Scientists discover new monkey species in DR Congo. They have pink-orange lips and black faces

In the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo lives a monkey with pink-orange lips, a black face, and black fur. The primate was spotted and photographed in the tree canopies of dense tropical forests in the Lomami National Park in the central-eastern part of the country, writes the BBC.

The unusual animal first became known in 2008 when it was spotted by conservation specialists. However, at that time, they only managed to take one blurry photograph.

Ten years later, the monkey was seen again, after which an international group of researchers set out to find it. As a result, scientists determined that it was a species previously unknown to science.

Over the past 75 years, this is only the fifth new species of African monkeys.

Junior Amboko, a PhD student at Florida Atlantic University, played a leading role in the research. The work included audio recordings, photography, and detailed genetic studies.

The results were published in the journal PLoS One. Some local residents already knew about the existence of this monkey and call it "lesula". However, the "discovery" of a species in this case means its official registration and confirmation that it has evolved and become genetically distinct.

Amboko notes that these monkeys are "somewhat shy" and prefer to hide in trees.

— As part of our research, we interviewed residents of 52 villages located near the habitats of these animals. And only residents of eight villages had ever seen them, — he recalls.

The research team, which included scientists from DR Congo, the USA, and Germany, gave the new species the Latin name Colobus congoensis — in recognition of the country's rich natural diversity. Colobus congoensis belongs to the genus Colobus.

— These are indeed very important representatives of African monkeys that do not have opposable thumbs, — explains Professor Kate Detwiler from Florida Atlantic University.

According to her, these are herbivorous animals that live in tree canopies and are an important part of the ecosystem.

— We believe they play a significant role in seed dispersal and its germination in the forest, — notes the researcher.

Павялічыць

Professor Detwiler suggests that the unusual bright markings on the monkeys' faces may serve as a visual signal for other animals — to attract potential mates or help individuals recognize each other.

Colobus congoensis emit a distinctive "growling" call.

— They are often heard, but not seen, — says Amboko.

Scientists believe that these are rare animals, which can only be found in parts of the forest where they have the necessary food and habitat.

These monkeys are hunted for meat, so researchers hope that now that Colobus congoensis is officially recognized as a separate species, it will be possible to place it under state protection.

The recently discovered species still raises many questions, so scientists plan to conduct more detailed studies to assess the population size and study the behavior of these monkeys.

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