SCIENCE TRIVIA - Jorgie Ann L.

Laoay

FACTS ABOUT TARSIER

A cuddly-looking creature with soft, grayish-fur; about 100 millimeters in height;

with rat-like tail which is longer than the body and bat-like ears, the Tarsier
(Locally called the maomag). It thrives mostly in secondary dense forests with a
diet of crickets, beetles, termites and other insects as well as small animals like
lizards, frogs, and even small birds but has almost no natural enemies in the wild.
Furthermore, this nocturnal creature has the unique ability of being able to turn
its head 180 degrees as well as to jump backward with precision. Yet ironically, is
listed as one of the countrys threatened species.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TARSIERS:
They are nocturnal animals and should not be disturbed at day time
Their main diet is insects and should not be fed with meat
They commit suicide during captivity due to trauma from touching and loud
noise
Theyre one of the slowest fetal growth rates of any mammal, taking 6
months to reach a birth weight of 23 grams
HABITAT:
They are solitary and territorial animals
A single tarsier needs at least a hectare of space per individual
They dont belong in a cage
THREATS
Habitat destruction
Introduced house cats
Hunting
Pet trade
YOU CAN HELP PRESERVE THE TARSIERS BY:
Not keeping tarsiers as pets
Not buying captured tarsiers in the pet market
Reporting cases of hunting, killing or smuggling of tarsiers; as a specially
protected faunal specie(Proclamation 1030, such acts prohibited)
Not patronizing outlets displaying illegally-acquired tarsiers
Sending donations to duly recognized bodies promoting tarsier research
and conservation