Zoologists have discovered and described a new species of monkey belonging to the genus Colobus, which inhabits the jungles of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This species has been named likveli. Its distinction from other colobuses lies in its more compact size, the presence of orange lips, and a white patch around the anus.
Genetic studies have established that likvelis belong to an evolutionary branch that separated approximately four to five million years ago. Unfortunately, due to their limited range, as well as deforestation and hunting, this new species is under threat of extinction. The results of this scientific investigation were published in PLoS One.
Although over 500 primate species are known to zoologists, discoveries continue, often by assigning the status of a separate species to already known populations based on genetic, morphological, and acoustic data. In recent times, the Skywalker howler, the Tapanuli orangutan, and Schneider's guenon have been discovered. Previously, in 2005, the monkey Rungwecebus kipunji, related to baboons, inhabiting the mountain forests of Tanzania, was described, and in 2012, the monkey Cercopithecus lomamiensis from the Democratic Republic of Congo was described.
John Hart of the Lukuru Nature Research Foundation and his team reported the discovery of another new primate species. The first evidence of its existence appeared in 2008 when researchers recorded a small long-tailed monkey in the jungles of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that differed from all local species, although most of the animal in the picture was hidden by foliage. Between 2018 and 2019, after the creation of Lomami National Park in the area, these monkeys were sighted and photographed about ten times. These new images clearly show that they have black fur, elongated on the back and shoulders, and on the bare skin of the face, there are orange lips and a lip groove, as well as a gray 'mask' around the eyes and a white patch around the anus. This combination of coloration is not found in any known African primates.
From 2020 to 2022, Hart and his co-authors conducted in-depth research on these monkeys from Lomami. The team observed them, recording their sounds, and took three individuals for genetic and morphological analysis. The analysis showed that the Lomami monkeys belong to the genus Colobus (Colobus) of the family Cercopithecidae, but they differ from all described representatives of the genus in their coloration, smaller size (weighing about seven kilograms), skull structure, and vocalization method. They are most similar to black colobus monkeys (C. satanas) living approximately 1200 kilometers to the west, between Cameroon and Gabon. Nevertheless, the latter are larger, and they lack the orange markings on the lips and the white patch around the anus. Genetic comparison revealed that the Lomami monkeys and black colobus monkeys are sister evolutionary lineages that diverged about four to five million years ago.
The researchers decided to designate the Lomami monkeys as a separate species, naming it Colobus congoensis. Local residents use the vernacular name 'likweli', which the authors also recommend. However, surveys in the presumed habitat area showed that this species is known to the local population in only eight out of fifty-two locations. According to Hart and his colleagues' estimates, the likveli's range covers a limited area of about 1700 square kilometers on the right bank of the Lomami River. These monkeys live in dense jungles with tall trees on clay soil uplands, at an altitude of 406–490 meters above sea level, mainly near the Lomami River. The likvelis are almost constantly in the canopy, descending to the ground only rarely.
Between 2018 and 2022, 114 encounters with these primates were recorded. They move alone or in small groups (averaging 6.2 individuals), often accompanied by one to six other species of monkeys, such as Angolan colobus (C. angolensis) and red colobus Piliocolobus parmentieri. Based on dental structure, likvelis feed on fruits, leaves, and flowers, unlike their closest relatives, black colobus monkeys, which mainly consume seeds. Since likvelis are rarely encountered even within their limited range, researchers recommended assigning the species the endangered status (EN). The main threats to them remain deforestation and hunting. Given the rapid growth of the region's population, a significant reduction in the number and range of likvelis is predicted in the coming decades. The authors emphasize that the most effective way to guarantee the future of this species is through strengthening the protection of Lomami National Park.
A new species of African macaque has been discovered in the tropical forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), named Colobus congoensis. This primate is the fifth new macaque species identified in Africa in the last 75 years, according to a study reported by the University of Florida (FAU) in the United States.
The new species was hidden in a remote area between the Lomami and Congo rivers, in the East-Central part of the DRC. Despite decades of scientific research in Central Africa, this species had not been previously registered. However, an article published in PLOS One indicates that it may be threatened due to its limited geographical distribution, habitat loss, and hunting pressure.
C. congoensis weighs about seven kilograms. It is distinguished by glossy black fur, 'shoulder patches resembling a mantle,' a long, wavy tail, white rump markings, and a 'bright orange-cream patch around the mouth and nose,' giving it a 'striking mask-like appearance different from any other known macaque of the genus Colobus.' Local communities call it 'Likweli' or 'kasaba nkoni' (branch provocateur), noting that it is a shy and rarely seen primate.
According to FAU, some researchers first noticed this primate in 2008 and took a partially obscured photograph. Only 10 years later, when they found the animal again and could obtain a clearer image, was the decision made for deeper study. Between 2018 and 2022, 114 sightings were recorded over an area of only 1,700 square kilometers, which is 'unusually low for macaques of the genus Colobus.'
