Junior Amboko, a scientist, recently shared insights during an interview about the discovery of a new species of monkey in the Congolese rainforest. The likwelis, previously thought to be shy, captivated Amboko during his encounter with them. Co-authoring a study published in the journal PLOS One, Amboko and his team identified the monkeys as Colobus congoensis, residing in Lomami National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although known locally as likwelis, these monkeys were a novel find for the scientific community. Despite limited awareness among nearby villagers, the researchers noted that only eight out of 52 surveyed communities could provide descriptions of the creatures. The discovery of likwelis marks the second new monkey species identified in the park since 2012, hinting at further potential discoveries in the region.
The Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation initially encountered likwelis in 2008 but could only capture a blurry photograph. It wasn’t until a decade later that clearer images revealed distinguishing features such as dark black fur, white tail patches, and unique orange cream lip pigmentation. Subsequent observations between 2018 and 2022 across a 1,700 square-kilometer range provided further insights into the elusive monkeys’ behavior.
Aside from their distinct physical characteristics, likwelis are recognized for their unusual sounds and strong, distinctive odor. The monkeys emit roars to communicate with other groups and possess a scent unlike any other. Despite these documented attributes, many aspects of likwelis, such as population size, diet, mating habits, and the whereabouts of their offspring, remain unknown.
Amboko, aiming to unravel the mysteries surrounding likwelis, plans to focus his dissertation on studying their behavior. Describing the discovery of the species as the initial step in a long journey, Amboko emphasizes the importance of further research to gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures.