Tarsier

Tarsiers are small nocturnal primates in the family Tarsiidae, native to island Southeast Asia. They occur in the Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and nearby islands. They are among the smallest living primates and are famed for their enormous eyes.

Anatomy and senses: Tarsiers have extremely large forward-facing eyes, a mobile neck to compensate for fixed eye sockets, and elongated hind limbs adapted for leaping. The ankle bones form a specialized tarsus, which gives the animal its name. Their fur is typically short and dense, and they have a long tail that aids in balance and locomotion.

Behavior and ecology: Tarsiers are primarily nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are shy and mostly solitary or found in small family groups; vocalizations and scent markings help defend territories. They hunt by night, leaping between branches to catch insects and other small prey.

Reproduction and development: Tarsiers typically give birth to one infant after a gestation of several months. The infant clings to the mother for extended periods and is nurtured until it can forage on its own. The timing of breeding varies among species and locations.

Diet and habitat: Their diet is insectivorous, supplemented with small vertebrates. They play a role in controlling insect populations in forest ecosystems. They inhabit forests and secondary growth; many species are sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Conservation: Many tarsier species are threatened by habitat destruction, fragmentation, and hunting. Deforestation and the pet trade have impacted populations, with several species listed on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and, in some areas, captive breeding programs.