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New Congo Monkey Species Declared Endangered After Discovery

7/17/2026

Summary

Scientists Unveil Species

Scientists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a new monkey species, Colobus congoensis.
They recorded 114 Likweli sightings from 2018 to 2022 within an estimated 1,700 km² of Lomami National Park.
Genetic, anatomical and acoustic data show the 15-pound monkey diverged from the black colobus 4–6 million years ago.
Researchers proposed Endangered status on the IUCN Red List because of its tiny range and hunting pressure.

Summary

Researchers Name Colobus

The new colobus was formally described in PLoS One, granting it scientific recognition.
Researchers from the DRC, United States and Germany collaborated on the study.
Junior Amboko, a Florida Atlantic University PhD student, led fieldwork that gathered audio, photos and DNA.
Interviews in 52 villages showed only eight residents had ever seen the monkey.
Scientists suggest orange-cream facial patches signal mates or ID, planning a survey of population and seed-dispersal.

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Scientists Unveil Species

Scientists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a new monkey species, Colobus congoensis.
They recorded 114 Likweli sightings from 2018 to 2022 within an estimated 1,700 km² of Lomami National Park.
Genetic, anatomical and acoustic data show the 15-pound monkey diverged from the black colobus 4–6 million years ago.
Researchers proposed Endangered status on the IUCN Red List because of its tiny range and hunting pressure.

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