Spicing up the menu : evidence of fruit feeding in Galago moholi

Abstract

The African lesser bushbaby, Galago moholi, is currently described as a food specialist, feeding exclusively on small arthropods and gum primarily from Acacia karroo trees. We studied a population of G. moholi in a highly-fragmented habitat in the southernmost part of its natural distributional range in South Africa. In this habitat we opportunistically observed bushbabies feeding on fruits of the winter fruiting tree, Pappea capensis. Plot counts of tree composition revealed that although the dominant tree species in the area belonged to the genus Acacia, A. karroo trees were widely absent and gum could only be found in small quantities on other Acacia species. The analysis of P. capensis fruits showed high levels of protein, fat and energy content, making the fruits a potentially important food source for G. moholi during winter when insect availability is low. Our observation is the first documented case of fruit-feeding in G. moholi, suggesting that the species is not a food specialist as previously reported, but can opportunistically supplement its diet with fruit when available.