New Monkey Species Described in Congo Forests Between Lomami and Lualaba Rivers

A new species of colobus monkey has been formally described in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Named Colobus congoensis, the primate occurs in forests between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers in the east-central part of the country. The monkey has glossy black fur, a long tail and a vivid orange-cream patch around the mouth and nose.

Adults weigh approximately 7 kilograms. It lives in groups averaging six individuals and produces deep roaring vocalisations. The species was first spotted in 2008 in the Lomami National Park region.

A clearer photograph was obtained in November 2018. Researchers recorded 114 sightings between 2018 and 2022. Its estimated range covers 1,700 square kilometres. Mitochondrial DNA analysis shows the species diverged from its closest relative approximately 4 to 5 million years ago.

The Independent reported that the study describing the species was published in PLOS One on 15 July 2026. Junior Amboko, a doctoral candidate at Florida Atlantic University who led fieldwork, said discovering the species was an amazing feeling. The species is the fifth new African monkey formally described in the past 75 years.

Researchers have proposed classifying Colobus congoensis as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its limited range, small population, habitat loss and hunting pressure. At least 15 new villages were established near the Lomami National Park buffer zone between 2015 and 2023.