Red List of South African Species

Alternatively, Explore species
| National Red List categories | Partners |
Least Concern (LC)
Assessors: Judith Masters Fabien Génin Simon Bearder
Contributors: Samantha Page Matthew Child
Reviewers: Judith Masters Fabien Génin Simon Bearder

Rationale

Listed as Least Concern, as the species is widespread in Acacia woodland habitats. No major threats are assumed as the species occurs in many protected areas throughout its range. As in the case of the Thick-tailed Greater Galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus), northern South Africa marks the southernmost limit of the species’ range, but the Lesser Galago habitat is more continuous and less fragmented than that of its larger relative. Although the species is used opportunistically as bushmeat, traditional medicine and in the pet trade, these depredations are not expected to cause widespread population decline. Caution should be exercised, however, as few population size or density estimates have been conducted, and its cryptic nocturnal habits make it difficult to assess both its presence and abundance. Monitoring of populations is recommended.

Regional population effects: This species’ range is relatively continuous throughout southern Africa to southern Tanzania, where the northern boundary of their distribution is not well defined. Dispersal is suspected to occur along the northern border of South Africa into Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique through the Greater Mapungubwe and Great Limpopo transfrontier areas. The distribution of the species in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal needs to be re-examined in light of the identification of the similar-sized Galagoides granti in the region.

Distribution

The Southern Lesser Galago is widely distributed within the southern African region, ranging from northern Namibia and Angola, through southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, western Zambia, Zimbabwe, eastern and northern Botswana, eastern Mozambique, and the northern and northeastern parts of South Africa, and Swaziland (Pullen & Bearder 2013). The northern limits of its distribution range are not well defined, and its potential presence in Rwanda and Burundi needs confirmation. Within the assessment region, the species occurs in the bushveld and woodland areas of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West provinces (Table 1), and may frequent gardens in these areas. Unlike many other woodland species, there is no evidence of a range shift. Although Kyle (1996) reported the species as present in northern KwaZulu-Natal, it is possible that the true identity of the sighting was Galagoides granti, which is of a similar size (Génin et al. 2016). Further field surveys are needed to confirm this.

The subspecies G. m. moholi occupies the eastern part of the distribution, including the species’ type locality on the banks of the Limpopo/Marikwa Rivers, and areas of savannah woodland in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West provinces, as well as northern Gauteng. In Pretoria and environs there have been several reports of groups living close to human dwellings, and even sightings in the Acacia thornveld that surrounds the Union Buildings. The subspecies G. m. bradfieldi ranges from northern Namibia into Angola, northwards and eastwards in Botswana to the Makgadikgadi Pan, moving into semi-arid regions along dry watercourses that support Acacia woodland; also found in western Zambia (Skinner & Chimimba 2005).

Population trend

Trend

This is a common and widespread species, found in highest densities associated with Acacia karroo. Development and land conversion for agriculture has reduced habitat in the past. However, G. moholi is a robust species found throughout the woodland savannah biome. Furthermore, wildlife ranching is assumed to generally improve habitat conditions for this species or conserve land that would otherwise be cleared for livestock (however, further research is needed to confirm this). No published data are available for longevity in the wild but captive individuals may live for 13 years. The age of reproductive maturity in females (first oestrus) is approximately nine months, although successful reproduction may not occur until the second oestrus period 5–6 months later. An intensive study of radio-tagged individuals in a 1x1 km area revealed 31 individuals / km2 (Bearder & Martin 1979). Other density estimates (reviewed in Pullen & Bearder 2013) are 13.5 animals / km2 in northeastern South Africa and > 50 animals / km2 in Balovale, Zambia; this suggests that there are likely to be over 10,000 mature individuals given their wide distribution and occurrence in both protected areas and transformed areas (such as gardens). Bearder and Martin (1979) found the average home range size to be around 12 ha.

Threats

There are no major anthropogenic threats. Bearder et al. (2008) suggests the range of the species is expanding in some areas, such as in Gauteng where it was not previously known. However, potential range expansion needs further research. Arable farming is giving way to game ranching and regeneration of natural vegetation in some areas. However, expansion of human settlements is suspected to have fragmented the Southern Lesser Galago’s habitat, which may result in inbreeding amongst isolated subpopulations. This is of primary concern in Gauteng Province. The species is illegally harvested for the pet trade, and captured individuals seldom survive without expert care. Lesser Galagos are seen in muthi markets, indicating use in traditional medicine. Poaching for bushmeat is facilitated by the animals’ somnolence and use of communal nests during the day, when several animals can be trapped at once by simply blocking the entrance. This widespread practice may be causing local declines and, worryingly, may be increasing around protected area edges (sensu Wittemyer et al. 2008).

