In the dense, remote rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, between the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) rivers, scientists have confirmed the existence of a previously unknown species of monkey. Known locally as Likweli, this striking, adorable Colobus monkey has now been formally named Colobus congoensis, marking a significant addition to our understanding of African primate diversity.
For years, this elusive animal remained largely unseen, even by the communities living in its habitat. When locals did catch glimpses, the Bangala people referred to it as Likweli, while the Mituku called it “kasaba nkoni,” or the branch-shaker.
The first photographic evidence came in 2008 from conservationists Bernard Ikembelo and Ashley Vosper of the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation, in an area that later became Lomami National Park. Yet that initial sighting offered only a fleeting look.
It took nearly two more decades of dedicated fieldwork for researchers to gather enough data. Starting in late 2018, patrols led by Jean Pierre Kapale and his team began documenting the monkey more systematically.
They photographed it multiple times across different locations, eventually compiling 114 field observations spanning about 1,700 square kilometers between 2018 and 2022. These efforts, supported by additional surveillance in Lomami National Park, provided the robust evidence needed to establish it as a distinct species. The findings were published in the journal PLOS One.
Describing one early encounter, the research team noted: “Following the initial [photographed] sighting, nothing more was reported until November 2018, when Jean Pierre Kapale led a surveillance patrol in the Courbure Sector and photographed a black monkey with pale markings around its mouth and a white perianal patch.” They added that “over the next 10 months, Kapale and his team… found and photographically documented the monkey seven more times in different locations.”
Colobus congoensis stands out with its sleek black fur, long drooping tail, and a dramatic crown of spiky hair framing an expressive face. Observers have been particularly struck by its dark, curious eyes, prominent cheekbones, and distinctive pinkish-orange mouth.
Beyond appearance, genetic analysis shows it diverged from its closest relative, Colobus satanas—found over 1,200 kilometers away in west-central Africa—roughly 4 to 5 million years ago. This makes it one of the oldest known splits within the Colobus lineage. Six audio recordings further confirm its uniqueness, capturing deep roars with a signature acoustic profile unlike those of related species.
Biologist Junior Amboko of Florida Atlantic University, who was involved in the study, expressed deep personal connection to the discovery. “This discovery is both exciting and deeply personal, highlighting the extraordinary biodiversity of my homeland and how much remains undocumented,” he said. Amboko was honored to name the species Colobus congoensis, “recognizing the Congo Basin’s remarkable natural heritage and, we believe, marking the first primate named after the Democratic Republic of Congo itself – underscoring both its global importance and local pride.”
Anthropologist Kate Detwiler, also from Florida Atlantic University, emphasized the broader implications: “The discovery of Colobus congoensis is reshaping our understanding of African monkey evolution.” She highlighted the significant evolutionary distance, noting that “our genetic evidence shows the two species diverged roughly 4 to 5 million years ago, marking one of the oldest known evolutionary splits within the Colobus lineage.”
However, the excitement is tempered by concern. With a limited range, Colobus congoensis is vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting pressures that affect many species in the region. Detwiler captured the urgency: “The discovery of Colobus congoensis is both a scientific triumph and a sobering reminder that some of Earth’s rarest creatures may vanish before the world even knows they exist.”
This find serves as a powerful reminder of how much biodiversity still hides in the world’s great rainforests—and how critical it is to protect these fragile ecosystems before more species slip away unnoticed.
