Galagidae (Sub-family of Primates)

Galagidae, from Wolof golo (“monkey”), in reference to the fact that these animals are monkey-related.

Common names of members

Galagos.

Distribution

Sub-Saharan Africa.

Size

The length of an adult's head and body is around 6 inches (15 cm). Their tail, which is nine inches (23 cm) long, can reach a length of 1.5 times that of their body!

Morphology

Together with their strong hind limbs, keen hearing, and long tails for balance, they also have huge eyes that allow them good night vision. They can track insects in the dark because of their bat-like hearing. They can seize insects out of the air or catch them on the ground. They are swift and nimble animals. They tuck their fragile ears back to shield themselves as they bound through the dense foliage. When at rest, they fold them as well. With the exception of the second toe on the hind foot, which has a grooming claw, the majority of their digits are nailless.

Habitat & Ecology

They prefer trees with little grass surrounding them and can be found in a range of environments, including woodlands, savannas, montane forests, and riverine habitats.

Diet

In general, they eat three different kinds of food in different amounts and combinations: gums, fruits, and small creatures (mostly insects).

Reproduction

Infants are born with half-closed eyes and are initially unable to move around on their own after a gestation period of 110–133 days. After a few (6–8) days, the mother feeds the child by holding it in her mouth and placing it on branches. Females can become quite aggressive and have singles, twins, or triplets. Every infant is under five ounces in weight (14 g). The baby and mother have continuous touch during the first three days. After the mother feeds them for six weeks, the young can start feeding themselves at two months old. The babies develop quickly, which frequently makes the mother walk funny when carrying them. Once they reach maturity, males leave their mothers' territories, but females keep a territory they share with their young. Social groups are thus made up of females who are closely linked and their offspring. One adult male typically mates with all the females in a given area. Adult males maintain distinct territories that overlap with the social groupings of females. Small bachelor groups are occasionally formed by men who have not yet established such territory.