Sleeping Site Selection in the Nocturnal Northern Lesser Galago (Galago senegalensis) Supports Antipredator and Thermoregulatory Hypotheses

• DOI: 10.1007/s10764-019-00085-y
• Publication Date: 2019-04-26T08:06:16Z
• Authors: Grace Ellison; A. Wolfenden; L. Kahana; A. Kisingo; J. Jamieson; M. Jones; C. M. Bettridge
• Keywords: Galago; Animal ecology

Sleep is an important and time-consuming activity, during which animals may be particularly vulnerable. Selecting a suitable sleeping site therefore essential for individual's fitness. Here we test the importance of antipredator thermoregulatory hypotheses preference nocturnal primate, Northern lesser galago (Galago senegalensis), in Tanzania. During June to August 2015 2016 conducted daily surveys sites record number galagos their location within tree, used focal follows when reached left sites. We collected vegetation data (N = 47) matched controls, placed loggers 14) control locations compare temperature humidity. Sleeping group sizes were similar that G. senegalensis The Gambia, mean proportion visits present at each was 27 ± SD 25%. Galagos slept on branches 29), nests 6), palm leaves tree cavities 1). Palm have not been previously recorded as regular overrepresented relative occurrence habitat. Random forest classification analysis revealed sleep areas with greater canopy cover connectivity, mid-level cover, higher density, Acacia trees. had significantly lower temperatures but humidity than locations. Our findings support predator avoidance thermoregulation drivers nesting behavior. In particular, characteristics correspond well those expected protection from aerial predators, while related terrestrial predators seem play minor role.