# Galagos (*Galagidae*) Galagos, also known as bushbabies, are small, nocturnal primates that love to jump from tree to tree. They have big eyes that help them see in the dark and long tails for balance. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Bushbaby ![Galagos](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Greater_Bush_Baby.jpg&width=800) Photo: Buecherfresser at German Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Greater_Bush_Baby.jpg) ## Appearance The Galago has soft, woolly fur, typically grey or brown, with a long bushy tail often longer than its body. It is distinguished by its very large, forward-facing eyes and enormous, independently moving ears, which give it a unique appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Primates - **Family:** Galagidae ## Interesting facts - Galagos can fold their big ears flat against their head to protect them while jumping or sleeping! - Some galago species can make more than 18 different kinds of calls, including alarms and social chatter! - Their long, bushy tails act like a flexible balancing pole, helping them land perfectly after a big leap! - They rub their pee on their hands and feet to get a better grip on branches and mark their territory! ## Special abilities - **Super Leaper:** Galagos can leap incredible distances between trees because of their powerful hind legs that help them escape danger. - **Night Vision:** Galagos has huge, reflective eyes that help them see very well in the dark to find food and avoid predators. - **Acoustic Locator:** Galagos can move their large, bat-like ears independently to pinpoint the exact location of sounds and catch insects. - **Grooming Claw:** Galagos has a special 'toilet claw' on its second toe that helps them keep their soft fur clean and tidy. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 10-40 cm - **Weight:** 0.05-2 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-14 years - **Speed:** 25 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-3 - **Gestation:** 110-133 days ## Diet & Feeding They enjoy a varied diet of insects, juicy fruits, and nutritious tree gum or sap. - **Primary Foods:** insects, fruit, tree gum, nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Spotted Eagle-Owl (*Bubo africanus*) — Hunts galagos from the air at night. - **Eaten by:** Common Genet (*Genetta genetta*) — Predates galagos in their arboreal habitat. - **Depends on:** Gum arabic tree (*Acacia senegal*) — Galagos frequently feed on its nutritious gum and sap. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Galagos are wild animals and should be admired from a distance. Never try to touch or catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Galagos? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Galagos? 10-40 cm ### How much does Galagos weigh? 0.05-2 kg ### How long does Galagos live? 10-14 years ### How fast can Galagos move? 25 km/h ### What does Galagos eat? They enjoy a varied diet of insects, juicy fruits, and nutritious tree gum or sap. ### Where is Galagos usually found? Forests ### How does Galagos hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alameda-wildlife-conservation-park) — Gibraltar, GI · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Galagos: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/galagos)