Say Hello to Likweli! Scientists Just Found a Brand-New Monkey Hiding in the Congo Jungle
Quick Summary
Scientists have officially discovered a brand-new species of monkey deep in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its name is Colobus congoensis, but locals call it “Likweli.” This tiny black monkey with bright orange lips is only the fifth new monkey species found in all of Africa in the last 75 years!
What Happened?
Deep in the rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a mysterious monkey had been hiding from scientists for a very long time. The people who live near the forest knew it existed. Some called it “Likweli.” Others called it the “branch-shaker.” But to scientists, it was completely unknown.
The first blurry photograph of a Likweli was taken way back in 2008. Researchers knew something unusual was out there, but they needed more proof. Ten years later, in 2018, they spotted it again — this time much more clearly. Then the real detective work began!
From 2018 to 2022, a team of scientists made 114 careful sightings of the monkey. They studied its body, its bones, and its DNA. They even recorded its deep, roaring calls and analyzed the sounds. Everything pointed to the same conclusion: this was a brand-new species that had never been described by science before.
The new monkey has a glossy black coat, large folded ears, and striking orange-cream patches around its mouth and nose. It weighs about 15 pounds — roughly as heavy as a large house cat. It lives in small groups of around six, high up in the treetops.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Yale University worked with local conservationists to publish the discovery in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.
Why Does It Matter?
Finding a brand-new species of monkey in the 21st century is incredibly rare. Scientists say the Likweli’s closest monkey cousin lives more than 750 miles away in another part of Africa. DNA tests show that the two species went their separate ways about 4 to 5 million years ago — that’s before humans had even appeared on Earth!
Unfortunately, the Likweli may already be in danger. It is found only in a small area of about 1,700 square kilometers — roughly the size of the city of Los Angeles. Hunting and habitat loss are threats. Most of the monkey’s known home is inside Lomami National Park, which helps protect it. Scientists are recommending that Likweli be listed as Endangered so it receives even more protection.
“Discovering a new monkey species is extraordinarily rare,” said researcher Kate Detwiler. Scientists are now calling for urgent action to protect its small jungle home.
Big Words
- Species — a group of living things that share the same features and can have babies together
- Primate — the group of mammals that includes monkeys, apes, and humans
- DNA — the tiny instruction code found in every living cell that tells scientists how creatures are related
- Endangered — when a species has so few members left that it is in danger of disappearing forever
- Conservation — the work people do to protect animals, plants, and habitats
Fun Fact
The Likweli monkey’s local name in the Bangala language means something like “that creature in the branches.” Its roaring call sounds a bit like a lion — surprising for such a small animal!
Think About It
If you could name a brand-new animal species, what would you call it and why?
Sources
- CNN — Monkey with orange lips identified as newfound species
- Florida Atlantic University — New Species of African Monkey Discovered in the Congo Rainforest
- Yale News — Meet ‘Likweli’: A new monkey species discovered in the Congo Basin
- ScienceAlert — An Entirely New Species of Monkey Has Been Living in the Congo Rainforest This Whole Time
- Discover Magazine — A New Orange-Faced Monkey Was Discovered Deep in the Congo