Philippine tarsier

Philippine Tarsier ( Tarsius syrichta )

The Philippine Tarsier ( Tarsius syrichta ) is a primate of the group of tarsiers. In the Philippines it is known as Philippine Tarsier or just as a Tarsier.

Features

Philippine tarsiers are among the major representatives of the tarsiers. They reach a body length 12-13 centimeters, the tail is 25 centimeters considerably longer than the body. Its weight is 110 to 150 grams, with males are slightly heavier. Their fur is thick and short, it is gray -brown. The roundish head sits on a very short neck, as with all tarsiers, the eyes are greatly enlarged. As an adaptation to the jumping movement, the hind legs are greatly enlarged and extended the tarsi. The fingers and toes are extended and terminate in rounded finger pad. The long tail is largely hairless, as well as the tarsi, which distinguishes it from other tarsiers.

Philippine Tarsier communicate with each other via ultrasound with a dominant frequency of 70 kHz in order to probably not be perceived by their enemies. The upper threshold of hearing is 91 kHz.

Distribution and habitat

Philippine tarsiers are found only on the southeastern Philippines. Its distribution area covers the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol and Mindanao and smaller offshore islands. Their habitat is mainly rain forests. They are relatively adaptable and can live in secondary forests, primary forests, however, they achieve greater stock numbers.

Lifestyle and diet

Philippine tarsiers are nocturnal and usually stay on the trees. You spend the day sleeping in dense vegetation. In search of food they move vertically climbing and jumping on, on all fours, they rarely run. Most of them will stay in the low tree regions.

There are territorial animals that inhabit areas of one to two hectares. These territories are marked with urine and glandular secretions. The reports of their social behavior are contradictory. In addition to solitary animals, there are also small groups, they will probably not live in monogamous family groups, such as the tarsiers of Sulawesi. They communicate with a series of screams and sounds which serve, among others, the mark of Revieres or contact with other cattle.

Like all tarsiers are Philippine tarsiers pure carnivores. They eat mainly insects, but in addition also spiders and small vertebrates such as lizards and birds.

In captivity, the animals can be over 13 years old.

Reproduction

These animals have a monogamous reproductive system. The pairing can take place throughout the year, after a roughly six -month gestation, the female gives birth to a single young is born. This is developed very large and wide with 25 grams. With about 80 days it is weaned.

Endangering

One of the main threats to the Philippines tarsiers include hunting and habitat destruction. The animals are hunted because their meat is eaten or because they are made for pets. Due to their adaptability they are however less threatened than other Philippine mammals, the IUCN lists the species as " Near Threatened " ( near threatened ).