The Secret Life of Bushbabies

A Bushbaby: The Northern Lesser Galago (Galago senegalensis)

Discovering the Northern Lesser Galago at Loisaba

Loisaba may be best known for sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and now rhinos—iconic draws for safari-goers. But tucked into the night sounds and shadows is one of my favourite mammals: the Northern lesser galago, also known as the bushbaby.

These small, nocturnal primates are not only abundant at Loisaba but are also rich in mystery and fascinating behaviours. Deep in the African night, when most eyes are closed and the landscape hushes to a whisper, these tiny acrobats spring to life. With wide, curious eyes, soft fur, and extraordinary spring-loaded legs, bushbabies reveal a surprisingly complex world—proving that some of the most remarkable wildlife encounters happen after dark.

A Tiny Primate with a Big Story

Bushbabies may be small, but they are part of one of the most ancient branches of the primate family tree. Studying them offers valuable clues about how our earliest primate ancestors might have behaved—small, tree-dwelling, and active at night. Galagos can be found across a huge range of habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, but they have largely stayed out of the spotlight because they are nocturnal, fast-moving, and expert at disappearing into the trees.

Although they were once thought to be mostly solitary, recent research is revealing that bushbabies live surprisingly social lives. They often forage together and communicate regularly using vocal calls and scent trails.

Nightlife at Loisaba

A six-year field study in Tanzania found that bushbabies follow a nightly rhythm, with peak activity just after sunset. At Loisaba, they can often be seen darting between trees during night game drives or glimpsed near camp, especially at Galago Private Canvas.

Contrary to what many people think, bushbabies aren’t simply quiet tree-hoppers. They have rich social networks and use over 30 different vocal sounds to communicate—whether to stay in contact, signal alarm, or call to their young.

They also rely heavily on scent. Male galagos mark trails and territories using urine and chest gland secretions, while females scent-mark around nests and food. They frequently urinate on their hands and feet, which not only leaves scent trails but may also help improve their grip on branches.

Sleeping sites are carefully selected for safety—well hidden but with easy escape routes in case predators come near. And while they may seem like solo wanderers, many galagos live in loose groups, returning to familiar resting spots.

Are All Galagos the Same?

Galagos are found across an enormous range, but studies show their vocal calls are remarkably consistent across Africa. While some local differences exist, the core calls are strikingly similar, suggesting a surprising level of uniformity despite the distances.

There’s still much to learn, especially in remote areas, which means these tiny primates still hold many secrets.

Why Bushbabies Matter

Understanding bushbaby behaviour is more than just fascinating—it’s essential for conservation. As climate change, habitat loss, and hunting put pressure on wildlife, knowing how galagos live, move, and adapt helps protect them.

Bushbabies are also valuable windows into our own evolutionary history. Their complex communication, scent-marking, and social bonds may offer insights into the early building blocks of human language and society.

Spotting Bushbabies at Loisaba

Guests staying at Loisaba have the rare opportunity to see bushbabies in the wild—particularly on night drives or at Galago Private Canvas, where they are sometimes seen leaping near camp or heard gently scurrying across tents at night.

Though they’re not as famous as the “Big Five,” bushbabies are a vital part of the rich nocturnal life at Loisaba—and one of the many reasons to explore the magic of the conservancy after dark.

References

Andersson, A.B., 1969. Communication in the lesser bushbaby (Galago senegalensis moholi). Doctoral dissertation.

Ellison, G., 2022. Behaviour and ecology of the Northern lesser galago (Galago senegalensis). Doctoral dissertation, Manchester Metropolitan University.

Ellison, G., Jones, M., Cain, B. and Bettridge, C.M., 2024. Activity budget and sociality of the Northern Lesser Galago, Galago senegalensis. International Journal of Primatology, 45(6), pp.1538–1563.

Ellison, G., Wolfenden, A., Kahana, L., Kisingo, A., Jamieson, J., Jones, M. and Bettridge, C.M., 2019. Sleeping site selection in the nocturnal northern lesser galago (Galago senegalensis) supports antipredator and thermoregulatory hypotheses. International Journal of Primatology, 40, pp.276–296.

Harcourt, C., 1981. An examination of the function of urine washing in Galago senegalensis. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie, 55(2), pp.119–128.

Nash, L.T., Bearder, S.K. and Olson, T.R., 1989. Synopsis of Galago species characteristics. International Journal of Primatology, 10, pp.57–80.

Schneiderová, I., Singh, N.J., Baklová, A., Smetanová, M., Gomis, N.B. and Lhota, S., 2020. Northern lesser galagos (Galago senegalensis) increase the production of loud calls before and at dawn. Primates, 61, pp.331–338.

Svensson, M.S. and Bearder, S.K., 2013. Sightings and habitat use of the northern lesser galago (Galago senegalensis senegalensis) in Niumi National Park, The Gambia. African Primates, 8, pp.51–58.

Svensson, M.S., Butynski, T.M., de Jong, Y.A., Bearder, S.K., Schneiderová, I. and Nijman, V., 2019. Low geographic and subspecific variation in the loud call of the widespread and phenotypically cryptic northern lesser galago (Galago senegalensis) suggests taxonomic uniformity. Folia Primatologica, 90(5), pp.300–318.