Widely believed to have been extinct, the pygmy tarsier, one of the world’s smallest and rarest primates, has been found on a mountain-top on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Until now, scientists had not seen a pygmy tarsier alive since 1921.
Scientists used nets to trap two male and one female mouse-sized pygmy tarsier in order to place radio collars around their necks to track their movements.
These cute, furry, nocturnal creatures weigh just 2 ounces (50 grams), and have been described as looking a lot like Gremlins.
Real Furbys
Live Pygmy Tarsier Found After 85 Years
Trend Themes
1. Rediscovery of Pygmy Tarsier - The recent rediscovery of the pygmy tarsier presents an opportunity for scientific research and conservation efforts for this endangered species.
2. Tracking Wildlife Movements - The use of radio collars to track the movements of pygmy tarsiers opens up possibilities for monitoring and studying other elusive animal species in remote environments.
3. Exploring Biodiversity in Sulawesi - The finding of pygmy tarsiers on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi sheds light on the island's unique biodiversity, creating opportunities for ecotourism and conservation initiatives.
Industry Implications
1. Wildlife Conservation - The rediscovery of the pygmy tarsier calls for innovative conservation strategies and investment in protecting endangered species.
2. Zoological Research - Research on pygmy tarsiers can lead to breakthroughs in understanding primate behavior, genetics, and evolution.
3. Ecotourism - The unique biodiversity of Sulawesi, including the pygmy tarsier, presents ecotourism opportunities for companies that specialize in sustainable travel experiences.