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What Is a Philippine Tarsier?

A. Leverkuhn
A. Leverkuhn

The Philippine tarsier is a small primate that lives in the forest areas of some islands in the Philippines. This tiny animal has a very distinctive look as part of the larger family of tarsiers. The Philippine tarsier also goes by the local name maumag or mamag. The scientific name is tarsius syrichta or carlito syrichta.

In taxonomy, the Philippine tarsier is part of the family Tarsiidae, which dates back to ancient times. The disproportionately long ankle shows its inclusion in this mammalian family. The Philippine tarsier is arboreal, and the long ankles, along with other features, allow it to jump from tree to tree.

The tarsier is a small primate found in the Philippines and other areas of Southeast Asia.
The tarsier is a small primate found in the Philippines and other areas of Southeast Asia.

This tiny animal has a unique face, partly because of its huge, bulbous eyes, which do not turn in the head. The head and body are round and squat. This tarsier species has developed digits, a gray or brown fur coat, and a furless, thin tail. The Philippine tarsier only grows up to about 6 inches (160 mm) long.

The lifestyle of the tarsier is nocturnal, and this animal subsists on a diet of insects. The Philippine tarsier frequently scavenges insects from burned wood. It may also occasionally feed on larger fare such as small birds. In captivity, some research teams have reported that these animals have eaten seafood items like shrimp.

The Philippine tarsier is now an endangered species. The specific category of its endangerment is not among the most dire, but its world population has decreased to a large extent. Advocates point to the destruction of its forest habitat as a main driver of its decreasing population.

In addition to the destruction of the forests, there is the practice previously common in parts of the Philippines, of killing and stuffing these animals for sale. The stuffed tarsier was no doubt popular, but with the species headed toward extinction, the tradition has been banned. Instead, many visitors may want to see live tarsiers on nature tours of the Philippines.

In terms of the actual relationship of the Philippine tarsier to other mammals, the idea has generated some controversy. While the tarsier has a lot in common with monkeys, others see this creature as being primarily related to the lemur family. In either case, this animal represents one of the smallest examples of primate form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Philippine Tarsier?

The Philippine tarsier is a small primate endemic to the Philippines, known for its distinctive large eyes and nocturnal habits. It's one of the smallest known primates, with a body size that can fit comfortably in a human hand. Despite its diminutive size, it's a skilled predator, primarily feeding on insects.

How big do Philippine Tarsiers get?

Philippine tarsiers are tiny creatures, with an average body length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) and a weight of around 113 to 142 grams. Their size is comparable to that of a human fist, making them one of the smallest primate species in the world.

What do Philippine Tarsiers eat?

Philippine tarsiers are carnivorous, primarily subsisting on a diet of insects. They are also known to eat small vertebrates, such as lizards and birds. Their hunting strategy involves waiting silently for prey before pouncing with precision, using their keen sense of hearing and large eyes to track movements in the dark.

Are Philippine Tarsiers endangered?

Yes, the Philippine tarsier is considered to be endangered. Habitat destruction, hunting, and the pet trade have all contributed to their decline. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these primates, including habitat preservation and breeding programs to help increase their population numbers.

How do Philippine Tarsiers communicate?

Philippine tarsiers communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and scent marking. They have a range of calls for different situations, such as distress calls or territorial claims. Their vocalizations are often too high-pitched for human ears, falling into the ultrasonic range.

Can you keep a Philippine Tarsier as a pet?

It is illegal and highly discouraged to keep Philippine tarsiers as pets. They have very specific dietary and habitat needs that are difficult to meet in captivity, and the stress of being kept as pets often leads to their premature death. Efforts are better directed towards supporting their conservation in the wild.

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    • The tarsier is a small primate found in the Philippines and other areas of Southeast Asia.
      By: efired
      The tarsier is a small primate found in the Philippines and other areas of Southeast Asia.