The Rondo dwarf galago (Paragalago rondoensis) or Rondo bushbaby
The Rondo dwarf galago (Paragalago rondoensis) or Rondo bushbaby is a species of primate in the family Galagidae.
Appearance
One of the smallest members of the genus Galago. Weighs less than 100 grams. The tail is long, the ears and eyes are large. They differ from other Galago by the shape of the tail, which resembles a bottlebrush. The tail of the young Galago is red and darkens with time. It has a unique vocalisation, the sound it produces consists of two notes, the first of which is clearly higher and is repeated up to six times in a steady rhythm.
Distribution
Galago rondo is endemic to Tanzania, where it inhabits dry subtropical and tropical forests. The range is small, estimated at less than 100 km2 in 2012. It has been found in coastal forests between 50 and 900 m above sea level. The range is highly fragmented, with 8 isolated populations identified: one in south-western Tanzania and the others 400 km north in the Dar es Salaam region.
Nutrition and reproduction
Galago rondo prefers dry coastal forests. Their diet consists predominantly of insects, but also fruits and flowers. They move through the forest by hopping, foraging in the undergrowth and on the forest floor. They are active at night and rest during the day in secluded places in the canopy. One or two young in a litter.
Conservation status
Galago rondo has a small and very fragmented range. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the species as critically endangered. The species is in danger of extinction due to habitat destruction. Included in the IUCN list of the 25 most endangered primate species and in the Zoological Society of London's list of critically endangered mammal species.
