What are Tarsiers?

Tarsiers (genus Tarsius) are strange-looking prosimian primates generally found in Southeast Asia (Philippines, Borneo, and Indonesia). They are characterized by their small bodies, thin fingers, and a pair of very large eyes. Tarsiers have very sharp teeth and a long tail, and can range in height from 3-6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) with tails from 5-11 inches (12.7-28 cm). Their fur can be brown or grey in color. They can weigh up to 6 ounces (170 g), and males grow to be larger than females.

The name tarsier is derived from the unique makeup of their ankles, specifically their ankle bones, which are very long. This trait allows them to absorb shock easily, especially when they hop around from treetop to treetop, which is where they make their homes. It is said that their movements resemble that of frogs.

Tarsiers are nocturnal animals. Strangely, however, tarsiers do not have a light-reflecting area in their eyes (tapetum lucidum), which is almost de riguer for most creatures of the night. Despite this, tarsiers are known to have excellent night vision and are very good hunters. Their disproportionately big ears can also seek out and turn to the direction of sound, while their heads can move around a 180 degree arc (like an owl). A Tarsier's average diet mainly consists of live insects.

While there is a debate on the exact number of tarsier species, most zoologists accept eight: Horsfield's tarsier (Tarsius bancanus), Dian's tarsier (Tarsius bancanus), Peleng tarsier (Tarsius pelengensis), Sangihe tarsier (Tarsius pumilus), pygmy tarsier (Tarsius sangirensis), spectral tarsier (Tarsius spectrum), Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), and Lariang tarsier (Tarsius lariang). Tarsiers are commonly thought to be some of the smallest primates in the world.

Most species of tarsiers are endangered. While data on this animal is limited, experts estimate that there is an ongoing threat to tarsiers' existence, and that their numbers are still falling. They are a protected species in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, tarsiers do not do well in captivity and plans to breed them in labs or other artificial environments have not worked. They feel extreme stress when placed in cages, and will injure themselves - sometimes to the point of death - when placed in a cage.

Tarsiers are small, nocturnal primates known for their enormous eyes, which are each as large as their brain. They belong to the family Tarsiidae and are found in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Tarsiers are unique among primates for their exclusively carnivorous diet, primarily consisting of insects and small vertebrates.

Tarsiers are among the smallest primates, with body sizes ranging from 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in length, excluding their tails. Despite their diminutive stature, their eyes are remarkably large, contributing to their distinctive appearance. Their tails are quite long, often exceeding their body length, and help them balance as they leap through the forest canopy.

Tarsiers are carnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes insects, spiders, small crustaceans, and occasionally small vertebrates like birds, snakes, and lizards. Their hunting strategy is unique; they catch prey with their hands rather than their mouths, using their excellent night vision and acute hearing to locate their meals in the dark.

Many tarsier species are considered to be threatened or endangered. Habitat destruction, particularly due to deforestation for agriculture and human settlement, is the primary threat to their survival. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats and ensure the species' longevity. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), some species, like the Philippine tarsier, are listed as "Near Threatened."

Tarsiers have an extraordinary ability to rotate their heads nearly 180 degrees in either direction, giving them a total rotational range of approximately 360 degrees. This adaptation allows them to scan their environment for predators and prey without moving their bodies, an essential skill for a small, tree-dwelling animal that hunts at night.

Tarsiers communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and scent marking. They are known for their high-pitched calls, which can be heard over considerable distances and are used to establish territory and attract mates. Tarsiers also have scent glands on different parts of their bodies, which they use to mark their territory and convey social information to other tarsiers.