New Species of Monkey Found in DR Congo Shows How Much There’s Left to Discover
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New Species of Monkey Found in DR Congo Shows How Much There’s Left to Discover
Scientists Confirm a Striking New Monkey Species Hidden in the Congo Rainforest
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When news reaches the public that a new species has been identified, the chances really are 9 times out of 10 that it’s some deep sea slug or a spider.
From the Congo comes the story of the exception—a new species of colobus monkey has been identified, becoming just the 5th such occasion in 75 years of research on the Colorful Continent. The creature with black fur and an innocent face, also bears a striking set of orange lips. Named Colobus congoensis and known locally as “Likweli” in its home of Lomami National Park, the monkey had lain hidden from our sight within this remote region of the Congo Basin despite decades of scientific exploration in Central Africa.
The mystery of this new species began with an unexpected sighting in 2008, when researchers captured a partially obscured photograph of the monkey. A decade later, researchers encountered the animal again and obtained a much clearer image. That discovery sparked further investigation into the elusive primate.
Now, new genetic, anatomical, and acoustic analyses have confirmed that the monkey represents a distinct evolutionary lineage that diverged from its closest known relative, the black colobus monkey, 4 to 5 million years ago “This discovery is both exciting and deeply personal, highlighting the extraordinary biodiversity of my homeland and how much remains undocumented,” said Junior Amboko, a Congolese scientist and co-corresponding author of the findings in a statement. NEW MONKEY SPECIES: This Monkey Was Already Endangered When Discovered in 2003–but is Now on the Up and Up Smaller than related colobus monkeys—about 15 pounds—it is distinguished by sleek, light-reflecting fur and dramatic facial features created by long black facial hairs and large folded ears. White perianal markings further distinguish this species.
How 🔬 ZME Science Covers It
Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp Flipboard Bluesky Email Copy Link Home → Science → News Scientists found a new monkey species in Congo's forests. Few humans had ever seen it—but it's already at risk. Finding a new monkey species in the 21st century is exceptionally rare.
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