Pocket-Sized Primates Once Thought Extinct, Rediscovered after Almost 80 Years
The pygmy tarsier, a cute little primate that resembles a miniature furby, has been rediscovered after almost 80 years. Photo: Sharon Gursky-Doyen/Texas A&M University.
Scientists have discovered three specimens of a tiny primate believed by some to be extinct.
The pocket-sized creature, which has a scientific name of Tarsius pumilus, is commonly known as the Pygmy Tarsier, Mountain Tarsier, Lesser Spectral Tarsier, and Sulawesi Mountain Tarsier.
Until recently, some scientists believed that the pygmy tarsier was extinct, as no live specimen had been seen since 1930. In 2000, two Indonesian scientists trapped and accidentally killed a pygmy tarsier on Mt. Rore Katimbo in Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
That incident prompted a new search for the furby-like creatures, which resulted in the recent find - two males and one female.
The research team promptly placed radio collars on the animals for tracking. Unfortunately, since then, the female tarsier has been eaten by a hawk.
Pygmy tarsiers are known for their uncanny ability to turn their head 180 degrees. This made the research team’s more difficult when it came to placing the radio collars on the animals.
“I have the dubious honor of being the only person in the world to have been bitten by [a pygmy tarsier],” said Sharon Gursky-Doyen of Texas A&M University.
“My field assistant was holding the tarsier and I was attaching a radio collar around its neck and while I was attaching the radio collar he bit me [on the finger].”
The research was funded by National Geographic Society, Conservation International Primate Action Fund, Primate Conservation Incorporated and Texas A&M University.
Previously, only two live specimens of pygmy tarsier have ever been found. Photo: Sharon Gursky-Doyen/Texas A&M University.
Not much is known about pygmy tarsiers. In fact, the pygmy tarsier is among the least known primates in existence.
Apart from this recent discovery, only three other specimens have ever been found (only two live specimens). The first live specimen was found in 1916 and the second in 1930. All three specimens are currently in museums.
Tags: Conservation, endandered species, extinction
