Karura Forest #64: GGG
The cache is hidden under bark pieces and leaves at the base of a sloping tree along the Pipeline Track which runs from J4 to J3 connecting the Lake Trail to the Family Trail (see Map - link below).
To reach the cache location:
From main gate A (Limuru Rd) @ S01 14.829 E36 48.948, after paying your entry and parking fees, proceed the 1.2km or so to the junction by the barrier at S01 14.447 E36 49.148. Turn right here, continue past the new River Cafe to the extensive Amani Garden parking area @ S01 14.577 E36 49.235. From here take the exit gate at S01 14.594 E36 49.191 which gives access to a small trail crossing an open grassy area to join the Lake Trail heading east from Junction 5. Turn left (east) and follow this trail then on through Junction 4 to the cache location.
For background information on Karura Forest including access, fees, opening times, features, a detailed trail map and useful links, see GC4PD3V Karura Forest #1: Intro, Info & Entry.
You are unlikely to see this resident of Karura, the subject of this cache and also #65 and #66, unless you spot it sleeping in a tree, as it is a creature of the night . . . and so far there is no provision for night walks in the forest.
Garnett's Greater Galago also called Garnett's or Brown or Northern Small-eared or Greater Galago or
Bushbaby (Otolemur garnettii) is a nocturnal, predominantly arboreal primate endemic to Africa.
There are thought to be 6 sub-species - the one found in Karura Forest is O.g. kikuyuensis which occurs in the Kenya highlands east of the Rift Valley.
It has a large body size relative to other galagos and its ears are small relative to the round head with short, wide snout. The eyes are large and binocular. The coloration depends on the sub-species. O. g. kikuyuensis has iron gray fur tinged with green on its back, flanks and limbs. The ventral side is yellow-white. The tail is usually light brown with the terminal quarter being black.
It's head-body length is 23-34cm, tail is 31-44cm and weight is 0.5-1 kg. Males around 19% larger than females and have a longer period of growth.
During the day, it sleeps alone in trees and emerge at night. It usually focuses on a particularly portion of their home range for several nights while foraging, then move on to concentrate on a new section after a short time. They are quadrupedal and capable of hopping short distances from tree to tree. Unlike their larger relatives, northern greater galagos can land hind feet first when leaping. Their diet is mainly 50/50 fruit and insects. They are capable of learned behaviours to fish and consume mollusks when available.
See here for a good quality video of small-eared galagos in Ostrava Zoo in the Czech Republic.
Continues with Karura Forest #65: BBB . . .