Tarsiformes

Tarsiformes is a taxonomic group commonly used to refer to the tarsiers, small nocturnal primates native to Southeast Asia. In many modern classifications, Tarsiformes (often written as Tarsiiformes) is regarded as an infraorder within the suborder Haplorhini of the order Primates, containing the family Tarsiidae. Some historical schemes treated Tarsiformes as a separate order. The exact rank varies among taxonomic systems, but all recognize the same distinctive primates.

Tarsiers are among the smallest primates and are specialized for nocturnal insectivory and small vertebrate prey. They have large forward-facing eyes for night vision, excellent hearing, and powerful hindlimbs and elongated ankle bones that enable rapid vertical clinging and leaping between branches. Their anatomy reflects a predatory lifestyle and a dependence on forest cover and complex vertical substrates.

Geographically, tarsiers inhabit tropical forests and adjacent habitats across parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and various islands of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and surrounding regions. They favor dense vegetation where they can hunt from perches and maintain discrete territories. The family Tarsiidae comprises several species grouped into one or more genera; ongoing genetic research continues to refine their classification, and some species have been moved between genera in recent years.

Behavior and reproduction are typically characterized by small social units—often pairs or family groups—with nocturnal activity patterns. Reproduction tends to yield small litters, and infants rely on parental care during critical early development. Many tarsier species face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, making conservation efforts and habitat protection important for their persistence.