tarsios

Tarsios are a group of small primates found in Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their enormous eyes, which are proportionately larger than those of any other mammal, and their long, slender fingers and toes. These adaptations make them excellent nocturnal hunters, allowing them to navigate dense forests and spot prey in low light conditions.

The most distinctive feature of tarsios is their eyes. Each eyeball is roughly the size of its brain, and they are fixed in their sockets, meaning tarsios cannot rotate their eyes. To compensate, they can turn their heads up to 180 degrees in either direction. Their diet primarily consists of insects, but they will also eat small birds, lizards, and bats. They are known for their incredible leaping ability, using their powerful legs to jump great distances between trees.

There are currently 11 recognized species of tarsier, all belonging to the family Tarsiidae. They are arboreal, meaning they live in trees, and are typically found in rainforests and mangrove swamps. Tarsios are generally solitary animals, though they may form small family groups. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including high-pitched whistles and chirps. All tarsier species are considered endangered, facing threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique primates and their diminishing habitats.