Tarsiers

The tarsier is a small, nocturnal primate known for its enormous eyes and unique appearance. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Borneo, and Sumatra, tarsiers belong to the family Tarsiidae. Despite their size—usually no more than 4 to 6 inches in body length—these primates possess some extraordinary features.

Tarsier tarsier, Spectral Tarsier, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Their large eyes, which are roughly the size of their brains, are adapted for low-light environments, allowing them to hunt insects, small vertebrates, and birds at night. Tarsiers have exceptionally long fingers and toes, which help them cling to trees and leap with remarkable precision. Their primary mode of locomotion is vertical clinging and leaping, using their powerful hind legs to jump distances up to 40 times the length of their body.

Horsfeld's tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus), Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.

Tarsiers are solitary creatures, and their social structures are relatively simple. They communicate through high-pitched calls, often used to ward off rivals or attract mates. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and hunting, tarsiers are considered vulnerable in many regions.