Pygmy Tarsier

]
status = DD
status_ref = IUCN2006|assessors=Eudey, A. & Members of the Primate Specialist Group|year=2000|id=21490|title=Tarsius pumilus|downloaded=12 May 2006 Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as data deficient]
trend = unknown
status_system = iucn3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Primates
familia = Tarsiidae
genus = "Tarsius"
species = "T. pumilus"
binomial = "Tarsius pumilus"
binomial_authority = Miller & Hollister, 1921

The Pygmy Tarsier ("Tarsius pumilus"), also known as the Mountain Tarsier or the Lesser Spectral Tarsier, is a nocturnal primate found on central Sulawesi, Indonesia, in an area with lower vegetative species diversity than the lowland tropical forests.

The Pygmy Tarsier has a head-body length of 95 to 105 mm. "T. pumilus" has very distinct morphological features, a body length which is smaller than other tarsier species, and a small body weight. It also has smaller ears than the rest of the genus, and its fur is tan or buff, with predominant grey or brownish red coloring. The tail is heavily haired, and ranges from 135 to 275 mm. The most noticeable feature of "T. pumilus" are its large eyes, usually 16 mm in diameter. The Pygmy Tarsier also has nails on all five digits, and on two digits of the foot. These nails are similar to claws, but are not considered as such. The clawlike nails aid in their grasping strength and are also used as an aid in their need for large vertical support for feeding and movement.

"T. pumilus" is found in stable bonded pairs, remaining together for up to 15 months. This stable pair bond is usually monogamous. The species has two breeding seasons, one at the beginning of the rainy season and the other at the end, separated by about 6 months. Gestation lasts 178 days on average, and births occur in May and from November to December. Infants are quite precocial, and develop quickly, similar to other juveniles in the genus. The offspring begin capturing their own prey around 42 days of age, and travel in groups after only 23 days. Young females remain with parents until adulthood, while young males leave the natal group as juveniles.

The Pygmy Tarsier is nocturnal or crepuscular, and is mainly arboreal. It spends most of the daylight hours sleeping on vertical branches in the canopy. "T. pumilus" is not a nest builder. As in other tarsier species, they use scent glands to mark territorial boundaries, and may actively chase others out of their home range. Also, tactile communication and interaction is important with the Pygmy Tarsier, as in other tarsier species.

Tarsiers, in general, are insectivorous, and tarsiers are the only primates that are completely carnivorous. They eat arthropods, and there are anecdotal stories of "T. pumilus" capturing birds and snakes. They also, as insectivores, play an integral role in their habitat in structuring the insect community and in the local food webs.

References