Monkey with distinctive orange lips identified as a newfound species

A distinctive new monkey species featuring striking orange lips has been officially identified in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Named *Colobus congoensis* by scientists and known locally as "Likweli," this colobus monkey is predominantly black with notable grey cheekbones and produces unique roaring calls. This discovery marks only the fifth new monkey species found in Africa over the past 75 years, underscoring the continent's rich, yet still underexplored, biodiversity.

Conservationists and researchers express both excitement and concern, recommending that the species be classified as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List. Its limited geographic range, coupled with ongoing threats from habitat loss and hunting pressures, highlights the critical need for urgent conservation efforts within the Congo Basin. The species' scientific description was based on observations made over nearly two decades, with findings published recently in the journal PLOS One.