Colobus congoensis, locally known as the Likweli, is a newly identified colobus monkey living high in the canopy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Discovered after an 18-year search, it is only the fifth new African monkey species identified in the last 75 years.
This remarkable primate can be identified by a combination of unique physical traits and behaviors:
▫️Striking Face: It features vivid orange-cream lips set against a black face, framed by slate-grey cheekbones that create a mask-like appearance.
▫️Glossy Black Coat: The body is covered in sleek, dark hair, sporting long, cape-like fur on the upper back and shoulders.
▫️Unique Roraring Call: Unlike other primates, it produces a deep, froglike roar punctuated by snorting sounds.
▫️Missing Thumbs: Like other colobus monkeys, they have adapted to canopy life by possessing only four fingers on each hand with no thumbs.
▫️Distinctive Rump: It has a highly conspicuous white patch of fur around its anus.
Because of its tiny habitat range (estimated at just 650 square miles) and threats from hunting, scientists are recommending it be classified as Endangered.
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