Overview
- The PLOS ONE paper published July 15, 2026, formally names Colobus congoensis and presents DNA, anatomy and vocal data that confirm it is a distinct species.
- Mitochondrial DNA from specimens confiscated in 2021 shows C. congoensis split from its closest relative about 4.3–5.8 million years ago, placing it among the oldest lineages in the Colobus genus.
- Field work between 2018 and 2022 recorded 114 sightings inside roughly 656–660 square miles of upland forest, indicating a small, localized range and low detectability.
- Researchers cite hunting and habitat loss as the main threats, propose an IUCN endangered listing, and have secured funding for targeted field studies of population size, behavior and reproduction.
- Local villagers provided vernacular names for the monkey but had limited knowledge of its habits, and the study highlights how confiscated specimens from anti-poaching actions enabled the genetic confirmation.