Latest species of monkey with orange lips discovered in rainforest | News World

A brand new species of monkey with unusual orange lips has been discovered deep within the rainforests of Africa.

The species – already feared to be endangered – will be identified by its facial markings and unique call, say scientists.

It is understood locally within the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo as ‘Likweli’ and is barely the fifth latest monkey species identified in Africa within the last 75 years.

The largely black species had remained undocumented despite a long time of scientific exploration within the region. It was first sighted 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. The invention sparked further investigation into the elusive primate.

Now, latest genetic, anatomical and acoustic analyses have confirmed that the monkey represents a definite evolutionary lineage that diverged from its closest known relative 4 to 5 million years ago.

The species – given the name Colobus congoensis – may already be in danger due to its limited range, habitat loss and hunting pressure.

The invention was made by a world team of scientists led by researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in america and the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation within the DRC.

Study co-author Junior Amboko, a FAU PhD student, said: ‘This discovery is each exciting and deeply personal, highlighting the extraordinary biodiversity of my homeland and the way much stays undocumented.

‘I used to be fortunate to be a part of this discovery from the very starting – from recognising in the primary photographs that we were something latest within the forest, to training field teams to document its behaviour, analysing the information and helping write the scientific paper.’

‘Being involved through every stage, from fieldwork to the lab, made this an especially rewarding experience.

‘It makes it much more meaningful that the name I proposed, Colobus congoensis, was chosen. The name honours the Democratic Republic of Congo, a rustic with extraordinary biodiversity, and reflects the incredible natural heritage that continues to disclose latest discoveries.’

Draped in glossy black fur with cape-like shoulders, a protracted sweeping tail and a vivid orange-cream patch across the mouth and nose, he said C. congoensis has a ‘striking, mask-like’ appearance.

Between 2018 and 2022, researchers recorded 114 sightings across an estimated range of 1,700 square kms.

But whilst the species enters the scientific record, researchers warn it might already be in danger.

Attributable to its extremely limited range, small population size, growing hunting pressure and ongoing habitat loss, scientists are proposing C. congoensis be classified as ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.

Study first writer Dr John Hart, of the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation, added: ‘We proceed to be reminded that the Congo Basin stays considered one of the world’s last great frontiers for mammal discovery.

‘Even in regions which have been scientifically explored, entirely latest species are still coming to light.’

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