Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA new endangered monkey species, Colobus congoensis, known locally as the Likweli, has been discovered in the dense forests of Congo, distinguished by a conspicuous orange patch around its mouth and mask-like facial features. This discovery is highly significant as it represents only the fifth new species of African monkey to be described in the last 75 years, making it one of the rarest finds in modern primatology. The species was confirmed through a comprehensive analysis of its genetic, anatomical, and audio data, including unique roaring calls, following an unexpected sighting in 2008 and clearer images obtained a decade later. Found exclusively in the interfluve region between the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) rivers in east-central DRC, its appearance includes glossy black fur, cape-like shoulders, a long sweeping tail, and large folded ears. Researchers have proposed classifying Colobus congoensis as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List due to its extremely limited geographical range, small population size, and growing threats from hunting pressure and habitat loss. In fullRemarkable new monkey with orange lips and pig-like snort found in CongoMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Yale researchers have helped to describe a new species of Colobus monkey living high in the forest canopies of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

La nueva especie, conocida como 'Likweli', tiene unas peculiares marcas en el rostro similares a una máscara y emite un fuerte rugido