Scientists Identify 5th New African Monkey in 75 Years, Urge Endangered Status
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 15
Scientists Identify 5th New African Monkey in 75 Years, Urge Endangered Status
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 15
Summary
PLOS ONE researchers said Colobus congoensis—a black colobus with orange-cream lips and a deep roaring call—is only the fifth new monkey species identified in Africa in 75 years.
114 sightings from 2018 to 2022, backed by genetic testing and comparisons of skulls, pelts and skeletons, convinced scientists the DRC primate is distinct from all other known African colobus monkeys.
Genetic evidence indicates its closest known relative lives more than 1,200 kilometers away and split from the new species about 4 to 5 million years ago, suggesting an unusually old branch in colobus evolution.
A roughly 1,700-square-kilometer known range has raised conservation alarms, and researchers proposed listing Likweli as Endangered because of habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Most known habitat lies in Lomami National Park, underscoring how the vast, poorly explored Congolese rainforest can still hide major primate discoveries.