The two genera are not sister taxa and thus apparently evolved their small sizes and some morphological similarities via parallel evolution, although members of the eastern group tend to be larger.

[1] There is limited sympatry between Paragalago and the much more widely distributed Galago.

Paragalago members range in mass from 60 to 250 g, considered small to medium-sized among galagids.

P. orinus is considered to be vulnerable, P. rondoensis to be endangered, P. zanzibaricus is listed as near threatened, while P. cocos and P. granti are of least concern.

These dwarf galagos are present in very small forest fragments and are in immediate danger of extinction.