New monkey species with orange lips discovered hiding in DR Congo forest

Deep inside the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, scientists have identified a previously unknown monkey species with a striking feature: bright orange lips.

According to BBC, the newly described primate, named Colobus congoensis, is known locally as Likweli. It was discovered in the remote forests of Lomami National Park, an area known for its remarkable biodiversity and difficult terrain.

The discovery highlights how much remains hidden in the Congo Basin, one of the planet’s most biologically rich ecosystems, where new species continue to be documented despite decades of scientific exploration.

The monkey with a distinctive orange mouth

Likweli is a member of the colobus monkey group and has a largely black coat, making its unusual facial markings stand out.

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The monkey has a vivid orange patch around its mouth, grey cheek areas and dark skin around its eyes, giving it a distinctive appearance. Scientists say the colourful mouth area is one of the features that helped distinguish it from related colobus species.

The species also has a characteristic loud, roar-like call, which researchers believe plays an important role in communication within its forest habitat.

A discovery that took decades in the making

The story of Likweli began with a mystery.

The first clue appeared in 2008, when conservationists photographed an unidentified monkey during an expedition in the dense forests of Lomami National Park. A later sighting in 2018 encouraged researchers to investigate further, eventually leading to detailed field studies and scientific analysis.

Researchers used observations, photographs, anatomical comparisons and genetic evidence to determine that the monkey represented a distinct species. The findings were published in the scientific journal PLOS One.

Why finding a new monkey species is so rare

The discovery of a new monkey species is considered a significant event in modern zoology. Scientists describe Likweli as only the fifth new species of African monkey to be identified in the past 75 years.

Primates are among the most studied groups of mammals, so identifying a previously unknown monkey highlights the importance of exploring remote habitats that remain poorly documented.

The Congo rainforest contains vast areas that are challenging to access because of dense vegetation, limited infrastructure and difficult field conditions. These challenges mean that some species may remain unknown to science for years.

A quiet resident of the rainforest canopy

Despite its unusual appearance, Likweli is described as a relatively calm and watchful monkey.

Researchers studying the species observed that it often does not immediately flee when humans approach. Instead, it may move higher into the forest canopy and observe its surroundings.

This behaviour, combined with its remote habitat, may have helped the species remain hidden for so long.

A rare discovery facing conservation challenges

While the discovery is exciting, scientists have also highlighted concerns about the future of the species.

Likweli appears to have a limited distribution, with researchers identifying it within a relatively small area of forest between the Lomami and Lilo rivers. Its restricted habitat, along with threats such as forest loss and hunting, has raised concerns about its conservation status.

Scientists have recommended that the species receive conservation attention because protecting its habitat will be crucial for its survival.

The Congo rainforest still holds many secrets

The discovery of Likweli is a reminder that Earth’s forests continue to reveal new forms of life.

From unusual physical traits to unique behaviours, newly discovered species provide scientists with valuable insights into evolution, biodiversity and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.

For now, the orange-lipped monkey of the Congo stands as another example of nature’s hidden diversity and the importance of protecting the world’s remaining wild places.