The monkey wearing lipstick.
Scientists have identified a new species of colobus monkey that looks like it's wearing rouge. The monkey is known as the Colobus congoensis—the orange-lipped "Likweli" monkey—endemic to a tiny rainforest region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Likweli is a local name that means "the bright-faced one." It is roughly the size of a small dog, about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), with a tail that's longer than its body, about 24-30 inches long (60-75 cm), used for balance in the canopy. The monkey weighs 10-20 lbs (4.5-9 kg); its vivid orange-cream patch is also found around its nostrils, & a white patch has been noted on the rump. The orange-cream patch is so bright that it is visible from 30-50 ft (9-15 m) away, but because they live so high up in the canopy, they are difficult to spot. It strangely produces loud, frog-like roars & snorts like a piglet when annoyed. Most colobus monkeys produce softer vocalizations. It's likely to be endangered due to its extremely restricted range (656 mi² (1,700 km²)). Threats include logging, habitat fragmentation & potential hunting for monkey meat.
This one is a new species of colobus, which now makes it the 7th recognized colobus species & only the 5th new African species described in 75 years. Genetic analysis shows it diverged from its closest relatives 4-5 million years ago. Locals describe it as "shy" & rarely approaches humans. The animal was first spotted by local people in 2008 but not confirmed until 2026 after extensive surveys & photographic documentation. The discovery required 18 years of intermittent fieldwork. The species description was published July 15, 2026, in PLOS One. Local knowledge helped scientists locate the species. This is a classic case of ethnoprimatology: local knowledge guiding scientific discovery. It probably contains multiple female groups & single infants. There's no detail yet, but it's inferred to resemble other colobus monkeys. Their bright red lips help the species instantly recognize each other & help keep the colony together.
It's a canopy specialist, rarely touching the ground. It moves on branches too thin for larger monkeys. It shares the forest with bonobos, okapi, & forest elephants. It lives in a national park that's bigger than its entire range. Its range is smaller than the city of Los Angeles. It's so rare that many Congolese people have never seen it. Its isolation is caused entirely by rivers, not mountains. It's a living example of river-driven evolution. It's part of one of the world's least explored regions. Its call echoes through the forest like a distant engine. It's one of the few monkeys discovered through sound first. Its calls helped researchers track it in the canopy. It's so elusive that some researchers thought it was a myth. It can leap 10-15 ft (3-4.5 m) between branches. It's a master of silent movement despite its loud roar & snorts.
It's one of the most photogenic monkeys (when it cooperates). The lipstick patch may glow slightly in the daylight when it's humid. It may change its lipstick coloration intensity depending on seasonal changes. It's the only monkey that looks ready for a night out. And it's a poignant reminder that even well-studied forests hide surprises.
