Kate Detwiler and researchers identify a new monkey species with distinctive orange lips in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kate Detwiler, an associate professor of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University, led a team of scientists that identified a new monkey species in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primate, named Colobus congoensis and known locally as Likweli, features a glossy black coat and a vivid orange-cream patch around its mouth and nose. The discovery was made after researchers first photographed the monkey in 2008. Genetic and anatomical analyses revealed that the species diverged from its closest relative approximately 4 to 6 million years ago. This makes it one of the oldest known evolutionary splits within the Colobus lineage. The new species is smaller than related monkeys, weighing roughly 15 pounds. However, researchers warn that Colobus congoensis may be endangered due to its restricted range and habitat loss. The team suggests that protection of the Lomami National Park is critical for the species' survival. The discovery highlights the vast amount of biodiversity that remains undocumented in the Congolese rainforest.