Tarsius Spectrum

This is the story about little pretty animals (when I say little it’s seriously mean little) which can be found in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. I first met these little creatures in 18 May 2008 when I went to Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Scientific name for these little animals is Tarsius Spectrum (from Tarsier Family), the smallest primate known.

Tarsius Spectrum Morphology

Known as the smallest primate known, Tarsius Spectrum only weight 125 gram (for male) and 110 gram (for female). They measures between 11 and 15cm in length. They can not move their eyes but can turn their head 180 degrees.

Life as a Tarsius Spectrum

They usually found in Indonesia, on the island of Sulawesi and the nearby islands of Sangihe, Peleng, and Salayer. This species lives in a variety of habitats, including primary and secondary forests, coastal forests, and mangrove forests. This species is found at altitudes from sea level to 4000 feet.

Tarsius Spectrum is a rear animal but still relatively abundant in protected areas in Sulawesi such as Tangkoko Dua Saudara Nature Reserve. However, Tarsius Spectrum has a limited geographic range, and little is known about their current distribution throughout Sulawesi. Habitat disturbance is occurring throughout much of their known range. And their reproduction is also very slow. Every year they are only 1 baby Tarsius Spectrum born.

But to see these little animals in actions is not easy. We have to wait until night to see Tarsius Spectrum. Tarsius Spectrum usually appears when it is dark to find foods that are usually small insects.

Tarsius Spectrum is mate for life. They are monogamist. If their spouse is dead, they will get sad and die not long after.
Reference:
- http://www.theprimata.com/tarsius_spectrum.html
- http://www.freewebs.com/wallacea/tarsiers.htm
- http://www.deplujunior.org/koran_berani.html?id=278