Greater Bushbaby

Greater bushbabies, or thick-tailed bushbabies, are a nocturnal primate species known for their remarkable leaping abilities, which they use to move between trees in search of food. Their vocal communications include a range of sounds from clicks and crackles to loud, eerie wails that can carry over long distances, serving as territorial calls or alerts to group members. These solitary or sometimes pair-living animals mark their territories with scent glands and are adept at avoiding predators under the cover of night. Despite their ability to adapt to different woodland environments, ongoing habitat loss and human encroachment pose significant risks to their populations, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in their natural habitats.

Scientific Name: Otolemur crassicaudatus

Habitat: Greater bushbabies are found in various types of forests and woodland areas throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, including dense forest to drier savanna woodlands.
Diet: Omnivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, insects, tree gums, and occasionally small vertebrates.heir prey in pairs through the trees.
Physical Characteristics: Notable for their large, round eyes adapted for nocturnal vision, soft, woolly fur, which is usually gray or brown, long tails for balance, and large ears that can move independently to detect the sounds of insects. They are the largest of the bushbaby species, with body lengths up to 30 cm (12 inches) and weights up to 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).
Lifespan: They can live up to 14 years in the wild and have been known to reach up to 16 years in captivity.
Reproduction: Breeding season varies by location, but generally, females give birth to 1-2 offspring after a gestation period of about 130 days. Offspring are highly dependent on their mothers for the first few weeks of life.
Conservation Status: The greater bushbaby is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though it faces threats from habitat destruction and the pet trade.

Greater Bushbabies at Chipangali

Jeckyl

Species: Greater Bushbaby
Age on Arrival: Approx. 1 year
Arrival Date: 7 October 2019
Sex: Male

Jeckyl’s Story:  Found in a state of distress and injury in Bulawayo, Jeckyl’s rescue story is a testament to the sanctuary’s readiness to extend a helping hand to those in dire need. Despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding his injury, Chipangali provided him with a sanctuary and a chance at recovery, highlighting their dedication to the care of even the most enigmatic of nature’s creatures.

Gho Gho

Species: Greater Bushbaby
Age on Arrival: 6 Weeks
Arrival Date: 21 December 2022
Sex: Female

Gho Gho’s Story: The accidental fall of Gho Gho into the hands of Chipangali, right from her mother’s grasp, marks a poignant moment of vulnerability met with unwavering support. The sanctuary’s efforts to reunite her with her mother, though unsuccessful, transitioned into a commitment to her growth and eventual release. Gho Gho’s story reflects the delicate balance of intervention and respect for natural processes that Chipangali navigates in its mission.

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Top Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Profile Image: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikipedia Commons