Distribution, Population Density, and Behavior of Dwarf Galagos (Paragalago sp.) in Taita Hills, Kenya

Abstract

A good understanding of taxonomy, distribution, and population density is needed for conservation. Scientific knowledge of dwarf galagos (Paragalago sp.) remains limited. Two populations of Taita dwarf galagos survive in the largest remnants of moist montane forest in Taita Hills, Kenya. We obtained acoustic data on the two remaining populations using AudioMoths—small, passive recorders—more than 231 h in January and February 2021. We measured forest structure by using airborne LiDAR and ground-level observations and tested the influence of forest size and height, canopy coverage, and density on calls per hour as an indicator of population density. Forest size significantly affected population size. Taita dwarf galagos prefer dense canopy coverage, and they prefer the lower 20–30-m tall forest. Mbololo forest (185 ha) has steady population, whereas dwarf galagos are nearly extinct in Ngangao forest (120 ha). The calls of Taita dwarf galagos resemble those of Kenya coast dwarf galagos (Paragalago cocos). DNA studies are urgently needed to resolve the taxonomic status of both surviving populations of dwarf galagos in the Taita Hills. This simple study design should be conducted across African forests to obtain crucial knowledge for galago conservation.