Scientists conducted genetic, anatomical, and acoustic analysis and confirmed that the macaque represents a separate evolutionary lineage that diverged from its closest known relative, Colobus satanas, approximately 4–5 million years ago. As noted by Kate Detweiler, an associate professor of biological sciences at FAU, this is 'one of the oldest evolutionary splits known in the Colobus line.'
Junior Amboko, a graduate student at the same university and a National Geographic researcher, called the discovery 'exciting and deeply personal,' emphasizing the 'exceptional biodiversity' of his homeland and 'how much more needs to be documented.' He noted that it was an honor to name the species 'Colobus congoensis,' recognizing the outstanding natural heritage of the Congo Basin and noting that it is the first primate named after the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The discovery of C. congoensis also highlights the scientific importance of the Lomami National Park (where most of its known habitat is located) and its buffer zone in the DRC. Another primate was also discovered in this park in 2012 by members of the same research team—the 'lesula' (Cercopithecus lomamiensis).
John Hart, a conservation biologist and the lead author of the paper who headed the team that discovered the 'lesula,' emphasizes that 'the Congo Basin remains one of the last great frontiers of the world for mammal discoveries.' He adds that entirely new species continue to be discovered even in scientifically studied regions, underscoring the amount of biodiversity yet to be registered in the Central Congo Basin, and how this region continues to change our understanding of primate evolution and conservation.
Concurrently with including C. congoensis in the scientific registry, scientists propose listing this species on the IUCN Red List as endangered, given the risks it faces. Kate Detweiler concludes: 'The discovery of Colobus congoensis is a scientific triumph, but also a sobering reminder that some of the rarest creatures on Earth may disappear before the world even knows about them.'
The international team included scientists from Yale and New York universities in the United States, Lomami National Park, and the Zoological Society of Frankfurt in Germany.
A wild monkey was captured, completely covered in blue paint from head to tail, and then released back into its group's territory in Nelson Mandela Bay. The animal is currently trying to clean off the toxic coating applied by an unknown person.
The charity group Monkey Matters Eastern Cape reported that the monkey was spotted in Dir Park on Sunday. The group warned that the paint could cause poisoning and lead to the animal's 'slow, agonizing death.'
According to group representatives, the animal was not caught because it moves too quickly for rescuers to find, but the group noted that the animal's condition appeared satisfactory.
Charl van der Mecht, co-founder of Monkey Matters Eastern Cape, which has been rescuing primates in the province for over 25 years, explained that this act was motivated by a misconception that painting the monkey would scare away its group. Van der Mecht told the IOL on Monday that some people believe that painting animals white or, as in this case, blue will frighten the troop and make them leave the area.
She categorically refuted this, calling it an 'old myth' and an act of cruelty towards an animal capable of causing a slow and painful death. In her opinion, painting a monkey any color will not cause its group to reject it, stating that this is ignorance disguised as advice.
Van der Mecht emphasized that the paint can poison the animal and damage its skin, eyes, and fur, forcing it to desperately try to clean itself. She described such behavior as an 'act of cowardice against a creature that cannot defend itself' and expressed disappointment with the organization upon seeing various forms of primate cruelty.
Activist Marizanne Kemp Ferreira also expressed concern over this act of cruelty, stating that animals do not invade human space; rather, humans expand their boundaries into their territory. Ferreira described primates as intelligent, social, and sentient beings trying to survive in a human-altered environment, insisting that harming them for their existence is neither justified nor humane.
Steve Smith, founder of Monkey Helpline in Durban, noted that painting monkeys is most common in KwaZulu-Natal. He speculated that this practice originated among settlers who painted baboons to protect crops. Smith explained that the initial belief was that the painted animal would return to the troop, which would then leave the area, thus eliminating the problem of crop raiding. However, he said this false idea does not work, as the monkey will be attacked and attempt to clean itself, suffering in the process.
Smith also mentioned that sometimes painted monkeys are shot with darts, and some people treat this as a joke, calling for criminal prosecution of anyone who does this or finds it amusing. He added that rescued painted monkeys were always found among their groups, refuting the myth of their expulsion. He concluded that this practice is cruel, illegal, and senseless.
Sandra Swart, a historian from Stellenbosch University who researches the history of baboons and humans in South Africa, notes that people often exhibit more aggression towards primates than the primates show towards them, viewing animals as a substitute for broader human anxieties about invasion and security. Scientific research confirms the harm from painting: a 2024 study published in the journal Mammalian Biology documented cases of intentional harm to monkeys through physical attacks, poisoning, and painting, which the authors used as evidence of cruelty in human-monkey conflict.
It is important to note that vervets are highly social animals living in groups where they spend hours grooming each other to remove parasites and dirt, strengthening intra-group bonds. Furthermore, studies have shown that female vervets are lifelong residents of their birth territory, meaning that groups are tied to that area for generations and cannot simply leave at a human's whim. The species is protected in South Africa and listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern, although in urban and agricultural areas, it is often considered a pest, where retaliatory shootings and poisoning have been documented. Intentionally harming or painting a wild animal is an offense under the Animal Protection Act.
