Uluguru bushbaby | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Primates |
Family: | Galagidae |
Genus: | Galagoides |
Species: | G. orinus |
Binomial name | |
Galagoides orinus Lawrence & Washburn, 1936 |
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Uluguru bushbaby range |
The Uluguru bushbaby (Galagoides orinus), also known as the Mountain Dwarf Galago or the Amani Dwarf Galago, is a species of primate in the family Galagidae. Like all galagos, it is a strepsirrhine primate. It is endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Kenya and Tanzania at altitudes of 1,200 - 2,000 m. It has its own set of unique calls, which helps distinguish it from other species of bushbaby.
Formerly classified as a subspecies of Prince Demidoff's bushbaby, the Uluguru bushbaby was recognised as a separate species in 1995 based on its unique call. It has been closely grouped with the Ukinga Galago (not yet formally described) and the Mughese Dwarf Galago (G. o. Mughese) due to their similar calls, overlapping habitual areas and physical resemblance.
The Uluguru bushbaby weighs between 74 and 98 g and has head-body length of 125–138 mm. The tail is relatively short, measuring 169–199 mm, short-haired, reddish at the base and darker at the tip, and of uniform thickness. The fur is dark reddish, with a yellow-white face strip and dark brown eye rings. The muzzle also appears 'turned up', similar to Prince Demidoff's bushbaby. The hindfoot is very short, measuring around 60mm in males.
Like most types of bushbabies, the Uluguru bushbaby has its own set of unique calls that distinguishes it from other species. It is most commonly heard at dusk, but the alarm call has been heard throughout the night.
The Uluguru bushbaby is classified by the IUCN as Near Threatened, with the population being widespread, but fragmented, often found at low densities. Overall extent of occurrence appears to be declining. The main threats are deforestation, most commonly for logging and conversion into agricultural land. The species is present in multiple protected areas that have been established to combat deforestation, such as Udzungwa Mountains National Park and the Taita Hills forest reserve.
The species is listed in Appendix II of CITES.