Zanzibar galago
Galagoides zanzibaricus
Key identification features
A rat sized primate with large ears and large eyes and a elongated upturned nose. The long tail is ashy grey coloured and the hairs of the tail are stiff so that the skin shows through the fur. The body is a dark brown colour with reddish tints and the underparts are yellowish. They are nocturnal and more often heard then seen. The loud calls of bushbabies are a better guide for separating the various species then their appearance. The Zanzibar galago has a rolling trill units that after a few units becomes higher in tone and louder before reaching a mild crescendo and then trailing off. HB 12-16.5 cm WT104-203 g.
Habitat and social behaviour
Coastal lowland rainforest and thickets, riverine forest and secondary growth. Nocturnal animal that lives in small family groups but forages singly.
Similar species
The other species of dwarf galagos occurring in coastal forest are the Grant’s galago and Diani lesser galago. The different species of dwarf galagos look very similar and the most reliable way to distinguish between species in the field is by the loud advertising calls. The Grant’s galago has an incremental call like the Diani lesser galago but maintains a relatively consistent loudness, and has more units per phrase then the Diani lesser galago. The Diani lesser galago has a incremental call. It often begins with high pitched rapidly uttered chirrups followed by units arranged in phrases in a high loud tone, which gets softer and gets an increasing number of units per phrase during the call.
Distribution Map
Historical Distribution Map
References for historical distribution map
See also
Rondo galago · Grant's galago · Diani lesser galago · Mountain galago