New Monkey Species 'Likweli' Discovered in Congo Basin

An international team of scientists, including Yale researchers, has identified a new Colobus monkey species, named 'Likweli,' found inhabiting the high forest canopies of the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking only the fifth new African monkey species discovered in the past 75 years.

The top 3

  1. Noteworthy Discoveries of 2020s: The 'Likweli' monkey (Colobus congoensis), described in July 2026, is only the fifth new African monkey species identified in the last 75 years, characterized by orange-cream facial patches and unique roars.
  2. Regions Leading New Discoveries: The Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly its Congo Basin, is a hotspot for new primate discoveries, alongside the Amazon rainforest and Madagascar, which are also rich in endemic species.
  3. Unveiling New Species: Key Methods: Scientists confirm new species through detailed morphological comparisons, genetic analysis (DNA sequencing), and sometimes acoustic analysis of vocalizations, often starting from initial unexpected sightings in remote areas.

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