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An unknown animal is a definition invented by A.S. Pushkin, very aptly said about the tarsier - a miniature monkey of the primate genus. And the size and appearance, and even the structure of the legs - everything in it surprises and delights. Here, clearly, nature did not skimp on fantasy, or it may be an alien inhabitant who came to Earth by chance, because he has many unique abilities that other living creatures do not possess.
Description of the species
This animal is so small that it easily fits in the palm of an adult man. Their height is from 10 to 16 cm, length is measured from the top of the head to the tail. But the tail is so long that sometimes exceeds the growth of 2 times. Weight does not exceed 130 - 160 gr. As expected, the males weigh more.
The tarsier's feet are rather long, but the rear ones are larger so that it is easier to push off and fly a few meters. Jumps of these miniature animals are graceful and swift. All their limbs are equipped with very long fingers - 5 each, with sharp claws.There are nodules on the fingers that help to climb a tree and descend without problems.
The head is disproportionate to the body, since it is very large. What is surprising: it connects with the spine vertically, and this allows the animal to rotate its head almost 360 degrees. The dolphins can rotate big ears, but these are not all their virtues. The hearing of this primate is so acute that it can recognize sounds whose frequency is over 90 kHz. Scientists have found that the tarsier has a very significant amount of brain, and therefore the head is so big.
The tarsier's eyes are perhaps its brightest distinguishing feature, since with very small animal sizes they have a diameter of 16 mm and are larger in size than the volume of its brain. Eye color is yellow. The pupils are very small, but in the dark, when it is time for a hunt, they begin to grow and glow, which always causes involuntary mystical fear among local residents. But thanks to such properties, the vision of this primate is excellent.
The whole body is covered with wool, which is brown or grayish-brown. It all depends on the species to which the tarsier belongs. No coat on ears and tail.
Habitats
Based on research, scientists were able to determine that these animals live on the planet for several million years. However, if earlier European and Asian parts, some territories of North America could be considered their native metaphors, now the habitat has narrowed considerably, and to meet these unusual animals, you should go to the far Philippine Islands, Sumatra or Borneo. But even there the number of animals is gradually decreasing, and above all, people can be called guilty of this. Because of their passion for profit, the tarsiers are caught for sale, and the forests where these animals are used to live are cut down.
Their habitats are the most dense part of the forest, where there is a large cluster of trees. It is here that the whole life of the tarsiers goes, and for this reason you can only see them if you are very lucky. They are very careful, they know how to perfectly hide in the dense foliage or hollow of a tree, besides, they are nocturnal.It is easy to crawl the tarsier along the trunk and branches, but if you need to quickly hide from the enemy or catch the victim, he can take a high jump of almost one and a half meters, and even more in length. Perhaps in sports he would give odds to any athlete.
The animals move along the tree with the help of jumps, and the tail also participates in the movement, performing the functions of balancing. Down to the ground, they rarely descend, it is more comfortable for them to be in the trees.
During the day a miniature tarsier can cover a distance of about 500 meters, guarding its territory. If there are violators of its borders, the owner of the territory declares his dissatisfaction in this way: he makes a very thin piercing squeak, and then uninvited visitors become aware that it is time to leave. An interesting fact is that a person is unable to hear these sounds, as it can perceive sounds no more than 20 kHz, and the animal emits sound signals at frequency 70. At the same frequency, much more peaceful communication between individuals takes place.
Hunter with glowing eyes
Long-lipped men prefer this way of life: to sleep during the day, and be awake and active at night. Luminous eyes help them great in this.They are like lanterns to help find the victim, which is time to eat.
Since the animal does not recognize any plant food, it belongs to the family of predators, and the hunter is very professional, has dexterity and speed of reaction. The remaining monkeys, in addition to animal food, also eat plant.
The night tiger hunt is, above all, an organized ambush. The animal takes a waiting position, freezes and patiently hides. When the victim appears, he is in no hurry to catch it. Only when there is a distance in one jump, the tarsier jumps, making a powerful throw, and leaning on his weight from above, instantly stuns and eats his lunch.
The basis for feeding this primate species is various insects and very small representatives of vertebrates. These are most often beetles and grasshoppers, which immediately lose their heads due to the sharp teeth of the animal. The tarsier who fell on the hunt firmly holds in tenacious paws. To get enough, he needs to eat about 10 percent a day. from its own weight. Locust is always the best dish for him, but small birds and tree lizards can also be used as lunch.
But these animals become objects of hunting for numerous birds of prey, and first of all the worst enemy is the family of owls.
Reproduction of the genus
Long-lipped people prefer to live alone, having their own designated small territory. For a female, this place is defined as 2 hectares, the males need several times more. But the beginning of December is usually marked by great activity, since at this time these animals begin a rut, the decline of which is noted at the end of January.
Males are very inconstant, and during this time they manage to find several brides for mating. But since one female can give birth to only one cub, this is the best option to continue the population.
Fetal bearing lasts 6 months. Mom does not make secluded places for birth and maintenance of the cub, because he will always be with her. The male does not participate in the upbringing of their own children.
A baby is born already clever. He clings tenaciously to his mother's paws on the stomach, and now he will accompany her all the time everywhere. Just born babies weigh no more than 30 grams.For the first few months, they eat only mother's milk. Then, the predatory instincts are revealed, and the sweet, tender child begins to feed, just like his mother.
Scientists were able to determine that the average life expectancy of this animal is 10 to 13 years. Since this species is equated with the endangered one, environmentalists are raising an alarm about this, and the authorities of the Philippines are trying to create the most comfortable conditions for these animals. There is even a special official center specializing in the preservation of these primates. Here all the favorable conditions for their stay and reproduction of the genus.
However, these animals do not tolerate confined spaces, and die in captivity very quickly. How many people tried to tame tarsiers, providing the most tasty dishes,arranging comfortable zones for their life - nothing happened, so these animals prefer freedom, open spaces.
Video: tarsier (Tarsius)
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