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Aspects of reproduction and behavioral and vocal development in Senegal Bushbabies(Galago senegalensis)

  • Special Issue: Galago Symposium, Part II
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Abstract

Aspects of reproduction and development of the young in Galago senegalensiswere investigated as part of a long-term study of small groups which were housed at indoor and outdoor enclosures in southern Germany. Estrus and delivery of the young may occur in all months of the year. All of the 23 births recorded were singletons. Postpartum estrus is unusual; normally, females come into estrus 4 to 5 weeks after parturition. Gestation length was 141 ± 1.6 days measured from midestrus. Gravid females, or females with off-spring, were never separated from their family groups since the fathers and offspring from earlier litters were intensivly engaged in positive interactions with the growing young. The development of locomotion, social behavior, and vocal patterns from birth to nutritional weaning is described. Youngsters had specific vocalizations, which were, for the most part, different from those of adults. The results are compared with reproduction and behavioral ontogeny in related prosimian species.

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Zimmermann, E. Aspects of reproduction and behavioral and vocal development in Senegal Bushbabies(Galago senegalensis) . Int J Primatol 10, 1–16 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02735700

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