By Josie May 22nd, 2023
The
Species of Primate In the World
Tarsiers are the second smallest species of primate in the world (second only to the marmoset.)
Their bodies are small and delicate, with long, slender fingers and toes and soft, fuzzy fur.
Tarsiers reside in a variety of habitats, from primary rainforest to secondary growth and even human settlements.
They are most commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
As nocturnal hunters, tarsiers feed mainly on insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and moths.
They stalk their targets before leaping on them with their powerful hind legs.
Tarsiers communicate with a range of vocalizations, including danger calls, territorial calls, and mating calls, among others.
Females carry their offspring for approximately six months, one of the longest gestation periods among primates relative to their body size.
Additionally, tarsiers typically give birth to single or twin offspring, which are relatively large compared to the mother’s size.
Deforestation, land development, and mining have destroyed many tarsiers’ natural habitats.
Threats include habitat loss, illegal hunting, and illegal pet trade.
All of these threats have caused a severe decline in tarsiers’ populations, putting them on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.