Bespoke Tanzania Safaris

The Senegal Bushbaby, known scientifically as Galago senegalensis, also referred to as the Senegal Galago or Northern Lesser Galago, is a small, nocturnal primate found across sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, this species is part of the country’s rich primate fauna, although they are not as commonly highlighted as some of the larger mammals. Known locally as “Mbaki” or “Nyani Mdogo” in Swahili—terms used for small primates generally—there isn’t a specific Swahili name for Senegal Bushbabies.

Population data for Senegal Bushbabies in Tanzania are not precisely documented due to their nocturnal lifestyle and the vast range of habitats they occupy. They are considered to have stable populations across their range, leading to their classification by the IUCN Red List as “Least Concern.” However, in Tanzania, like elsewhere, they face threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, deforestation, and urban growth. Conservation efforts in Tanzania often focus on protecting broader ecosystems, which indirectly supports species like the Senegal Bushbaby. Research and conservation initiatives by organizations like the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) might include studies on small mammals, contributing to their conservation.

COMMON NAME: Senegal Bushbaby, Senegal Galago, Northern Lesser Galago

SWAHILI NAME:(Mbaki or Nyani Mdogo, general terms for bushbabies or small primates; no specific Swahili name known for this species)

SCIENTIFIC NAME:Galago senegalensis

TYPE: Mammal (Primate)

FOOD: They are omnivorous, with a diet that includes:

• Insects (a significant portion)
• Fruits
• Gums from trees
• Flowers
• Occasionally small vertebrates

Their diet reflects their adaptability to various food sources in their habitat.

HABITAT: Senegal Bushbabies inhabit:

• Savannahs
• Woodlands
• Dry Forests
• Riverine Forests
• Thorn Scrub

They are found across a wide area of sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania where suitable habitats exist.

SIZE:

• Length: Body length is approximately 13 to 18 cm, with tails adding another 15 to 30 cm.
• Height: When standing on all fours, they measure about 15 to 20 cm at the shoulder.

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE NATURAL HABITAT: In the wild, they can live up to around 10 to 15 years.

ACTIVE: They are nocturnal, active at night for foraging and sleeping during the day in tree hollows or nests.

GESTATION PERIOD: The gestation period is around 110 to 120 days.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: There is minimal sexual dimorphism:

• Males and females are similar in size, though males might be slightly larger.

WEIGHT:

• Male and Female: They typically weigh between 95 to 300 grams (3.3 to 10.6 ounces), with little difference between the sexes.

SIZE COMPARISON TO A 6-FT MAN:

• Height: When standing on all fours, a Senegal Bushbaby would barely reach the ankle of a 6-foot man.
• Length: Stretched out, including the tail, they would be roughly the length of a man’s foot or slightly longer.

Habitat of the Senegal Bushbaby:

Geographic Distribution:

The Senegal Bushbaby, scientifically known as Galago senegalensis, is native to the countries of West Africa, including Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and Mali. This versatile primate species thrives in a range of habitats, such as woodlands, savannas, and gallery forests, showcasing its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

Arboreal Expertise:

1. Adaptations for Tree-Dwelling:

The Senegal Bushbaby is exquisitely adapted for life in the trees. It possesses long and slender limbs, equipped with specialized pads on its fingers and toes that enhance its grip on branches. Its long tail aids in balancing during leaps, enabling it to navigate the intricate canopy with grace and agility.

2. Nocturnal Lifestyle:

As a nocturnal species, the Senegal Bushbaby is most active during the night. Its large, round eyes are uniquely adapted for excellent night vision, allowing it to navigate the darkness and locate prey. Under the cover of night, it engages in foraging, social interactions, and territorial displays, taking advantage of the reduced competition and abundant resources during this time.

Physical Characteristics and Social Behavior:

Senegal Bushbabies are notable for:

• Size: They have a body length of 13 to 18 cm, with tails adding another 15 to 30 cm, making them relatively small but agile.
• Fur: Their fur is soft, varying from grey to brown on the back with a lighter underbelly, providing camouflage.
• Eyes: Large, round eyes for excellent night vision, giving them a distinctive wide-eyed appearance.
• Ears: Large, mobile ears are critical for their auditory hunting in the dark.
• Limbs: They have long hind legs compared to their body size, which are perfect for leaping between branches.
• Tail: The tail is long, used for balance rather than gripping, often held in an arch when moving.

Adorable Appearance:

The Senegal Bushbaby showcases a charming and charismatic appearance. It has soft fur that ranges in color from pale gray to reddish-brown, providing effective camouflage within its natural surroundings. Its large, round eyes exhibit a distinctive ring of dark fur around them, adding to its endearing features.

Social Structure and Communication:

Senegal Bushbabies are social animals that exhibit a complex social structure. They form small family groups composed of a breeding pair and their offspring. Within these groups, communication plays a vital role, with individuals employing a range of vocalizations, including soft calls, chirps, and alarm cries, to express emotions, coordinate activities, and establish territory boundaries.

The Senegal Bushbaby is an omnivorous primate with a diverse diet. While its primary food source consists of insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, it also feeds on tree gums, nectar, fruits, and even small vertebrates when the opportunity arises. This dietary flexibility allows the Senegal Bushbaby to adapt to varying food availability throughout its habitat.

Foraging Techniques:

Equipped with sharp teeth and agile hands, the Senegal Bushbaby employs various foraging techniques to procure its food. It uses its sharp incisors to capture insects, skillfully leaping and pouncing on unsuspecting prey with remarkable accuracy. When it comes to feeding on tree gums and nectar, it uses its long, slender fingers to extract the sticky substances from tree bark or flowers, displaying its resourcefulness and adaptability.

Conservation Status and Importance:

The Senegal Bushbaby faces numerous threats that jeopardize its population. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization pose significant challenges. Additionally, illegal hunting and the pet trade contribute to the decline of Senegal Bushbaby populations, further exacerbating their conservation status.