Overall, galagos are relative generalists and can cope with habitat changes by diet shifting, but their breeding strategy also indicates habitat unpredictability and a rapid reproductive rate to cover high infant and juvenile mortality. Loss of habitat by tree-felling/harvesting will significantly affect local population viability. The species is particularly dependent upon Acacia gum nutrition, especially in winter when fewer insects are available. Thus, replacement of natural woodlands by commercial plantations will negatively impact this species (Armstrong & van Hensbergen 1996; Munyati & Kabanda 2009).

Uses and trade

Lesser Galagos are consumed as bushmeat, as their sleeping habits (the use of tree holes or leaf platforms by one to several animals during the daytime) make them easy prey. They are seen in muthi markets (Whiting et al. 2011), where their organs are on sale for use in traditional medicine. Their appealing faces – with their big eyes and big ears – make them desirable as pets, and they are trapped illegally for the pet trade. These practices may be causing local population declines, but are unlikely to have an effect over the species’ wide range. The private sector may have generally had a positive effect on this species as it has conserved more habitat suitable for Lesser Galagos (for example, by protecting areas of Acacia thornveld that might otherwise be harvested for firewood) and thus may have helped to connect subpopulations through game farming areas, for example in the Waterberg. However, this remains to be investigated.

Conservation

This species occurs in a number of protected areas throughout its range within the assessment region, including Kruger National Park. Galagos adapt well to captivity and breed very successfully under expert care, and such facilities can be used to reintroduce this species into conservancies and other protected areas. Reintroductions are not recommended at this stage, however, as the real extent of the species’ distribution, and the degree of range fragmentation, have yet to be established. Conservationists should continue to enforce protected area rules and prevent the illegal harvesting of firewood. Landowners should continue to form conservancies to protect woodland habitat.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Captive breeding and reintroduction are not recommended at this stage, as no data exist concerning the genetic structure of this species within South Africa. Its previous confusion with Galagoides granti means that its geographic distribution and habitat requirements have yet to be established. We currently have a situation where one of our most common species has to be re-evaluated.
  • The most proactive conservation measures at this stage would be to form conservancies for savannah-woodland habitat areas, and to prevent the uncontrolled removal of firewood.
Research priorities:
  • Estimate the true extent of the G. moholi distribution and habitat requirements in light of the discovery of Galagoides granti within the borders of South Africa. A systematic census linking species and habitat types is essential for future conservation planning.
  • Assess population genetics to determine the degree of population isolation and inbreeding; this is fundamental to an understanding of the health and survival prospects of this species.
Encouraged citizen actions:
  • The discovery of Galagoides granti in northern KwaZulu-Natal places in doubt the opinion that Galago moholi occurs in this province. The most pressing need for an assessment of this species’ population size and density estimates is a systematic census of KwaZulu-Natal Province reserves and private lands to document the true extent of its geographic range. Land owners and ecotourists can assist by attempting to identify any Lesser Galagos that occur either on their properties or within protected areas, and report these sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP) to assist in the re-assessment of the relative distributions of G. moholi and Galagoides granti.
  • Woodland habitats are more fragile than they may at first appear, and Acacia trees in particular are sought after for firewood. Lesser Galago populations would benefit from the creation of conservancies to protect thornveld areas and prevent their over-exploitation.

