Tarsiers

Tarsiers are a group of primates found mainly on the islands of Southeast Asia. They are mainly active at night and are characterised by their large eyes, long hind legs and long tails. Tarsiers are important to the local ecosystem as they act as predators, controlling the insect population, and as prey for various birds, snakes and cats. They are also of scientific interest as they possess a unique, highly specialized auditory system which has been studied to help understand primate evolution and the development of hearing. Tarsiers are also kept as pets in some areas, although this is declining due to the animal's endangered status. Tarsiers play an important role in the ecosystem and are of great scientific and cultural interest, providing a valuable insight into primate evolution and behavior.