Dwarf tarsier

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dwarf tarsier
Systematics
Order : Primates (Primates)
Subordination : Dry- nosed primates (Haplorrhini)
Partial order : Tarsiiformes
Family : Koboldmakis (Tarsiidae)
Genre : Sulawesi tarsier ( Tarsius )
Type : Dwarf tarsier
Scientific name
Tarsius pumilus
Miller & Hollister , 1921

The dwarf tarsier ( Tarsius pumilus ) is a species of primate from the group of tarsier . In 2008, the first living specimens were sighted in over 70 years.

features

Little tarsier are the smallest representatives of the tarsier. They reach a head body length of 9 to 10 centimeters, plus a tail 20 centimeters long. Their weight is around 50 to 60 grams. Their fur is yellowish-gray to reddish brown in color, it is longer and silky than that of other Koboldmakis. The tail, which is longer than the body, is very hairy. To adapt to jumping locomotion, the hind legs are enlarged and the tarsus lengthened. As with all Koboldmakis, the head is characterized by the large eyes, the ears are smaller than those of other representatives of this group.

Distribution and way of life

Little leprechauns inhabit the mountainous interior of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi . The most recently discovered animals come from the region of Mount Rore Katimbo. All specimens were discovered in mountain forests between 1800 and 2200 meters above sea level.

Very little is known about the way these animals live. Like all Koboldmakis they are nocturnal tree dwellers who move vertically climbing and jumping. Their diet is likely to consist mainly of insects.

Discovery story

The first specimen was collected in 1916, based on this specimen the species was described by Miller and Hollister in 1921 . Another animal was caught in 1930. There have been no sightings since then, until a dead pygmy tarsier was found in a rat trap in 2000. In 2008 an American team of researchers rediscovered this species. Three specimens were equipped with tracking devices, a fourth only observed.

The IUCN lists the species under “too little data available” ( data deficient ), but the rediscovery is not yet taken into account.

literature

  • Thomas Geissmann : Comparative Primatology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin et al. 2003, ISBN 3-540-43645-6 .
  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
  • Don E. Wilson, DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .

Web links