What is a tarsier monkey?

The tarsier is a small primate of the Tarsiidae family native to several islands of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The nocturnal species spends much its time during the day resting as it clings to the trees of well-vegetated forests, mangroves and scrubs.

Tarsiers boast extremely large eyes, about ½ inch across, which enable the nocturnal animal to find prey and watch for predators in the dark. Their large, bat-like ears hear even the slightest sounds of movement. While reaching just 3.6 to 6.4 inches, the tarsier is an expert hunter, using its powerful, long hind legs to pounce on unsuspecting insects, lizards and small birds.