The tiny "Nagapie" (night monkey in Afrikaans) are at risk due to humans wanting to keep them as inappropriate pets. 

 

Cute and cuddly looking but did you know they mark their territories by urinating into a cupped hand and then rubbing this on the feet, bushbabies spread their scent wherever they move.  They are also only active at night and need a very specialised diet.

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Many species of nocturnal primates are increasingly threatened by illegal collecting for the pet trade. When transported outside of their natural range and climate, many bushbabies die. This is partly because they are adapted to a specific climate and landscape, but also because each species has a very specific diet, which they typically do not receive when they are kept as pets, by inexperienced keepers.

 

Furthermore the incorrect diet will result in mal-formed bones, kidney and liver damage, obesity and psychological impairments.

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Bushbabies are very prone to respiratory problems if the correct temperatures are not maintained.

 

New owners often grow tired quickly; these are nocturnal primates and owners often get bored of them sleeping during the day and do not give enough gum or  adequet insects needed to sustain them at night.  When the novelty wears off the animals are often dumped in the nearest veld. Where they often do not survive as they do not know the landscape; dehydration and starvation.

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It is AGAINST THE LAW TO KEEP INDIGENOUS WILD ANIMALS AS PETS AND UNETHICAL.

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If you see someone with an indigenous wild animals as a pet, get in touch.  Or call your local SPCA.