Kenneth Glad•
Follow dagens.com on Google
An unusual primate remained outside formal classification for years despite being familiar to nearby communities. Scientific testing has now established its place among Africa’s known wildlife.
Others are reading now
Analysis: China’s growing energy influence following the Iran War
“Bodies scattered everywhere”: Israeli strikes in Gaza leave 11 dead, including three children
A blurred photograph taken in 2008 offered the first scientific clue. Nearly two decades later, genetic analysis, recorded calls and field observations have confirmed that the dark-faced monkey living in the canopy of Lomami National Park represents a distinct species.
The primate is named Colobus congoensis, has black fur and orange-pink lips. Ziare.com reported that it is among only a small number of African monkey species formally described during the past 75 years.
Communities near the forest already knew the animal as Likweli. Researchers later interviewed residents across 52 villages, but sightings were reported in only eight, indicating that the monkey may occupy a particularly limited area.
That contrast between local familiarity and delayed scientific recognition shows how community knowledge can support biodiversity research, especially in remote forests where animals are difficult to observe.
