A new species of monkey with orange lips and a black face has been confirmed in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A new species of monkey, named Colobus congoensis, has been discovered in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, having pink-orange lips and a black face.

Conservationists reported the first sighting of this monkey in 2008, but only recently an international team managed to photograph it clearly and confirm that it is a distinct species.

This represents the fifth species of African monkey discovered in the last 75 years.

Junior Amboko, a researcher involved in the discovery, described the moment as amazing, adding that locals call it Likweli.

The monkeys are shy and hide in trees, having a distinctive call. Researchers believe that these animals are rare and that they are essential for the ecosystem, contributing to seed processing.

Now, with the official classification, it is hoped that Colobus congoensis will benefit from protection.

Future studies will explore the population and behavior of this species.