New Monkey Species Discovered in Congo with Orange Lips
A new species of monkey, *Colobus congoensis*, has been discovered in the east-central Democratic Republic of Congo, distinguished by its striking orange lips and mask-like facial markings. This shy, arboreal primate, known locally as Likweli, was first hinted at in a blurry photograph in 2008, with formal documentation occurring over a decade later through subsequent research and local interviews. Genetic and anatomical analyses confirm *Colobus congoensis* diverged from its closest relative millions of years ago, and despite its recent scientific identification, researchers express immediate conservation concerns due to its small, isolated habitat and the threat of ongoing habitat loss.
John Q. Hosedrinker