Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, scientists have identified the Likweli, a previously unknown monkey species, in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; this marks Africa’s 5th new monkey species discovery in 75 years.
- Common name – Likweli
- Scientific name – Colobus congoensis (to honour Congo’s biodiversity)
- Family – Colobus
- Appearance – Glossy black fur, orange‑pink lips, and a distinctive roaring call.
- Diet – Herbivores, they rely on specialised, ruminant-like digestive systems to process plant matter.
Ruminant-like digestive system uses foregut fermentation to break down plant-based cellulose using symbiotic gut microbes.
- Unique trait – Colobus monkeys lack a functional thumb.
- Ecological role – Herbivores of the canopy.
- They eat canopy plants, spreading seeds through waste; this grows new trees, opens sunlight, and fertilizes the rainforest floor.
- Conservation – Small estimated population, already at risk due to hunting and deforestation.
- Evolutionary insight – Reshapes understanding of primate evolution in Central Africa.
Reference
BBC | Likeweli
