Bush babies, also known as galagos, are small, nocturnal primates found exclusively across continental Africa, constituting the family Galagidae. They are defined by physical features that facilitate life in the dark canopy, most notably large, round eyes adapted for superior night vision. These arboreal creatures possess powerful hind limbs and long tails, enabling impressive vertical clinging and leaping movement through the trees. The common name “bush baby” derives from their plaintive, infant-like cries, which are a characteristic feature of their vocal communication system.
The Lesser Bush Babies
The Lesser Bush Babies are a widespread group, typically classified within the genus Galago. They are among the smallest primates in Africa, with a body mass ranging from 95 to 300 grams and a length of about 130 millimeters. Their small size and agility allow them to navigate the dense undergrowth and thorny acacia woodlands of the savanna and bushlands.
A distinguishing feature is their extremely high-pitched and loud vocalizations, including cries that sound like a distressed human baby. They use these shrill calls for communication, such as territorial advertisement and alarm signaling. Their generalized diet consists of insects, fruits, and tree gum, making them adaptable across their broad range in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Senegal Bush Baby (Galago senegalensis) is a widely recognized example, inhabiting a vast area from Senegal to East Africa. The closely related Mohol Bush Baby (Galago moholi) is found further south in the woodlands of countries like South Africa and Botswana. These two species are morphologically similar, but scientists differentiate them primarily through subtle differences in coat color, tail length, and, most reliably, their distinct vocalizations.
The Greater Bush Babies
The Greater Bush Babies encompass the largest species in the family, primarily belonging to the genus Otolemur. Adults weigh between 800 and 1,500 grams. Their build is more robust, and their movements are slower and more deliberate, relying on climbing and running along branches rather than the frantic leaps characteristic of lesser types.
The Brown Greater Galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus), also known as the Thick-tailed Bush Baby, is the largest species, with some individuals weighing up to 2 kilograms. Found in the woodlands and riverine forests of southeastern Africa, they are characterized by thick, woolly fur and a long, bushy tail. In contrast to the high-pitched calls of lesser types, the vocalizations of Greater Bush Babies are deeper, described as grunt-like croaks or loud, rolling calls used to communicate across their territory.
The Northern Greater Galago (Otolemur garnettii) is distributed along the coast of East Africa, including Zanzibar. This species is slightly smaller than the brown greater galago and is distinguished by shorter ears and a coat that tends toward reddish-brown. Both greater galago species have large, mobile ears that can be folded back for protection. Their diet includes a higher proportion of fruit, insects, and tree gum compared to the smaller bush babies.
Specialized and Dwarf Bush Babies
Beyond size categorization, other bush babies possess specialized adaptations or exhibit extremely small stature. The Needle-Clawed Galagos (Euoticus) are defined by a unique physical trait: sharp, pointed, keeled nails on most fingers and toes. These specialized claws are an adaptation for their highly gummivorous diet, allowing them to cling securely to the smooth, vertical bark of trees while feeding on gum exudates.
The Southern Needle-Clawed Galago (Euoticus elegantulus) uses a specialized “tooth comb”—forward-tilted lower incisors and canines—to scrape gum from the tree bark. Gum constitutes about 75% of their nutritional intake, making them highly gum-dependent. Found in the rainforest canopies of west-central Africa, they are highly arboreal and rarely venture to the ground.
The Dwarf Galagos, classified under the genus Paragalago, are among the smallest members of the family, with some species weighing less than 100 grams. The Rondo Dwarf Galago (Paragalago rondoensis), endemic to isolated forest patches in Tanzania, is one of the smallest known primates, with a body length of 12 to 14 centimeters. Their minute size and unique, double-unit rolling calls are key identifiers, and they often inhabit specialized environments such as high-altitude forests or coastal scrub.
Allen’s Bush Baby (Sciurocheirus alleni) is found in the primary moist rainforests of west-central Africa, notably in the undergrowth layer. This species, with a head-body length of 20 to 28 centimeters, moves with speed and agility through dense vegetation, often leaping great distances between vertical supports.