Greater galago

Greater galagos
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Brown greater galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Family:	Galagidae
Genus:	Otolemur Coquerel, 1859
Type species
Otolemur agyisymbanus Coquerel, 1859 ( = Otolicnus garnetti Ogilby, 1838)
Species
Otolemur crassicaudatus Otolemur monteiri Otolemur garnettii

The greater galagos or thick-tailed bushbabies are everyday names for three species of strepsirrhine primates. They are classified in the genus Otolemur in the family Galagidae.

• Genus Otolemur
  • Brown greater galago, Otolemur crassicaudatus
    • Otolemur crassicaudatus crassicaudatus
    • Otolemur crassicaudatus kirkii
  • Silvery greater galago, Otolemur monteiri
    • Otolemur monteiri monteiri
    • Otolemur monteiri argentatus
  • Northern greater galago, Otolemur garnettii
    • Otolemur garnettii garnettii
    • Otolemur garnettii lasiotis
    • Otolemur garnettii kikuyuensis
    • Otolemur garnettii panganiensis

Historical Classification and Species Discovery

The diversity of galago species has historically been grossly underestimated. In 1931, only 5 species were recognized, 4 in the genus Galago and 1 in Euoticus, and only one species that would later be placed in the genus Otolemur. In 1979, the genus Otolemur was separated from Galago. By 1986, eleven species were recognized with revamped systemic classification including Otolemur crassicaudatus and Otolemur garnettii. Additionally, O. crassidautus and O. monteiri were recognized as separate species instead of O. monteiri as a nested subspecies. By 2001, 23 species were recognized. Classification by vocalization has particularly become prevalent and helpful as a tool in understanding of these species. All Otolemur species exhibit trailing advertising calls.

External links

• Primate Info Net Otolemur Factsheets