Strepsirhini

Strepsirhini is a suborder of primates, which include lemurs, lorises and galagos. This suborder diverged from other primates about 60 million years ago and represents a very early stage in primate evolution. Strepsirhini primates are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia and mainly live in trees and feed on fruits, leaves and insects. They also have many unique physical characteristics, such as a ‘wet-nose’ (rhinarium) and a grooming claw on the second toe of their hind feet. Strepsirhini primates are extremely important in evolutionary studies, as they provide important insights into the ancestors of human beings. Additionally, they play an important role in the ecosystems in which they live, by dispersing the seeds of many plant species. They are also of great conservation value, as several species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.