Arctocebus

What is an Angwantibo?

Angwantibos, also referred to as golden pottos, are a genus of strepsirrhine primates comprising two species within the Lorisidae family. These primates are native to the tropical regions of Africa, with their distribution including countries such as Nigeria and Cameroon, extending north of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Physical Characteristics and Habitat

Angwantibos are relatively small primates, growing to a size between 22 to 30 cm and weighing up to 0.5 kg. They are easily recognizable by their yellow-brown to golden fur, a pointed snout, and round ears, which collectively give them a bear-like appearance. Unlike many other primates, they possess almost no tail. They are solitary, nocturnal, and arboreal, preferring to inhabit the underbrush and lower layers of the forest, spending their daylight hours concealed within vegetation.

Diet and Behavior

Their diet consists primarily of insects, with caterpillars being a common food source, supplemented occasionally by fruits. Angwantibos are known for their slow, deliberate movements, which they employ to stealthily approach their prey. This careful stalking, combined with a good sense of smell, allows them to efficiently catch insects with quick, precise actions. Their locomotion is characterized by slow, steady movements, typical of other lorisids.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Mating behavior involves males mating with any available females whose territories overlap with theirs. Copulation occurs while hanging onto a branch. The gestation period lasts approximately 130 days, after which a single offspring is born. The young primate initially clings to its mother's belly and is later parked on a branch while the mother forages. Weaning occurs within three to four months, and the young leave their mother at around six months of age, reaching full maturity between eight and ten months. The maximum life expectancy for angwantibos is estimated to be 13 years.