New monkey species discovered in Congo nearly 20 years after a mysterious photograph

Deep within the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, scientists have discovered a new species of monkey, named Colobus congoensis, which had remained unknown for years. The all-black monkey's defining feature is an orange patch around its mouth. The discovery began with a photograph taken in 2008, which sparked a mystery.

In 2018, researchers revisited the dense forests where the monkey was first spotted and spent years investigating further, recording sightings and documenting its appearance and behavior. Genetic testing confirmed that Colobus congoensis is a distinct evolutionary lineage that diverged from its closest relative, the black colobus monkey, at least four million years ago.

The monkey was found to be much smaller than the black colobus and has a small habitat of about 1,700 square kilometers. Local communities knew of the monkey by the name Likweli, but its official discovery raises concerns as the species may already be vulnerable due to hunting for meat. Protecting its forest habitat and working with local communities is crucial to safeguard the newly recognized species.