Scientists Identify New Primate Species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Scientists have identified a new primate species in a remote forest of the Congo Basin
With distinctive orange lips and a mane of shaggy black hair, Colobus congoensis stands out among primates in the Congo. But the shy species eluded identification for almost two decades. In 2018, building on a blurry photo taken ten years earlier, scientists began acoustic monitoring, community outreach, and genetic analysis to gather evidence in and around Lomami National Park.
This week, the species was formally recognized when the research team published their findings in PLOS One.
In 2015, with the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation (LWRF), Rainforest Trust helped support the creation of Lomami National Park to protect 2.2 million acres of habitat in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Little did we know that, along with endangered wildlife like African Forest Elephants and Bonobos, we were helping secure the small stretch of forest that sustains this extremely rare monkey.
Without protection, primates and other mammals in this area are highly vulnerable to the commercial bushmeat trade. Our partnership with LWRF also helped establish anti-poaching teams to stop illegal hunting. The world’s newest monkey has a safe haven in Lomami Park, thanks to these teams, our local partner, and our supporters.
Colobus congoensis, by Jean Pierre Kapale/Lukuru Foundation
Colobus congoensis, by Bernard Bonanga/Lukuru Foundation
Colobus congoensis, by Henri Silegowa/Lukuru Foundation
Colobus congoensis, by Jean Pierre Kapale/Lukuru Foundation
About Rainforest Trust
Since 1988, Rainforest Trust has been working with partners to safeguard imperiled tropical habitats and threatened species by helping to establish protected and conserved areas in partnership with Indigenous and local organizations and communities. To date, Rainforest Trust has helped protect more than 68 million acres of vital habitat across Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Rainforest Trust is a nonprofit organization that relies upon the generous support of the public to successfully implement its important conservation action. The organization is proud of earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
For media inquiries:
Rainforest Trust, Brynn Garner, brynn.garner@rainforesttrust.org
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