New Monkey Species with Orange Lips Found ‘Hiding’ in DRC Forest

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:03:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A newly identified colobus monkey with striking pinkish‑orange lips roams the dense canopy of DRC’s Lomami National Park, marking a major discovery in African primate diversity.

Scientists have formally described a new black‑furred primate, known locally as Likweli, discovered in the high canopy of Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species, named *Colobus congoensis*, stands out for its pinkish‑orange lips and black face and is a rare example of cryptic African monkey life. Researchers used photos, audio, and DNA analysis over a decade of field work to confirm the species’ distinctiveness. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving the forest’s unique biodiversity and opens a door for legal protection of these elusive primates.

New Monkey Species with Orange Lips Found 'Hiding' in DRC Forest

Likweli monkey with striking pinkish-orange lips observed in a tree canopy. — The Likweli monkey’s bright lips give it a distinctive appearance. Source: Junior Amboko.

Scientists have confirmed that the black‑furred primate spotted in the dense canopy of Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, is a new species: Colobus congoensis. The discovery came after researchers found a high‑resolution image in 2008 and then revisited the area a decade later.

The new species, locally called “Likweli”, sports pink‑orange lips and a black face, making it easily recognizable. Colobus congoensis is part of the larger colobus monkey family, which lacks thumbs and plays a key role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

Secretive species

The monkeys are shy, hiding high in the trees. Interviews with residents from 52 villages near the park showed only eight villages had ever spotted them, according to Dr. Junior Amboko.

Dr. Amboko, a PhD student at Florida Atlantic University, led the expedition that employed audio recordings, photography, and detailed genetic analyses. “Seeing the face of an animal that few people knew existed was an amazing feeling,” he told BBC News.

The research was published in PLOS One, and it stresses the need for protection because the monkeys may be hunted for meat. By officially recognizing the species, scientists hope it can receive legal protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Future studies aim to estimate population size and investigate behavior. The researchers are particularly interested in the monkeys’ distinctive roaring call and its role in ecology and social signaling.