Peleng tarsier

The Peleng Tarsier ( Tarsius pelengensis ) is a primate of the group of tarsiers.

Features

Peleng tarsier - like all tarsiers very small primates. From other tarsiers in the region Sulawesi they are distinguished by the reddish fur. The hind legs are very long, the tarsi are enlarged. The tail is longer than the body, it is provided at the rear end with a tuft of hair. The head is characterized as with all tarsiers through the big eyes, the ears are enlarged.

Distribution and habitat

These primates are on the island of Peleng, the largest of the Banggai Islands, endemic off the east coast of Sulawesi. Unconfirmed reports indicate that they live on other islands in the Banggai group. Their habitat are rain and mangrove forests.

Way of life

Peleng tarsier - like all tarsiers nocturnal tree-dwellers who sleep during the day in dense vegetation. At night, they go looking for food, while they move vertically continuous climbing and jumping. They usually stay less than two meters high up in the trees.

They live in small groups of two to six animals, the groups are made up of one male, one or more females and their common offspring together. With morning duet songs of males and females they have other dogs out on their territory.

They are like all tarsiers pure carnivores and feed on insects and small vertebrates.

Endangering

The destruction of habitat is the main threat to the Peleng tarsier - dar. Its distribution area is now heavily fragmented and should not comprise more than 5000 km ². The IUCN lists the species about as " high risk " ( endangered ).