Rare Monkey With Vibrant Orange Lips Identified in Congo Rainforest

WHO:

BBC News - Scientists involved in the discovery include John Hart from the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation and colleagues.

WHAT:

Phys.org - A previously unknown species of African monkey has been identified, described as one of the rarest discoveries in modern primatology.

Phys.org - The new species is a type of colobus monkey characterized by its unusual vibrant orange lips.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The discovery took place in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically in Lomami National Park.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The first hint of the new primate species came in 2008 when conservationists photographed an unidentified monkey.

Phys.org - A second sighting occurred in 2018, prompting researchers to begin a dedicated mission to find and describe the monkey.

WHY:

BBC News - Scientists expressed an "amazing feeling" upon discovering an animal that so few people knew existed, highlighting the significance of the find.

HOW:

Phys.org - The identification of the new species involved dedicated research efforts following the initial sightings in 2008 and 2018.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 00:16 UTC)

Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of African monkey, described as one of the rarest discoveries in modern primatology, with its vibrant orange lips setting it apart as a type of colobus monkey. This significant find took place in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in Lomami National Park, following initial sightings in 2008 and 2018 that prompted dedicated research efforts. Researchers, including John Hart from the Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation, expressed an "amazing feeling" upon discovering an animal that so few people knew existed, underscoring the importance of this remarkable discovery.