Scientists have identified a new monkey species, *Colobus congoensis*, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Lomami National Park, named “Likweli” by local communities. Discovered after elusive sightings, the primate’s unique traits and fragile existence highlight both the mysteries of biodiversity and urgent conservation challenges.
Deep in the Congolese rainforest, a new species of monkey has emerged from the shadows—*Colobus congoensis*, known locally as “Likweli.” This discovery, published in *PLOS One*, marks the fifth new African monkey species described in the past 75 years and underscores the region’s role as a hotspot for hidden biodiversity. The primate, with its glossy black coat, orange-lipped face, and distinctive roars, was first glimpsed in 2008 but only confirmed as a distinct species after fieldwork and genetic analysis.
A Decade of Mystery and Discovery
The journey to identify *C. congoensis* began with a blurry 2008 photo snapped by researchers in the Lomami National Park. The image, depicting a primate with an unusual combination of traits—no thumbs, a compact build, and a strikingly colored face—sparked curiosity but no immediate resolution. It wasn’t until 2018, when clearer sightings and photographs emerged, that Junior Amboko, a field conservationist from the DRC and PhD student at Florida Atlantic University, recognized the need for a formal investigation.
Amboko and his team launched a study, documenting 114 sightings across 1,700 square kilometers between the Lomami and Lilo rivers. The monkeys, typically found in small groups of around six, exhibited behaviors that set them apart: a quiet, watchful nature and a vocalization described as a cross between a burp and a house music baseline. Genetic analysis of tissue samples confiscated from hunters—some of the first physical evidence of the species—revealed a deep divergence from its closest relative, the black colobus (*C. satanas*), with a split dating back 4.3 to 5.8 million years.
“When we got the genetics and we shared it with the team, we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, it has such a deep divergence,'” said Kate Detwiler, an associate professor of anthropology at Florida Atlantic University and senior author of the study.
Distinctive Traits and Local Names
*C. congoensis* stands out with its striking appearance: a black, glossy fur coat, a pale orange patch around the mouth and nose, and a white rump. These features, combined with its “branch shaker” moniker—referring to the translation of “kasaba nkoni”—have made it a subject of fascination. Locals in the Balanga and Mituku communities, who have known the species, refer to it as “likweli” and “kasaba nkoni,” respectively. However, only eight of 52 surveyed villages recognized the primate, with many describing it as “quiet and cryptic.”
Why This Matters: Biodiversity in Peril
The Lomami National Park, where *C. congoensis* was found, is a critical site for primate conservation. Home to the lesula monkey (*Cercopithecus lomamiensis*), another species recognized in 2012, the park exemplifies the hidden diversity of the Congo Basin. However, its remoteness and limited resources make it a challenging area for protection. Conservationists warn that without stronger measures, species like *C. congoensis* could vanish before they’re fully understood.
What Comes Next: Conservation and Research
Researchers plan to expand their work, focusing on the species’ canopy habits and reproductive biology. Amboko and Detwiler have other questions to address.
For now, the story of *C. congoensis* serves as a testament to both the resilience of nature and the fragility of its ecosystems.
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