Horsfield’s Tarsier (Tarsius bancanus)
Number 0360
I know we just met the greater slow loris the other day, but here is another fuzzy fellow with huge, unmoving eyes and a neck that swivels 180 degrees. Horsfield’s tarsier lives in Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where he climbs in the trees and forages on the ground, looking for insects like cicadas, moths, stick bugs, and cockroaches, as well as bats, snakes, and birds to eat. Over the past 20 years, the Horsfield’s tarsier has lost at least 30 percent of its habitat, according to the IUCN, and it’s also a victim of the illegal pet trade.
The name tarsier comes from the tarsus bone, which is in the foot. Tarsiers have elongated ones, which helps them climb.
Any animal that preys on roaches is a friend of mine. (WAIT! Unless its the roach John had named in my honor for Valentine’s Day! All the other roaches, the tarsier can eat!)
I love how the composition of this picture makes sort of a series of concentric rings spreading out from the eyes, echoed in the highlights in his fur and ears. Accentuates those amazing eyes all the more!
Oh wow, I hadn’t consciously noticed the concentric rings, but you’re right! I like them, too. And don’t worry, this tarsier doesn’t go near Madagascar hissing cockroaches.