What Are the Different Types of Tarsier?

Tarsiers are small, nocturnal primates that were once grouped alongside lemurs and other related animals. While not much is known about tarsiers, as research progresses, science becomes more knowledgeable about these mysterious primates. Still, a debate exists over the taxonomy of tarsiers and as such, different sources might propose different classifications of species; one might say that there are eight species of tarsiers. This includes Dian’s tarsier, the Lariang tarsier and the Peleng tarsier. The Philippine tarsier, pygmy tarsier and Sangihe tarsier are other species, as well as the Spectral tarsier and the Western tarsier.

In general, tarsiers are found in Southeast Asian islands. Specifically, Dian’s tarsiers and Lariang tarsiers live in lowland rainforests in Indonesia, on the island of Sulawesi; pygmy tarsiers also live in Sulawesi, but in the upper rainforests in the mountains. Peleng tarsiers live on Peleng Island, and Philippine tarsiers are found in a variety of habitats in the Philippines. Sangihe tarsiers are found on Great Sangihe Island, and Spectral tarsiers live on various islands, including Sulawesi, Great Sangihe, and Peleng. Western tarsiers are found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in a variety of habitats, such as dense bamboos, jungles and rainforests.

More specific knowledge about different types of tarsiers is limited due to them being hard to study. For example, they are nocturnal and they do not react well to being kept in captivity. In addition, it can be difficult to differentiate between separate species of tarsiers based upon looks alone because they all bear similarities. There are some differences and distinguishing features on some species, though.

In general, Dian’s tarsiers are gray-buff in color, with white hair over the upper lip and white hair at the center of the lower lip. Their tails are bare except with some hair at the end. Lariang tarsiers are dark gray-buff in color, with black stripes around the nose and off-white stripes around the lips. They also have black rims around the eyes and a dark tail with a black tip. Peleng tarsiers are redder in color than some of the other species, with cream-colored tips on the hairs found on their thighs.

Philippine tarsiers are a variety of colors, from brown-gray to red-brown. Pygmy tarsiers are probably the easiest to distinguish from the other tarsiers simply for their small body size. They range in color and can be gray or brown-red, with a gray underbelly; their tails are hairy and dark-brown or black in color. Sangihe tarsiers have hair on the ankle as well as at the end of their tails. Spectral tarsiers are gray to gray-buff in color and have scaly tails with bushy tufts at the ends, and lastly, Western tarsiers vary in color and have a moderate amount of hair on their tails.

There are about 11 recognized species of tarsiers, each with unique characteristics and habitats. These species are primarily found in Southeast Asia, particularly in the islands of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Tarsiers are categorized under the genus Tarsius, which is part of the family Tarsiidae.

Different tarsier species can be distinguished by their size, coloration, and habitat preferences. For example, the Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is known for its grey-brown fur and preference for lowland forests, while the Siau Island tarsier (Tarsius tumpara) has a more reddish-brown fur and is found only on Siau Island in Indonesia.

Many tarsier species are considered endangered or vulnerable due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the pet trade. The Siau Island tarsier is critically endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these species and their habitats.

Tarsiers are arboreal primates that prefer dense, tropical rainforests with plenty of vegetation for cover. They are nocturnal and rely on the forest's complexity to hunt insects and small vertebrates. Deforestation poses a significant threat to their survival, as it reduces their natural habitat and food sources.

Tarsiers are endemic to Southeast Asia and cannot be found naturally in the wild outside this region. Their adaptation to the specific environmental conditions of Southeast Asian rainforests makes them highly specialized and unable to thrive in other ecosystems without human intervention.

Conservation efforts for tarsiers include habitat protection, research, and breeding programs. Sanctuaries and reserves have been established in countries like the Philippines to protect tarsier populations and their habitats. Additionally, international cooperation and legal protection, such as inclusion in the CITES Appendix II, help regulate trade and promote conservation awareness.