Overview
- The formal description published Friday, July 17, 2026, in PLOS ONE names the primate Colobus congoensis after a multi‑decade study by an international research team.
- Researchers built the classification on photographs from 2008 and 2018–2019 plus intensive fieldwork from 2018–2022 that produced 114 detections, 89 visual sightings, and acoustic records.
- The species is visually distinct with a bare pink to creamy‑orange patch around the mouth, a white perianal patch, glossy black fur, and a deep, day‑time roar used in its calls.
- Comparative analysis indicates a 4–5 million year split from its closest known relative, Colobus satanas, and the authors propose a provisional IUCN threatened listing because its known range is only about 1,700 km².
- Scientists warn habitat loss, rising local human populations and increased hunting pose immediate risks and call for targeted protection of Lomami National Park plus further monitoring and genetic study to guide conservation.