Bush babies also known as Galagoes or Nagapies( meaning 'little night monkeys' in Afrikaans) are small nocturnal primates native to continental Africa. The name 'bushbaby' comes from either the animal's cries or its appearance. The Afrikaans name 'nagapies' is because they are almost exclusively seen at night.
Bush babies have large eyes that give them good night vision in addition to acute hearing and long tail that help them balance. Their ears are bat-like and allow them to track insects in the dark. Their gestational period is 110 to 133 days and young are born with eyes half closed and unable to walk immediately. The newborn weighs less than half an ounce and is fed by mother for six weeks. Female maintains territory but shares it with offspring. Males leave their mothers' territories after puberty but females remain, forming social group consisting of closely related females and their young. Adult males maintain separate territories, which overlap with those of the female social groups, generally, one adult male mates with all the females in an area(Area commander). Males that have not established such territories sometime form small bachelor groups.
Bush babies can be used as pets but this is not commonly done as their diseases could be transmitted to man. Besides, their movement by humans attracts harassment from customs officials. Bush babies communicate by calling to each other and by marking their patches with urine. By following the scent of urine, they can land on exactly the same branch every time.
Myths:
Bush baby also refers to a myth that is used to scare children to stay indoors at night. Most likely arising from the baby-like cry, the unusual nature evolved into a myth about a powerful animal that can kidnap humans. Some believe that whoever sees the animal dies.
Is there any link between this animal and the novel titled 'Bushbaby'? Why not read?
