Lesser Bushbaby
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction - The lesser bushbaby is named due to its wailing cry, a sound which is often heard at nights in Woodland areas. They have small heads, large rounded ears, thick bushy tales and very large eyes typical of nocturnal primates. They are capable of leaps of remarkable distance between trees. At times they may venture on the ground, when they walk either on their hind legs or on all fours. Bushbabies live in family groups ranging in size from 6 to seven members. Although family groups hold small territories foraging for food is done alone.
Bushbabies can be found around much of Namibia and are frequent visitors to the rest camp at Waterberg.
Diet - Tree sap and fruit from the basis of their diet but this is supplemented by insects.
Colouring - The lesser bushbaby is very light grey in colour with yellowish legs.
Breeding - Females have a short oestrus period during winter. They generally give birth to twins before the rainy season, which is immediately followed by a second oestrus. Well before the onset of the next dry season a second set of twins are born. Gestation period is 125 days. A female will mate with up to six males during the peak of her oestrus cycle.
Size - Length 40cm (includes a 20cm tail)
