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Bushbaby numbers plummet: Can bridges save them?
19 Feb
Summary
- Deforestation is shrinking bushbaby habitats by 3.6% per decade.
- Canopy bridges are proposed to help bushbabies cross roads safely.
- Thick-tailed bushbabies are now 'near threatened' by conservationists.
Bushbaby populations, once common, are now facing a significant decline. Researchers have observed a concerning trend of increased mortality due to roadkill and dog attacks, exacerbated by habitat loss. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion and housing development, is shrinking their natural environment by an estimated 3.6% per decade.
In response to these threats, scientists are advocating for the implementation of "canopy bridges." These rope-based crossings would allow bushbabies to safely traverse roads, mitigating the risk of traffic accidents. This conservation measure has proven effective for other fragmented wildlife populations globally.
Conservationists, including the Endangered Wildlife Trust, have redesignated thick-tailed bushbabies from 'least concern' to 'near threatened' as of January 2026. While this designation is not yet 'endangered,' it signals a worrying rate of population decrease. To further aid their recovery, locals are urged not to feed primates or leave pet food accessible at night.
