New Orange-Lipped Monkey Species Confirmed in DR Congo

Khaosod•International•3d ago

Reader Briefing

Scientists have officially identified Colobus congoensis, a new monkey species discovered in the DR Congo's Lomami National Park.

•The new species, named Colobus congoensis, is the fifth new monkey species discovered in Africa in 75 years.
•The monkey is characterized by orange-colored lips, black fur, and white patches on its buttocks.
•The discovery was documented through sightings and recordings, with findings published in the journal PLOS One.
•Researchers propose the species be listed as endangered due to low population and human encroachment.

•Colobus congoensis is a new monkey species found in Lomami National Park in the central-eastern part of the DR Congo.
•Conservationists first photographed the monkey in 2008, followed by further evidence gathered by Jean Pierre Kapale and his team 10 years later.
•Between 2018 and 2022, researchers recorded 114 sightings across approximately 1,700 square kilometers of forest.
•The Balanga people call the monkey Likweli, while the Mituku community calls it Kasaba Nkoni, meaning "branch shaker."
•Researchers recorded the roar of Colobus congoensis 6 times to study its communication behavior.
•Researchers suggest listing Colobus congoensis as an endangered species due to a small population.
•At least 15 new villages were established around the buffer zone of Lomami National Park between 2015 and 2023.
•Human community expansion may significantly reduce the habitat and population of Colobus congoensis in the coming decades.

Full article content is available on the original source.

DR Congo(สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยคองโก)ℹ️

The country where the new monkey species was discovered.

Lomami National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติโลมามิ)ℹ️

The location in the central-eastern part of DR Congo where Colobus congoensis resides.

Lomami River(แม่น้ำโลมามิ)ℹ️

The river located east of where the Balanga people live.

PLOS One(พลอส วัน)ℹ️

The academic journal that published the study on the new monkey species.

Balanga people(ชาวบาลังกา)

A community living west of the Lomami River who call the monkey Likweli.

Mituku community(ชุมชนมิตูกู)

A community that calls the monkey Kasaba Nkoni.

Jean Pierre Kapale(ฌอง ปิแอร์ กาปาเล)

A field researcher who led the exploration team to find evidence of the new monkey species.

Daniel Rosengren

A photographer providing images of the new monkey species.

Bravo Bofenda

A photographer providing images of the new monkey species.