How to Care for a Tarsier

They are cute aren't they? The Philippine Tarsier with those bulging eyes? Often called the world's smallest primate- at 4-6 inches long, they are very hard to spot in the jungle. At one tine they were abundant in the Philippines. Now, they are endangered, partly because they have been hunted for pets... (uh-oh)

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A VERY big heart
• A telephone
• A tropical Forest with live insects
• Some Quick Thinking and Talking

1. Be careful. Be safe. Tarsiers are a tropical, endangered species that can carry and transmit parasites and worms to humans.
2. Protect yourself and the Tarsier. Tarsiers are an endangered species 9I may have mentioned that). They are illegal to trap and sell as pets, and may be illegal to keep as pets. You may be looking at a very nice fine if you have one.
3. Tarsiers are nocturnal animals that seek tropical forests environments at night to feed on insects and small creatures. If you are keeping one while waiting to give it to a rescue sanctuary, keep a supply of live crickets, termites, grasshoppers around for it to catch and eat.
4. Also note the word tropical- heat your place up, install a swamp cooler to add moisture, and plant trees- otherwise the little fistful of joy will go looking for his natural environment. At 4-6 inches in length the little escape artist will be easily missed.
5. Do not handle during the day. The tarsier is nocturnal, and disrupting its natural biorhythm will cause it stress- it may stop eating or start head-banging. Tarsiers in captivity live an average of 12 years, as opposed to 25 years in the wild. Tarsiers in captivity have been known to suicide.
6. If you truly care for the tarsier as a species, don't consider keeping one for a pet. If you have one, contact your local animal rescue, zoo, or primate rescue to inquire about what to do. If you are worried about fines or the legality of your situation, ask anonymously.

Tips & Warnings

• It takes a big heart to do the right thing by an animal. Tarsiers will be happiest when fed the proper diet in the habitat they are most familiar with- and they are only found in the wild on 4 islands in the Philippines. Do take care of the Tarsier.
• Be careful of handling all wild animals. Always wash your hands before and after contact. Report any bites to your doctor. Tarsiers can transmit parasites and worms to people.