Ruedi's Fotothing

Tarsier
We Philippines Tarsier Monkey's are probably the smallest primates in the world. Our Latin name is 'Tarsius Syrichta'. Our diet consists of insects in the main which we eat live. Our height is between 90 to 160 mm (3.5 to 6.25 inches). Our weight is between 70 to 165 grams (3-6 ozs). Our big eyes give us very acute night vision which make us good night hunters. Our big ears can move in the direction of any noise and our heads can swivel through 180 degrees which all help us in hunting.
We are still found in parts of the Philippines and parts of Indonesia. However we used to be all over the South East Asian Islands. It has been estimated that there are between 5,000 and 10,000 of us left in the world. However that number is known to be falling. Efforts have been made to breed us in captivity but although we are very loveable animals we do not live long in captivity. If we become unhappy it is said that we commit suicide by banging our heads on something hard like cage sides.
Tarsiers like me suffer from a number of factors over the years that has seen our reduction in numbers. The destruction of the Rain Forests have been one of these factors as we all live in this type of terrain. As these have systematically been removed so the my extended family numbers have fallen.

Another factor is the hunting of my relatives for pets. The Japanese and Mexicans buy us for as little as 100 pesos (£1.50).
However we generally do not live long in captivity unless they can keep us happy and engaged. President Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation 1030 which has made the Tarsier a protected species.

Please Note - Tarsiers cannot be bought in the Philippines and should not be kept in captivity!!!!