New colobus monkey species confirmed in DRC

Scientists formally described a previously unknown colobus monkey, Colobus congoensis, from Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The first low‑resolution sighting occurred in 2008, followed by intensive field surveys from 2018 to 2022 that logged 114 observations across roughly 1,700 km². Genetic, morphological and acoustic analyses confirmed that the species diverged from the black colobus (C. satanas) about 4–5 million years ago, making it the fifth new African primate identified in the past 75 years. An international research team—including scholars from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, European institutions, the Congo and Germany—highlighted the monkey’s glossy black fur, orange‑cream facial mask and deep, resonant call.

A July 2026 report reiterated the description and urged the IUCN to list it as Endangered; a PLOS One paper the same month emphasized its distinctive physical traits and vocalisations, underscoring the conservation value of Lomami National Park and surrounding buffer zones. On 20 July 2026 researchers again confirmed the discovery, featuring a statement from Congolese co‑author Junior Amboko about the personal significance of the find and stressing that the species’ limited range makes it vulnerable to hunting and habitat loss. The authors called for a rapid assessment of its conservation status.

On 25 July 2026 a follow‑up report highlighted the monkey’s striking orange‑pink lips, noting that it plays a key role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. The study, led by Junior Amboko of the University of Florida’s Atlantic program, reiterated the urgency of protecting the Congo Basin’s rainforest habitats to preserve this newly documented biodiversity.

Immediate protection measures remain critical as the species awaits formal Endangered classification on the IUCN Red List.