References 

[@book{275,
 address = {Cambridge},
 author = {Skinner, J.D. and Chimimba, C.T.},
 publisher = {Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom},
 title = {The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion},
 year = {2005}
}
,@book{1087,
 address = {Pretoria, South Africa},
 author = {Meester, J.A.J., Rautenbach, I.L., Dippenaar, N.J. and Baker, C.M.},
 publisher = {Transvaal Museum },
 title = {Classification of Southern African Mammals. Monograph number 5.},
 year = {1986}
}
,@article{14262,
 author = {Armstrong, A.J. and van Hensbergen, H.J.},
 journal = {South African Forestry Journal },
 pages = {35--42},
 title = {Impacts of afforestation with pines on assemblages of native biota in South Africa},
 volume = {175},
 year = {1996}
}
,@techreport{15655,
 author = {GeoTerraImage},
 title = {1990-2013/14 South African National Land-Cover Change. DEA/CARDNO SCPF002: Implementation of Land-Use Maps for South Africa. Project Specific Data Report},
 year = {2015}
}
,@article{550,
 author = {Wittemyer, G., Elsen, P., Bean, W.T., Burton, A.C.O. and Brashares, J.S.},
 journal = {Science},
 pages = {123--126},
 title = {Accelerated human population growth at protected area edges},
 volume = {321},
 year = {2008}
}
,@article{2274,
 author = {Whiting, M.J., Williams, V.L. and Hibbitts, T.J.},
 journal = {Journal of Zoology},
 pages = {84--96},
 title = {Animals traded for traditional medicine at the Faraday market in South Africa: species diversity and conservation implications},
 volume = {284},
 year = {2011}
}
,@article{4144,
 author = {Munyati, C. and Kabanda, T.A.},
 journal = {Regional Environmental Change},
 number = {1},
 pages = {41–56},
 title = {Using multitemporal Landsat TM imagery to establish land use pressure induced trends in forest and woodland cover in sections of the Soutpansberg Mountains of Venda region, Limpopo Province, South Africa},
 volume = {9},
 year = {2009}
}
,@electronic{8788,
 author = {Bearder S, Butynski TM, Hoffmann M},
 publisher = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T8788A12932349.},
 title = {<i>Galago moholi</i>},
 year = {2008}
}
,@book{8788,
 address = {Chicago, IL, USA},
 author = {Bearder SK},
 publisher = {University of Chicago Press},
 title = {Lorises, bushbabies, and tarsiers: diverse societies in solitary foragers. Pages 11–24 in Smuts BB, Cheney DL, Seyfarth RM, Wrangham RW, Struhsaker TT, editors. Primate Societies.},
 year = {1987}
}
,@book{8788,
 address = {Oxford, UK},
 author = {Bearder SK, Martin D},
 publisher = {Pergamon Press},
 title = {The social organisation of a nocturnal primate revealed by radio tracking. Pages 633–648 in Amlaner CJ, MacDonald JDW, editors. A Handbook on Biotelemetry and Radio Tracking.},
 year = {1979}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Bearder SK, Martin RD},
 journal = {International Journal of Primatology},
 pages = {103–128},
 title = {Acacia gum and its use by bushbabies, <i>Galago senegalensis</i> (Primates: Lorisidae)},
 volume = {1},
 year = {1980}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Doyle GA, Andersson A, Bearder SK},
 journal = {Folia Primatologica},
 pages = {15–22},
 title = {Reproduction in the lesser bushbaby (<i>Galago senegalensis moholi</i>) under seminatural conditions.},
 volume = {14},
 year = {1971}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Génin F, Yokwana A, Kom N, Couette S, Dieuleveut T, Nash SD, Masters JC},
 journal = {African Zoology},
 pages = {135–143},
 title = {A new galago species for South Africa (Primates: Strepsirhini: Galagidae).},
 volume = {51},
 year = {2016}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Grubb, P., Butynski, T.M., Oates, J.F., Bearder, S.K., Disotell, T.R., Groves, C.P. and Struhsaker, T.T.},
 journal = {International Journal of Primatology},
 pages = {1301–1357},
 title = {Assessment of the diversity of African primates.},
 volume = {24},
 year = {2003}
}
,@book{8788,
 address = {Edinburgh, UK},
 author = {Hill WCO},
 publisher = {Edinburgh University Press},
 title = {Primates: Comparative Anatomy and Taxonomy. I – Strepsirhini},
 year = {1953}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Kyle R},
 journal = {Lammergeyer},
 pages = {39–40.},
 title = {Sight records of <i>Galago moholi</i>, the lesser bushbaby, in KwaZulu-Natal},
 volume = {44},
 year = {1996}
}
,@inbook{8788,
 address = {London, UK},
 author = {Pullen S, Bearder SK},
 booktitle = {<i>Galago mohali</i> Southern Lesser Galago (South African Lesser Galago). Pages 430–433 in Butynski TM, Kingdon J, Kalina J, editors. Mammals of Africa. Volume II: Primates.},
 publisher = {Bloomsbury Publishing},
 title = {<i>Galago mohali</i> Southern Lesser Galago (South African Lesser Galago). Pages 430–433 in Butynski TM, Kingdon J, Kalina J, editors. Mammals of Africa. Volume II: Primates.},
 year = {2013}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Roberts A},
 journal = {Annals of the Transvaal Museum},
 pages = {221–236},
 title = {New forms of South African mammals},
 volume = {14},
 year = {1931}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Schwarz E},
 journal = {Journal of Natural History},
 pages = {41–66},
 title = {On the African long-tailed Lemurs or Galagos},
 volume = {7},
 year = {1931}
}
,@article{8788,
 author = {Zimmermann E, Bearder SK, Doyle GA, Andersson AB},
 journal = {Folia Primatologica},
 pages = {87–105},
 title = {Variations in vocal patterns of Senegal and South African lesser bushbabies and their implications for taxonomic relationships},
 volume = {51},
 year = {1988}
}
,@book{8788,
 address = {Barcelona},
 author = {Mittermeier, R.A., Rylands, A.B. and Wilson D.E.},
 publisher = {Lynx Edicions},
 title = {Handbook of the Mammals of the World: Volume 3 Primates},
 year = {2013}
}
,]
Send feedback about this assessment to SANBI

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

See the partners page