Where in Asia do tarsiers live?

Introduction: Tarsiers in Asia

Tarsiers are small primates that are found in Southeast Asia. The word ‘tarsier’ comes from the Latin word ‘tarsus’, which means ankle. This is because tarsiers have extremely long ankle bones that help them jump up to 40 times their body length from tree to tree. These nocturnal animals are known for their big eyes, which are as large as their brains, and their ability to rotate their heads up to 180 degrees.

Philippines: Home to the Philippine tarsier

The Philippine tarsier is perhaps the most well-known species of tarsier in Asia. It is found only in the Philippines, specifically in the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. The Philippine tarsier is a shy and elusive creature that is threatened by habitat loss and hunting for the pet trade. Efforts are being made to protect these animals, and there are now several tarsier sanctuaries in the Philippines that allow visitors to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Malaysia: Tarsiers in Sarawak and Sabah

Malaysia is home to two species of tarsier: the Bornean tarsier and the Western tarsier. The Bornean tarsier is found in the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, as well as in nearby Indonesia and Brunei. The Western tarsier, on the other hand, is found only in a small area of Sarawak. Both species are threatened by habitat loss, and conservation efforts are underway to protect them.

Indonesia: Sulawesi and Sumatra tarsiers

Indonesia is home to several species of tarsier, including the Sulawesi tarsier and the Sumatran tarsier. The Sulawesi tarsier is found only on the island of Sulawesi, while the Sumatran tarsier is found on the island of Sumatra. Both species are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and conservation measures are being taken to protect them.

Thailand: The elusive tarsier of Thailand

The tarsier is a rare and elusive animal in Thailand, and sightings are few and far between. The only known population of tarsiers in Thailand is in the Khao Yai National Park, where they are protected by law. However, the population is small and declining, and more needs to be done to protect these animals.

Vietnam: A lesser-known tarsier population

Vietnam is home to a lesser-known population of tarsiers, which are found in the central and southern parts of the country. There are two species of tarsier in Vietnam: the pygmy tarsier and the Hainan tarsier. Both species are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and conservation efforts are needed to protect them.

Cambodia: The tarsiers of Angkor Wat

The tarsiers of Cambodia are found in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the tarsiers are protected by law. However, the population is small and declining, and more needs to be done to protect these animals.

Laos: The tarsiers of Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is home to a population of tarsiers, which are found in the forests surrounding the plateau. The tarsiers of Laos are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and conservation measures are being taken to protect them.

Myanmar: A possible tarsier sighting

There have been reports of tarsiers in Myanmar, but little is known about the population or the species of tarsier that may be present. More research is needed to confirm the presence of tarsiers in Myanmar and to determine their conservation status.

China: The uncertain presence of tarsiers

There have been reports of tarsiers in southern China, but their presence is uncertain. More research is needed to confirm the presence of tarsiers in China and to determine their conservation status.

Conclusion: Tarsier conservation efforts in Asia

Tarsiers are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade throughout their range in Asia. Conservation efforts are being made to protect these fascinating animals, but more needs to be done to ensure their survival. Tarsier sanctuaries, protected areas, and conservation programs are all important steps towards safeguarding the future of these unique primates.

References: Sources used for this article

• "Tarsiers of Southeast Asia." National Geographic. Accessed 2 February 2022. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/t/tarsier/.
• "Philippine tarsier." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 2 February 2022. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21492/11532414.
• "Bornean tarsier." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 2 February 2022. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21491/11532408.
• "Sulawesi tarsier." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 2 February 2022. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21493/11532420.
• "Sumatran tarsier." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 2 February 2022. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21494/11532426.
• "Pygmy tarsier." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 2 February 2022. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21490/11532402.
• "Hainan tarsier." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 2 February 2022. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21489/11532396.