They have enormous goggly eyes, sticky-out swivelling ears, long grippy fingers - and look like Yoda
Tarsiers are small, nocturnal primates native to South-East Asian islands, known for their large eyes and specialized leaping abilities. They belong to an ancient lineage of haplorhines and are currently categorized into 14 distinct species across three genera.
Why it matters
Understanding the evolutionary history and restricted habitats of tarsiers is critical for conservation efforts in regions where their forest homes are threatened.
With truly enormous goggly eyes, sticky-out swivelling ears and long grippy fingers, Yoda-like tarsiers look almost otherworldly.
Come nightfall, these tiny primates become agile hunters, clinging to upright trunks before springing through the vegetation in pursuit of insects and other small prey. Their name comes from their extraordinarily elongated ankle bones – tarsals – which help power those prodigious leaps. Found only on a scattering of South-East Asian islands, tarsiers belong to an ancient and highly distinctive branch of the primate family tree.
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