Mammals
Greater Galago
Otolemur crassicaudatus · also called greater bushbaby, thick-tailed bushbaby
A loud, child-like scream pierces the African night as a greater galago leaps powerfully between branches, its large eyes scanning for insects and fruit, the distinctive cry that earned the entire bushbaby family its common name.
Overview
The greater galago, Otolemur crassicaudatus, is a Least Concern mammal native to forest and savanna woodland habitat across southern and eastern Africa. Its distinctive baby-like scream, powerful leaping ability, and thick, bushy tail make it one of the more vocally and physically distinctive small primates found on the African continent.
A scream that gives the family its name
The greater galago’s loud, unmistakably child-like call is so striking that it shaped the common name for its entire family of relatives, the bushbabies, a rare case of a single vocalisation defining how an entire group of animals is popularly known.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest and savanna woodland habitat throughout its range.
Greater Galago: common questions
Why is the greater galago called a bushbaby?
It produces a loud, distinctive scream that reportedly resembles the cry of a human baby, a sound that gives the entire bushbaby family its common name.
How does the greater galago move through the forest?
It uses powerful hind legs to make strong leaps between branches and trees, a locomotion style suited to moving quickly through the canopy at night.
How does the greater galago mark its territory?
It uses scent from specialised glands and also urinates on its own hands and feet, leaving a scent trail as it moves through its territory.
Where is the greater galago found?
It is native to forest and savanna woodland habitat across parts of southern and eastern Africa.