Premium
Preliminary observations on the role of Acacia gum chemistry in Acacia utilization by Galago senegalensis in Kenya
Author(s) -
Nash L. T.,
Whitten P. L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/ajp.1350170104
Subject(s) - acacia , galago , gum acacia , biology , chemistry , botany , ecology , food science , primate
A census and preliminary observations on the ranging and feeding behavior of Galago senegalensis were made in a savannah‐woodland site in Kenya. Population densities in three slightly different habitats were all approximately 1.5 animals/ha. Ranging patterns suggested the existence of territorial behavior. The diet of the galagos was exclusively insects and gums of two species of Acacia . The gum of A. drepanolobium appeared to be preferred to that of A. xanthophloea . The chemistry of the gums suggests that this preference is not due simply to the total level of phenolics or to avoidance of condensed tannins but may relate to the presence of compounds (e. g., flavonoids) having nutritional or hormonelike action.