A small, nocturnal primate that is native to the forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. This tiny creature is one of the most intriguing animals in the world, known for its distinctive appearance and unique behaviors. Their eyes are so large that they take up most of the space in the tarsier’s head, giving it excellent night vision, which is essential for its nocturnal lifestyle.

The large eyes of Horsfield’s tarsier are fixed in its skull, meaning they cannot move in their sockets like human eyes can. However, the tarsier makes up for this by having an incredibly flexible neck, which can rotate up to 180 degrees in either direction. This allows the tarsier to scan its surroundings without moving its body, helping it stay hidden from predators while hunting for food. The tarsier’s keen eyesight, combined with its acute sense of hearing, makes it a highly effective hunter in the dark.

Horsfield’s tarsier has a small, compact body with long, slender limbs, and its feet have elongated fingers and toes with padded tips. These adaptations make the tarsier an excellent climber and jumper. It is known for its incredible ability to leap from tree to tree, covering distances up to 5 meters (about 16 feet) in a single bound. This agility is crucial for catching its prey, which primarily consists of insects, but can also include small birds and lizards.

Unlike most primates, Horsfield’s tarsier is a carnivore, feeding exclusively on animal prey. It uses its sharp teeth and powerful jaws to catch and eat its food, often consuming its prey whole. This diet is unusual among primates, most of which are omnivores or herbivores. The tarsier’s reliance on animal protein reflects its highly specialized hunting skills and its role as a predator in its ecosystem.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brunei

2015

Indonesia

2015

Malaysia

2015