Investigation of Lesser Bushbabies in Luambe National Park
Time Frame: 15.08.2023 – 31.10.2023
Partners: Department of Zoology and Aquatic Sciences, Copperbelt University, Department of Engineering, Arts, Science and Technology, University of Suffolk.
Geographical Range: Luambe National Park, South Luangwa National Park
Principal Investigators: Geofrey Zulu, Tom Riffel
Research Objectives:
- To assess the variations of vocal patterns of Galago moholi in two populations in the Luangwa Valley and contrast these to vocalizations of conspecifics from other populations across Africa.
- Collect saliva DNA samples of Galago moholi in the Luangwa Valley.
Lesser Bushbabies (Galago), a genus of nocturnal primates exclusive to continental sub-Saharan Africa, have historically been subjected to taxonomic research primarily relying on museum specimens, despite their wide distribution. Contemporary scientific inquiry underscores the imperative for increased in-situ studies, particularly concentrating on smaller species with delimited habitats. The Luangwa Valley, located in eastern Zambia, stands geographically isolated from the remainder of the country by substantial escarpments on its western and eastern perimeters, fostering a notable degree of endemism. This project aims to explore the communication patterns of G. moholi within this unique ecosystem.
Moreover, employing an innovative and minimally-invasive methodology, the project aims to gather DNA samples, allowing for the identification of potential distinctive behavioral and genetic traits exhibited by Lesser Bushbabies in the Luangwa Valley when juxtaposed with other populations across the species‘ range.
