A study published on 15 July 2026 in the scientific journal PLOS ONE officially describes a new species of colobus monkey, known locally as the Likweli (Colobus congoensis), in Lomami National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the authors, this discovery is the result of several years of research carried out by a consortium of Congolese and international scientists. To confirm that this was a distinct species, the researchers combined genetic analyses (DNA), morphological comparisons (size, coat, skull and dentition), analyses of vocalizations and field observations. The results show that the Likweli exhibits characteristics sufficiently different from other African colobus monkeys to be recognized as a distinct species in its own right.

‘We describe and name a new species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis sp. nov. (Primates, Cercopithecidae), from the region between the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) rivers, in the central-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Colobus congoensis is a rare and elusive monkey, about which little is yet known, even amongst some local communities living near its habitat. Some of these communities, however, use the local name ‘Likweli’ to refer to this species. Between 2018 and 2022, researchers made 114 field observations across an estimated range of around 1,700 km². The study also indicates that communities living around Lomami National Park were already familiar with this monkey under the name ‘Likweli’, but that its scientific status could only be confirmed following these in-depth analyses. ‘The first sightings date back to 2007–2008, before field missions and further analyses made it possible to validate its official description,’ the study notes.

The researchers estimate that the Likweli occupies a range of only around 1,700 km² in and around Lomami National Park. Between 2018 and 2022, they recorded only 114 sightings, which highlights the species’ rarity and restricted distribution. The authors warn of the threats already facing this primate, notably hunting and habitat degradation. They recommend that it be listed as ‘Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. According to them, this discovery highlights the still little-known biodiversity of the Congo Basin and underlines the importance of continuing scientific research and conservation efforts in this region.

In a press release issued following the publication of the study, Lomami National Park welcomed this discovery, which it regards as a major step forward in our understanding of Congolese biodiversity.

For Mardoché Bisimwa Koko, technical director of the research and biomonitoring program at Lomami National Park, the identification of the Likweli reinforces the need to step up conservation efforts.

“Lomami National Park already provides a protective haven for many species. But because the Likweli is so rare and so localized, conservationists must step up their targeted efforts. We will step up patrols and put in place specific monitoring on the right bank and throughout its entire range,” he said.

According to him, this discovery also demonstrates the exceptional scientific potential of the Congolese forests.

“Two decades ago, these deep-green forests appeared almost unexplored on Google Earth. The Likweli is living proof that the last wild areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo still harbor incredible secrets just waiting to be discovered,” he enthuses.

Written by Victoire Katembo Mbuto