### **The Brown Greater Galago (*Otolemur crassicaudatus*)**
Commonly known as the Thick-tailed Bushbaby, this is the "heavyweight" of the galago family. Seeing one emerge from the canopy under a spotlight is a highlight for any night drive in Southern or East Africa.
Identification
The size of a small house cat, this species is significantly larger than its "Lesser" cousins. It is best identified by its **enormous, bushy tail**—often longer than its body—and its plush, woolly fur, which ranges from silvery-grey to a rich charcoal-brown. Look for its **large, membranous ears** that can fold independently and its luminous, forward-facing amber eyes. Unlike the Lesser Galago, which moves with kangaroo-like hops, the Greater Galago is primarily a **quadrupedal walker**, moving along branches on all fours with a heavy, deliberate gait.
Habitat & Range
You’ll find these nocturnal primates across Southern and East Africa, from the coastal forests of South Africa up to the woodlands of Kenya. They favor **riverine forests, montane woodlands, and thickets**, but they are remarkably adaptable; don’t be surprised to see them raiding fruit trees in the leafy suburban gardens of Durban or Harare.
Behaviour
While they forage alone to avoid competing for food, they are "solitary-social," often sleeping in communal family groups in hollow trees. In the field, you will likely hear them before you see them. Their **piercing, child-like wail** is one of the most haunting sounds of the African bush. Unlike their smaller relatives, they are less "flighty" and may sit calmly on a branch, staring back at an observer’s torchlight.
Diet
They are specialized **gum-feeders**. Using their "toothcomb" (specialized lower teeth), they scrape the bark of *Acacia* trees to induce the flow of resin. They supplement this high-energy sap with wild fruits and the occasional large insect or small reptile caught with a lightning-fast hand-grab.
Fascinating Fact
To navigate the slippery canopy, these galagos practice **"urine washing."** They rhythmically urinate on their hands and feet, rubbing them together to dampen the skin. This not only improves their grip on smooth branches but leaves a "scent trail" that acts as a chemical map for other galagos to follow through the dark!