A giant among dwarfs

A new species of galago (Primates: Galagidae) from Angola

Bibliographic Data

ID8319595
AuthorsMagdalena S Svensson (0000-0002-6149-0192, Nocturnal Primate Research Group Oxford Brookes University Oxford OX3 0BP UK, corresponding author), Elena Bersacola (0000-0003-3814-8687, Nocturnal Primate Research Group Oxford Brookes University Oxford OX3 0BP UK), Michael S L Mills (A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Jos 930001 Nigeria), Rachel A Munds (0000-0001-6214-3275, Department of Anthropology University of Missouri Columbia Columbia Missouri 65211), Vincent Nijman (0000-0002-5600-4276, Nocturnal Primate Research Group Oxford Brookes University Oxford OX3 0BP UK), Andrew Perkin (Nocturnal Primate Research Group Oxford Brookes University Oxford OX3 0BP UK), Judith C Masters (0000-0002-2356-5405, African Primate Initiative for Ecology and Speciation, Africa Earth Observatory Network, Earth Stewardship Science Research Institute Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa), Sébastien Couette (0000-0001-5301-6661, EPHE, PSL Research University, Paris, France & UMR CNRS 6282 “Biogéosciences”, Univ. Bourgogne Franche‐Comté Dijon 21000 France), K Anne‐isola Nekaris (0000-0001-5523-7353, Nocturnal Primate Research Group Oxford Brookes University Oxford OX3 0BP UK), Simon K Bearder (Nocturnal Primate Research Group Oxford Brookes University Oxford OX3 0BP UK)
Year2017
Volume163
Issue1
Pages30-43
Publication date2017-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9483 • E-ISSN: 1096-8644
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajpa.23175
PMID28224607
OpenAlexW2590032084
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited61

OBJECTIVES: Based on vocalization recordings of an unknown galago species, our main objectives were to compare morphology and call structure with known closely-related taxa and describe a new species of galago. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted field surveys in three forest habitats along the escarpment region in western Angola (Kumbira Forest, Bimbe Area, and Northern Scarp Forest), and examined galago specimens from museums worldwide. We digitized and analyzed calls using Avisoft SASLab Pro software. We also compared museum specimens from Angola with other Galago and Galagoides specimens, and conducted comparative analyses (ANOVA and between group principle component analysis) based on a set of twelve linear measurements of skulls and teeth. RESULTS: We describe the new species to which we give the name Angolan dwarf galago, Galagoides kumbirensis sp. nov. The new species has a loud and characteristic crescendo call, used by other Galagoides spp. (sensu stricto) in West Africa to attract companions and repel rivals. However, this call shows species-typical differences from its closest relatives. Galagoides kumbirensis sp. nov. is also distinguished by differences in the skull morphology, pelage color and facial markings, as well as a larger body size, similar to that of Galago moholi, which is not known to be sympatric. CONCLUSION: This discovery points to the importance of Angolan forests as refuges for endemic biodiversity. These forests are under severe threat from overexploitation, and there is an urgent need to establish conservation measures and designate protected areas

Biology · Galago · Geography · Morphometrics · Oryx · Primate · Sensu · Zoology · Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior · Ecology · Primate Behavior and Ecology · Species Distribution and Climate Change

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