An extraordinary discovery has been made in the depths of Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an international team of scientists has confirmed a new monkey species hiding high in the tree canopy. The Colobus congoensis, characterised by its striking pinkish-orange lips and black face, was first spotted as far back as 2008 but wasn't officially confirmed until now, marking only the fifth African monkey species to be discovered in the last 75 years.
Conservationists captured a single blurry photograph of the unusual-looking animal back in 2008, prompting a decade-long search by an international team comprising researchers from the DRC, the US, and Germany. Their exhaustive research, including detailed genetic studies, audio recordings, and photography, has finally established that it is indeed a previously unknown species.
The findings, published in PLoS One, highlight the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts. Junior Amboko, a PhD student at Florida Atlantic University who played a key role in the search, described encountering an animal few people knew existed as an "amazing feeling". While some local communities were already aware of the monkey, referring to it as 'Likweli', the scientific confirmation establishes its genetic distinctness.
Professor Kate Detwiler from Florida Atlantic University explained that Colobus congoensis belongs to the larger group of colobus monkeys, notable for not having thumbs. These arboreal herbivores are a vital part of the ecosystem, believed to play a critical role in seed processing and germination within the forest. Researchers speculate that the monkey's bright facial markings could serve as a visual signal for identification or mate attraction, complementing their distinctive roaring call.
The newly described species is thought to be rare and confined to specific forest areas where it can find its necessary food and habitat. A pressing concern for researchers is that these monkeys are hunted for meat. The team hopes that the official classification of Colobus congoensis as a distinct species will pave the way for its protection, safeguarding its future. Scientists plan to conduct more detailed surveys to estimate population numbers and further study the behaviour of this secretive primate.
Researchers also believe the monkey's bright facial markings could serve as a visual signal or aid in mate attraction, complemented by their distinctive roaring call, which is often heard before they are seen.