DJS PHOTOGRAPHY

                        wildlife,  NATURE,  Environment,  PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Sulawesi tarsier...

 

 

 

Sulawesi Tarsier copyright David J Slater

Spectral tarsier  Ailurops ursinus

Shy nocturnal animals, it is very unusual to see 4 together.

 

Sulawesi Tarsier copyright David J Slater

 

They will often occupy the cathedral-like inside of a fig tree for shelter, only coming out at dusk.

 

   Sulawesi Tarsier copyright David J Slater

 

Large alien-like eyes can spot small insects in complete darkness.

 

 

Sulawesi Tarsier copyright David J Slater

 

In this case it's a skink.  Spectral tarsiers are totally carnivorous, unlike other primates.

 

Sulawesi Tarsier copyright David J Slater

 

Once on the move for food they are very difficult to keep up with due to their speed.  High pitched contact calls are your only clue to their whereabouts. This individual was photographed on Buton Island, and may be a subspecies of the more widespread tarsier on the mainland (main difference being shorter tail and black mottling of coat).

 

 

Sulawesi Tarsier copyright David J Slater

 

They move around the forest with amazing leaps from branch to branch.

 

Sulawesi Tarsier copyright David J Slater

 

They return to their sleeping tree as dawn breaks.

 

 

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