10 Incredible Facts About Tarsiers You Need to Know
Tarsiers are among the most fascinating yet lesser-known primates in the world. These tiny, wide-eyed creatures are famous for their enormous eyes, incredible jumping abilities, and nocturnal lifestyle. Found mainly in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Borneo, tarsiers are unique in many ways. From their extraordinary hunting skills to their unusual method of communication, there’s so much to discover about these elusive primates. In this article, we’ll explore 10 incredible facts about tarsiers you need to know, that highlight why they are such a special and endangered species.
Incredible Tarsier Facts
Why are they called Tarsiers
- Tarsiers Got Their Name from Their Long Tarsal Bones – The name “tarsier” comes from their elongated tarsal (ankle) bones, which allow them to make extraordinary leaps between trees. These bones act like built-in springs, enabling them to jump over 5 metres (16 feet) in a single bound—many times their body length!
Endangered
- Tarsiers Are Endangered Species – Many tarsier species, including the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta), are classified as near threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.
Noctural
- They Are Strictly Nocturnal – Tarsiers are active at night and spend their days sleeping in well-hidden spots. Their enormous eyes are adapted for excellent night vision, allowing them to hunt efficiently in low light.
Diet
- Their Diet Consists of Live Prey – Unlike other primates that eat fruits and leaves, tarsiers are strictly carnivorous. They hunt insects, small birds, lizards, and even bats, leaping swiftly to catch their prey mid-air.
Territorial
- Tarsiers Are Highly Territorial – Each tarsier occupies a defined territory and does not tolerate others entering its space. They mark their range with scent glands and vocal calls to warn others to stay away.
Homes
- They Use Leaf Shelters – In some conservation areas, small leaf shelters have been provided to protect them. Tarsiers return to these shelters each morning to curl up and sleep after a night of hunting.
Lifespan
- They Have an Impressive Lifespan – In the wild, tarsiers typically live 10 to 12 years, but in captivity (where they rarely thrive), they can live up to 20 years under proper care.
Reproduction
- Tarsiers Have a Unique Reproductive Cycle – A female tarsier gives birth to just one baby per year after a gestation period of around six months. Newborn tarsiers are fully furred, have open eyes, and can climb within a day of birth.
Amazing Eyes
- They Can Rotate Their Heads 180 Degrees – Since tarsiers’ enormous eyes are fixed in their skull and cannot move in their sockets, they compensate by rotating their heads almost 180 degrees in both directions—similar to owls!
Communication
- They Communicate in Ultrasound – Tarsiers produce high-pitched calls beyond human hearing to communicate with each other. These ultrasonic vocalisations help them detect rivals and alert mates while avoiding predators.
Tarsiers are fascinating yet fragile creatures, making conservation efforts essential to their survival. Seeing them in ethical sanctuaries, like the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, ensures their well-being while allowing visitors to appreciate them responsibly.
