Researchers have officially identified a new species of African monkey, the colobus. This remarkable monkey, residing in the secluded interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marks only the fifth new monkey species discovered on the continent in the last 75 years.
This newly identified species features a small size, black fur, and distinctive orange-cream spots around its mouth and nose, complemented by a black mask-like face and a prominent white patch near its tail.
Known scientifically as Colobus congoensis, this primate inhabits the eastern basin of the Lomami River and the nearby upper basin of the Congo (Lualaba) River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“This discovery is tremendously exciting and personal to me, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of my homeland and the vast amount still undocumented,” remarked Dr. Junior Amboko, a student at Florida Atlantic University.
“Naming Colobus congoensis honors the remarkable natural heritage of the Congo Basin and signifies both its global importance and our local pride.”
The monkey was first captured on camera during research in the Lomami Basin in 2008, though its significance went unrecognized at that time.
It wasn’t until 2018 that park rangers photographed the animal again, ensuring that its unusual markings were noted, leading scientists to further investigate.
Over several months, park rangers documented the monkeys throughout the region, and Amboko and his team ultimately matched the recent sightings with the photos taken a decade prior.
Despite proximity to several villages, the local community had little knowledge of the monkey. Among 52 villages surveyed near its habitat, only eight accurately described its characteristics, in contrast to the residents’ well-documented knowledge of other local primates.
The discovery of Colobus congoensis is transforming our understanding of African monkey evolution, added Kate Detwiler of Florida Atlantic University.
Genetic and skeletal analyses show that Colobus congoensis is closely related to the black colobus (Colobus satana), a monkey found on Bioko Island, over 1,200 kilometers away.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis indicates that these two lineages diverged approximately 4 to 5 million years ago, representing one of the most significant divergences within the Colobus genus.
Researchers noted that while the new species’ vocalizations share structural similarities with those of its distant relatives, they possess distinct differences in pitch and pattern.
“We compared skull structures and fur characteristics. The results indicate that Colobus congoensis is akin to other African colobines, yet highlights its unique qualities,” explained Julia Arenson, a researcher at Yale University.
“At the same time, we found it shares dental, cranial, and facial features with other species, despite its relatively smaller body size compared to other African colobines.”
“To classify a new species, comprehensive proof is essential,” stated Christopher Gilbert, a professor at the City University of New York.
“We utilized extensive museum collections, including specimens at the Yale Peabody Museum and the American Museum of Natural History, alongside comparative datasets to analyze skulls and fur against known African colobus monkeys.”
“Thanks to this extensive data, we confirmed Colobus congoensis as a distinct species quickly and decisively.”
Field surveys conducted between 2018 and 2022 recorded 114 sightings, revealing an estimated range of only 1,700 km2, surprisingly small compared to other colobus species whose ranges often exceed 60,000 km2.
Observations typically noted these monkeys in small groups averaging about six individuals, often cohabitating with other monkey species within the tree canopy.
Scientists have proposed a provisional classification for the IUCN Red List, categorizing Colobus congoensis as an endangered species due to its limited range and population size.
“We are continually reminded that the Congo Basin is one of the world’s last great frontiers for mammal discoveries,” remarked Dr. John Hart, a conservation scientist at the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation.
“Even areas previously studied continue to reveal entirely new species.”
“This finding underscores the untold biodiversity present in the Central Congo Basin and how it contributes to our understanding of primate evolution and conservation efforts.”
This groundbreaking discovery is detailed in the following article: PLoS ONE.
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JA Hart et al. 2026. Likweli: A remarkable new species of Colobus monkeys in Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLoS ONE 21(7): e0349857; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349857
Source: www.sci.news
