A tarsier is a small primate, weighing around 150g. It has remarkably large eyes, each one the same size and weight as its brain. A tarsier's hindlimb length is the result of elongation of the foot's tarsal bones, unique among mammals. This clever adaptation gives it the longest hindlimbs of any mammal relative to body length, without loss of dexterity.
There are fewer than ten species of tarsier, all similarly adept at leaping and clinging. Once attached to tree they can be incredibly difficult to remove. Once widespread, tarsiers were once found in North America, Europe and Asia. Today their range is restricted to the forested archipelagos of southeast Asia.
More...
Bookmarks