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Calabar angwantibo

Arctocebus calabarensis

MammalThe IUCN classifies the…

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammal
Order
Primates
Family
Lorisidae
Genus
Arctocebus

Habitat

This species inhabits tropical rainforests and dense secondary forests in West Africa, particularly in lowland areas with thick undergrowth. It prefers regions with abundant vegetation for cover, such as those in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. They are often found in areas near rivers or swamps where humidity is high.

Diet

The Calabar angwantibo primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, crickets, and caterpillars, which it captures using its hands and mouth. It forages nocturnally, moving slowly through the understory to hunt, and may occasionally eat small fruits or tree gum. Feeding typically occurs at night when it is most active.

Behavior

Calabar angwantibos are solitary or live in pairs, maintaining small territories that they mark with scent. They are strictly nocturnal, spending the day hidden in dense foliage and emerging at night to forage slowly and deliberately to avoid detection. They exhibit a slow, deliberate locomotion and can remain motionless for extended periods when threatened.

Conservation Status

The IUCN classifies the Calabar angwantibo as Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though habitat destruction from deforestation poses a significant threat. Conservation efforts focus on protecting rainforest habitats in West Africa.