Rationale
The species was only recently discovered within the boundaries of South Africa, where it is restricted to patches of sand forest in northern KwaZulu-Natal, at the southern limit of its distribution. This species is not considered a vagrant within the assessment region as there are at least two established subpopulations in the Tembe and Tshanini areas. Within its habitat, the species may not be rare, but its preferred habitat is rare enough in South Africa to mark it for conservation concern. A survey of potential areas, where Galagoides granti is likely to have been mistaken for the similar-sized Southern Lesser Galago, Galago moholi, is of primary importance for a reliable assessment of its conservation status. Until such surveys are complete, we list this species as Data Deficient due to its unknown extent of occurrence and area of occupancy. We caution, however, that habitat loss from deforestation and selective logging for firewood, combined with a potential loss in habitat quality owing to frequent fires, may already be threatening this species within the assessment region.
Regional population effects: Because vast areas covered with patches of sand forest exist in southern Mozambique, the South African population of Galagoides granti was probably not isolated until recently, but the extent and consequences of the current isolation, and subsequent rescue effect, are unknown.
Distribution
Galagoides granti has been identified in Tembe Elephant Park and Tshanini Community Reserve (Génin et al. 2016), but the true extent of its distribution in South Africa is unknown. The species was formerly mistaken for Galago moholi, erroneously (we believe) extending the range of the latter species into northern KwaZulu-Natal. In South Africa the two small galagos are unlikely to have overlapping ranges because, while Galago moholi prefers dry savannah woodlands, Galagoides granti is apparently confined to dry sand forest. Satellite imagery indicates that the sand forest found in this region extends into southern Mozambique. Galagoides granti occurs in Mozambique, eastern Zimbabwe, southern Tanzania, and also possibly Malawi, although it may have been mistaken for another species provisionally named Galagoides nyasae (S. Bearder pers. comm. 2015).
Population trend
Trend
In Tshanini (KwaZulu-Natal), subpopulation density was estimated at 1.4 individuals / km on a linear transect (Génin et al. 2016), a very low encounter rate commensurate with the rarity of its preferred habitat (creeper-rich woodland and sand forest). For example, encounter rates in other parts of its distribution range from 1.2 to 4.9 individuals / km (Honess et al. 2013). More detailed surveys are needed to estimate the size of the population within the assessment region. Because the species uses a mosaic habitat, extrapolations are difficult.
Threats
The number of threats and their severity for this species is unknown. They are potentially threatened by habitat destruction usually associated with human settlements. Grazing by domestic cattle has little effect on the sand forest. The Mozambique Dwarf Galago has only been found in the dry sand forest, which is located far from sources of water and sparsely populated, resulting in moderate degradation. However, ongoing forest loss from human settlement expansion, or logging of trees for firewood, may be a threat to the species. The increased frequency of fires in the area, as a result of agricultural practices or otherwise, may also decrease habitat quality.
Future surveys should investigate whether the species occurs in other, more threatened, riverine habitats, such as the gallery forest of Ndumo and Mkuze. It would be of particular interest to determine whether the species occurs west of the Pongola River where its preferred habitat seems to disappear on account of the absence of dunes.
Uses and trade
Although there is no documented use, it is possible that the species is hunted for bushmeat.
Conservation
Although the Mozambique Dwarf Galago has a relatively large distribution range, extending north to eastern Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and southern Tanzania, its presence is only known in a few localities within the assessment region and its distribution is likely to be patchy. Conservationists often conflict with local inhabitants in this region and conservation efforts should be focused on existing protected areas that include patches of sand forest, in particular the Tshanini Community Reserve. The absence of infrastructure for tourists and researchers makes fieldwork difficult in Tshanini, but the absence of dangerous animals, such as Lions (Panthera leo) and elephants (Loxodonta africana), means that it is the only known protected area where the species can be studied on foot. A major concern for the survival of this species in Tshanini is the frequent use of burning as a management tool by conservation managers. This practice jeopardises the mosaic woodland within which Galagoides granti is often observed foraging, and should be reconsidered.
Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
- Fires should spare transitional habitats used by the Mozambique Dwarf Galago, in particular patches of mature woodland rich in creepers and lianas.
Research priorities: The APIES Programme at the University of Fort Hare is currently involved in research on this species and other galagos. Research priorities include:
- A global survey is needed to assess the South African subpopulations of the Mozambique Dwarf Galago.
- A finer scale study (at Tshanini â only site accessible by foot) is equally needed to understand the ecology of the species, as almost nothing is known about its social ecology.
Encouraged citizen actions:
- Some private properties include patches of sand forest. Owners should be encouraged to check for the presence of the species and make the areas accessible to research.
- Report sightings on virtual museum/social media platforms (e.g., iSpot and MammalMAP), especially outside protected areas.
