New monkey species with orange lips found in Congo

Researchers have officially confirmed a new monkey species in DRC’s Lomami National Park, distinguished by orange lips, a pig-like snort and no thumbs.

Scientists Baffled By Newly Found Monkey Species With Orange Lips, Pig-Like Snort

Scientists have identified a new species of monkey in the Congo rainforest, sporting unusual orange lips and a pig-like snort, according to The US Sun. First glimpsed in a blurry 2008 photo, the animal remained a mystery until a dedicated team spent 2018-2022 tracking it across 1,700 square kilometres, logging over 100 sightings.

Researcher Junior Amboko told the BBC that locals already knew the primate as “Likweli,” though scientific confirmation required genetic verification. The species, named Colobus congoensis, belongs to the thumbless colobus monkey group.

Florida Atlantic University’s Prof. Kate Detwiler said these canopy herbivores play a critical role in seed dispersal and forest germination, and suggested the striking facial features may aid mate attraction.

Long hunted for bushmeat, the species is now being proposed for endangered classification as researchers plan further population studies.