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Greater Galago

Otolemur crassicaudatus

The largest bushbaby, a big-eared, woolly African primate that comes out at night to lick tree gum and catch insects.

🐒 Primates
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About the Greater Galago

Greater galagos, also called thick-tailed bushbabies, live in forests of East and southern Africa, from southern Sudan to South Africa and Angola. They are the largest galagos, about 12 to 15 inches long with a tail of 16 to 19 inches. Their fur is thick, woolly and silvery brown to gray. They eat mostly tree gum and sap, plus fruit and insects.[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name
Otolemur crassicaudatus[1]
Size
Body about 12 to 15 inches; tail 16 to 19 inches.[1]
Lifespan
More than 18 years in human care.[1]
Diet
Mostly tree gum and sap, plus fruit and insects.[1]
Habitat
Forests.[1]
Where it lives
East and southern Africa, from southern Sudan to South Africa and Angola.[1]
Group life
Sleeps in groups; forages alone at night.[1]
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2018).[2]

Fun facts

  • Galagos can move each ear separately.[1]
  • Greater galagos are the largest kind of bushbaby.[1]
  • They can leap about 6 feet.[1]

Vocabulary

bushbaby
Another name for a galago, a small African primate.
gum
A sticky liquid that oozes from trees.
arboreal
Living mostly in trees.
nocturnal
Active mainly at night.
primate
A group of mammals that includes lemurs, monkeys, apes and humans.

See it in person

Sources

  1. [1] Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan. “Greater galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus).” https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Otolemur_crassicaudatus/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
  2. [2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Otolemur crassicaudatus (Thick-tailed Greater Galago).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/15643/17963699 (accessed 2026-10-02)

Facts last checked 2026-10-02.