New orange‑lip monkey species confirmed in Congo's Lomami National Park

A previously unknown monkey species has been scientifically confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Lomami National Park. The primate, named **Colobus congoensis**, is distinguished by striking orange‑pink lips and a black coat.

The animal was first sighted by local conservationists in 2008, but only after a ten‑year follow‑up expedition did researchers obtain clear photographs, audio recordings and genetic samples. Analyses of DNA, morphology and vocalizations verified that it is a distinct species, the fifth new African primate described in the last 75 years.

The discovery was led by Congolese PhD student **Junior Amboko** of the University of Florida’s Atlantic program, together with an international team of primatologists. Scientists say the find underscores the Congo Basin’s extraordinary biodiversity and the need to protect its rainforest habitat, where colobus monkeys play key roles in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.