Monkey with orange lips identified as newfound species

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Scientists have identified a new monkey species in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Colobus congoensis, locally known as Likweli
• The species is recognised by its glossy black fur, distinctive orange-cream lips and a deep roaring call, making it one of only five new monkey species discovered in Africa in the past 75 years

🔭 The context: Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the City University of New York studied the species for nearly two decades, combining field observations, genetics, anatomy and local ecological knowledge
• The monkey was first photographed in 2008, with more detailed observations leading to 114 confirmed sightings between 2018 and 2022

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The discovery highlights the extraordinary biodiversity still hidden within the Congo Basin rainforest, one of the world’s most important ecosystems for carbon storage and species conservation
• It also underscores the urgency of protecting habitats threatened by deforestation and human pressure

⏭️ What’s next: Researchers recommend classifying Likweli as Endangered due to its limited range, habitat loss and hunting pressures
• Conservation efforts will likely focus on protecting areas within and around Lomami National Park, where most known populations live

💬 One quote: “Finding a new monkey species that is not only unknown to science but is also little known to the people that live where it occurs is very rare and exciting indeed.” – Alexander Georgiev, Bangor University

📈 One stat: Colobus congoensis is only the fifth new monkey species identified in Africa in the last 75 years

Subscribe to our free newsletters to never miss a beat in sustainability.

The world needs sustainability knowledge. At illuminem, no interest group or shareholder can influence our work. Thank you for supporting our mission to make high-quality and independent sustainability information free for all. Every contribution helps. Thank you for donating today.