Sangihe tarsier

The Sangihe Tarsier ( Tarsius sangirensis ) is a primate of the group of tarsiers.

Features

Sangihe tarsier are very small primates, with 140 to 150 grams, they are however the most serious representatives of the tarsiers from Sulawesi. Their fur is colored golden brown on the outside, the belly is white. The tail is longer than the body, unlike other tarsiers, the tuft of hair is pronounced weakly to the tail tip. As an adaptation to the jumping of life, the hind legs are extended, the tarsus is enlarged. The gray colored head has the typical for the tarsiers big eyes, the ears are large, they are smooth and agile.

Distribution and habitat

These primates live only on the island belonging to Indonesia Sangihe Besar which lies about halfway between Sulawesi and Mindanao. ( The population of the neighboring island of Siau in 2008 as a separate species - described - Siau tarsier. ) Habitat of this type forests such as rain and swamp forests, but also plantations. They are also found in secondary forests.

Way of life

Sangihe tarsier Tarsiers are like all nocturnal tree dwellers that daytime sleep among the lush vegetation. At night, they go looking for food, while they move away climbing and jumping. They live in small groups. In contrast to the closely related tarsier on Sulawesi, the groups to sleep and divide and sleep also higher up in the trees. This is probably a response to the pressure from the enemy, such as feral cats.

These primates, like all tarsiers predators that probably take insects and small vertebrates to himself.

Endangering

It is not clear to what extent Sangihe tarsier deal with altered habitats by humans, so statements about the risk is mixed. Due to the small size of its range, the IUCN lists the species as " critically endangered " ( endangered ).