New monkey species found in Congo
Frankfurt Zoological Society/Handout via REUTERS
Scientists have discovered a new monkey species in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, identifiable by the distinctive light-colored patches of skin surrounding its mouth, according to Florida Atlantic University.
The discovery marks only the fifth new monkey species identified in Africa in the last 75 years, according to the statement issued on Wednesday, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.
The species known by locals as “Likweli” was named Colobus congoensis by scientists.
Small in size, the black monkey has a distinctive “mask-like appearance” with a vivid orange-cream patch surrounding its mouth and nose.
The newly identified primate’s roaring possesses a distinct acoustic structure, the research showed.
“This discovery reinforces how much biodiversity remains undocumented in the Central Congo Basin,” said John Hart, a conservation scientist from the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation.
Researchers warn the monkey may already be at risk due to its small range area and population size and propose the International Union for Conservation of Nature should classify it as endangered.
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