According to WWF research published on December 3, a new monkey species is among new plant and animal species found in the Congo Basin in the past ten years.
Launched during a webinar, the research “New Life in the Congo Basin: a Decade of Species Discoveries (2013–2023)” highlights the incredible biodiversity and urgent conservation needs of one of the most significant ecosystems in the world.
The research details the efforts of hundreds of scientists from research institutes, universities, and conservation groups worldwide. A remarkable variety of new species are revealed, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants, and previously unknown invertebrates. These findings include rare orchids, new coffee species, electric fish, crocodiles, clawed frogs, owls, spiders, turtles, and even a species of monkey locally known as ‘Lesula.’ These are from five countries of the Congo Basin, excluding Equatorial Guinea.
According to the findings, the Congo Basin is wealthy, and conservation efforts are desperately needed to preserve its fragile ecosystems. Dubbed the “lungs of Africa,” the Congo Basin is the largest carbon sink in the world and the biggest tropical peatland. The rainforest, which spans six nations, offers local and indigenous inhabitants food security, a vital lifeline, and a vital habitat for endangered animals.
The WWF’s Living Planet Report 2024, which documented a concerning loss in wildlife numbers worldwide, especially in tropical regions, was followed by this most recent report. The Congo Basin is more important than ever as the Amazon faces more dangers, including hazardous tipping points.
Dr. Martin Kabaluapa, WWF Regional Director for the Congo Basin, stated that the region is vital to the welfare of more than 75 million people who rely on its resources for food, housing, and cultural identity, making it more than just a refuge for biodiversity.
“This report is an appeal for governments, conservationists, and communities to collaborate to protect this priceless natural heritage. While we are happy about these findings, we also understand that we have an immediate obligation to preserve these important ecosystems,” Dr. Kabaluapa stated.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to the Congo Basin, said WWF International’s Head of Conservation for the Congo Basin,” Jaap van der Waarde.
To preserve these habitats, WWF is collaborating with governments, partner organizations, indigenous groups, and local populations. “We want to make sure that future generations can enjoy the marvels of the Congo Basin, which includes bio-monitoring projects and FSC certification of logging concessions,” he added.
The importance of indigenous knowledge in conservation is also praised in the report. The preservation and comprehension of this biodiversity depend heavily on indigenous tribes, who have lived alongside these forests for many years. Despite being recently reported in scientific literature, several of the species in this report have been known to local people for many years.
Indigenous groups have coexisted peacefully with the woodlands for millennia. Conservation success depends on acknowledging their wisdom, according to Moise Kono, WWF Cameroon’s Indigenous Peoples Coordinator. As custodians of this land, their rights and voices must be upheld, Kono continued.
WWF urges immediate action to save the Congo Basin’s rare and threatened biodiversity. By 2030, the governments in the area have committed to putting 30% of their land under protection, and WWF is helping them find and successfully safeguard these regions.
Effective management of the current protected areas is desperately needed. In contrast, a recent study carried out in Gabon and the Republic of Congo discovered that logging concessions recognized by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) have more large mammals than non-certified forests. Thus, sustainability certification is a tried-and-true way to save biodiversity while also generating revenue for governments and communities.