it the Latin name Colobus congoensis.

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The monkey has been seen and photographed high up in a treetop in the dense forest of Lomami National Park.

The initial sighting of the monkey occurred in 2008, but researchers were unable to capture photographic evidence at the time. A decade later, the species was observed again, prompting an international team of scientists to launch a dedicated study. Their efforts have now confirmed the existence of this previously unknown primate.

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Locals have named the species Likweli, while the scientists who identified it have given it the Latin name Colobus congoensis.

This finding is significant, as it represents only the fifth new African monkey species discovered in the past 75 years. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity that still exists in remote areas and underscores the importance of conservation efforts in national parks like Lomami.

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It is only the fifth new African monkey species to have been discovered in the last 75 years.