Tarsier
A small nocturnal primate native to Southeast Asian islands, distinguished by enormous eyes, elongated ankle bones, and leaping locomotion.
Tarsiidae: A primate family comprising all living tarsiers. Tarsiers are the sole living members of this family.
Saltatorial locomotion: Movement primarily by jumping, using powerful hind limbs to propel the body. Tarsiers use elongated ankle bones and hind limbs to leap between supports.
Philippine tarsier: A small tarsier species native to the Philippine islands, including Bohol, Samar, and Leyte. It is among the best-known tarsiers and illustrates the group’s island distribution.
Haplorhini: A primate suborder containing tarsiers, monkeys, and apes. Tarsiers belong to this branch despite their older classification alongside lemurs.
Habitat fragmentation: The division of continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches. Fragmented forests can restrict movement between tarsier groups and reduce suitable hunting grounds.
Primate: A mammalian order characterized by grasping hands, forward-facing eyes, and relatively large brains. Tarsiers share primate traits while retaining distinctive adaptations for nocturnal hunting.
Saccadic eye movement: A rapid, coordinated movement that shifts the eyes from one point of fixation to another. Tarsier eyes are too large to rotate in their sockets, so the head turns to redirect their gaze.
Spectral tarsier: A tarsier species native to Sulawesi and nearby Indonesian islands. Its social behavior and island range distinguish it from Philippine tarsiers.
Strepsirrhini: A primate suborder that includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos. Older classifications grouped tarsiers with strepsirrhines, but genetic evidence places them with haplorhines.
Deforestation: The removal or conversion of forest cover by human activity or natural processes. Forest loss threatens the island habitats on which tarsiers depend.