New Monkey Species Likweli Discovered in Congo Rainforest

What is the Likweli? A New Monkey Species Found in the DRC

Scientists have officially described a new species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis, commonly known as the Likweli, in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The discovery, published July 15, 2026, in the journal PLOS One, marks only the fifth new African monkey species identified in the past 75 years. The Likweli is a small, black colobus monkey distinguished by striking orange-cream patches of skin around its mouth and nose, giving it the appearance of having bright orange lips. The species name honors the Congo River basin where it was found, while the common name 'Likweli' was provided by the local Balanga community.

How Was the Likweli Discovered?

From a Blurry Photo to a Formal Description

The story of the Likweli began in 2008 when a researcher captured a blurry photograph of an unfamiliar monkey in the Lomami-Lualaba interfluve region of east-central DRC. At the time, scientists could not confirm whether it was a new species. Between 2018 and 2022, an international team of scientists from Yale University, Florida Atlantic University, the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation, and other institutions conducted extensive fieldwork, compiling 114 field observations across an estimated range of 1,700 square kilometers (about 656 square miles). The team used camera traps, direct sightings, genetic analysis, and acoustic recordings to confirm that this monkey was distinct from any known species.

Genetic and Physical Evidence

Genetic analysis revealed that the Likweli's lineage split from its closest relative, the black colobus monkey (Colobus satanas), approximately 4.7 to 5.8 million years ago. The two species are separated by more than 1,200 kilometers. Physically, the Likweli is smaller than other colobus monkeys, weighing about 15 pounds (6.8 kg). It has sleek black fur, a white perianal patch, and a distinctive facial pattern: slate-gray cheekbones, black-rimmed eyes, and the signature orange-cream mouth patch. Its vocalizations also differ — the Likweli produces a deep, roaring call that is acoustically distinct from other colobus monkeys.

Researcher Junior Amboko told the BBC: 'It was an amazing feeling to look into the face of an animal that so few people knew existed.'

Where Does the Likweli Live?

The Likweli inhabits a small, remote area of high, closed-canopy old-growth rainforest within and around Lomami National Park in east-central DRC. Most observations came from a limited area along the Lomami River. The species is arboreal, living high in the forest canopy and often traveling in small groups averaging 6.2 individuals. Local hunters reported that the monkey's call is most often heard around sunrise. Junior Amboko noted: 'You hear them often, but you don't see them.' The species' cryptic rainforest species behavior and remote habitat help explain why it remained hidden for so long.

Why Is This Discovery Significant?

The Likweli is only the fifth new African monkey species to be described in the last 75 years, underscoring how much biodiversity remains undiscovered in Central Africa's forests. The same region has yielded other remarkable primate discoveries in recent years. The discovery highlights the critical importance of protected areas like Lomami National Park, which was established in 2016. As researcher Daniel Rosengren of the Frankfurt Zoological Society noted: 'This find shows that even in the 21st century, we can still discover large mammals new to science.'

Conservation Status and Threats

Scientists have proposed that the Likweli be classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its extremely small range, low population density, and ongoing threats. About 60% of its known range lies within Lomami National Park, but the remaining areas face pressure from deforestation, expanding human settlements, and hunting. The species' endangered species conservation status is a key concern for researchers. The discovery underscores the need for continued protection of the park and community-based conservation efforts. The authors of the study recommend engaging local communities to monitor and protect the species, as traditional knowledge from the Balanga people was instrumental in locating and naming the Likweli.

FAQ About the Likweli Monkey

What does Likweli mean?

Likweli is the name given by the Balanga community in the DRC. It is also sometimes called 'kasaba nkoni,' meaning 'branch-shaker.'

How is Likweli different from other colobus monkeys?

It is smaller, has a unique orange-cream mouth patch, distinct skull and teeth shape, different vocalizations, and a separate genetic lineage that diverged millions of years ago.

Can I see Likweli in a zoo?

No. Likweli is a wild species found only in a small area of the DRC's rainforest, and there are no captive individuals.

What is the scientific name of Likweli?

Colobus congoensis, named after the Congo region.

How many Likweli monkeys are left?

Population estimates are not yet available, but based on the limited range (1,700 km²) and low observation frequency, researchers believe the population is small and recommend an Endangered status.

Sources

This article is based on the peer-reviewed study published in PLOS One (July 15, 2026), reporting from Yale News, Florida Atlantic University News, BBC News, and ScienceAlert. The original research is available at PLOS One.