Urine marking and territoriality in Galago alleni (Waterhouse, 1837--Lorisoidea, Primates)--a field study by radio-telemetry

Abstract

A wild population of Galago alleni was controlled by trapping and followed by radio-tracking in the equatorial rainforest of Gaboon during three study periods of 3 months each in 1972, 73 and 75. The disposition of territories and the social organization are described, as well as their evolution through time. A new technique of radio telemetry permitted identification and localization of urine marking in wild galagos. Urine marking took place throughout the territory, with a fourfold increase in frequency in zones where there is a slight overlap with neighbouring territories (female--female or male--male). The function of urine washing (wetting of the soles of the feet with urine) is discussed in relation to five hypotheses proposed by different authors, and th data obtained in the field in Gaboon. We interpret this behaviour as a means of dispersal of urine marks (social signals) in a three-dimensional milieu where displacement by a combination of leaping and running creates numerous pathways.