Senegal Bush Baby Natural History
Size
This is a small primate, measuring up to 13 cm (5 Inches) without the tail and weighing 300 g.
Habitat and Distribution
This species inhabits dry woodland and savannah regions of Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Mali, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
Age
They can live for up to 14 years in captivity.
Diet
An omnivore feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, seeds, flowers, nuts and tree sap.
Groups and Breeding
This species often sleeps in a group for safety. After mating females build a nest of leaves in which they will give birth to and raise their young after a gestation period of 120 days. They generally give birth to 1-2 young but on rare occasions there maybe up to 3 and these will nurse for 3-4 months.
Threats
Due to having a wide range and being prolific breeders, this species is not considered to be at risk at this time.
Interesting Facts
This species is hunted by Chimpanzees, using spears.
The Senegal Bush Baby During Your Day Out in Kent
We have nine of these adorable little characters here at the park. They can be found in the brand new Nocturnal House alongside other species such as Sugar Gliders, Clouded Leopards and Fruit Bats.
The more you know…
Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.