Galago (redirected from Bush-baby)

galago: see bush baby.

---

galago

Bush babies, or galagos (Galago senegalensis).

(credit: George Holton/Photo Researchers)

Any of six species of small, tree-dwelling primates (genus Galago) found in forests of sub-Saharan Africa. Galagos are gray, brown, or reddish or yellowish brown animals with large eyes and ears, long hind legs, soft woolly fur, and a long tail. They are active at night, feeding on fruits, insects, and small birds. Smaller forms, such as the bush baby, are particularly active and agile in the trees. On the ground, galagos sit upright and move by jumping with their hind legs. They range in length from 4.5–6 in. (11–16 cm), excluding the 7–8-in. (18–20-cm) tail, to 12–15 in. (30–37 cm), excluding the 16.5–18.5-in. (42–47-cm) tail.

---

galago [gə′lä·gō]

(vertebrate zoology)

bushbaby

---

Galago 

a genus of primate mammals of the family Galaginae, suborder Lemuroidea. Body length, 115-380 mm; tail length, 150-410 mm. The fur is rust brown and thick; the tail is bushy; the hind legs are much longer than the forelegs. The heel section of the tarsus is very elongated. The ears are large and movable. The galago has sharp hearing; it has large eyes, as do other nocturnal animals. It is found in the tropical forests of Africa south of the Sahara. The galago leads a solitary, largely nocturnal life. It feeds on insects and other small animals and eats birds’ eggs. Galagos are easily domesticated in captivity and also willingly eat vegetable matter. Gestation lasts four to five months; there is usually one pup in a litter but twins are often encountered.

M. F. NESTURKH