Field and laboratory studies of social organization in Bushbabies (Galago senegalensis)

During the course of a one year field study of the Lesser Bushbaby (Galago senegalensis moholi), using a technique of direct observation with red light, it was discovered that family groups which slept together during the daytime split up at night, with each member spending most of the time alone. During the night individuals would come into contact with one another or with members of adjacent groups and the resulting social behaviour varied considerably. An interpretation has been made of more than 120 interactions observed in the field based on the behaviour of bushbabies introduced to one another under controlled semi-natural conditions. © 1974.