Pygmy Tarsier
EN

Pygmy Tarsier

Tarsius pumilus

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_tarsier

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Tarsius pumilus faces severe habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range in Central Sulawesi. Mining activities and human settlement expansion have further fragmented the remaining forest patches where this species occurs. The species' highly specialized nocturnal lifestyle and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to even small-scale habitat disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

Tarsius pumilus inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests in the mountainous regions of Central Sulawesi, typically at elevations between 1,800-2,300 meters. The species requires dense forest canopy with abundant vertical structures for sleeping sites and foraging areas.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in TARSIIDAE

VU

Tarsius wallacei

Declining
Tarsius spectrumgurskyaeVU

Tarsius spectrumgurskyae

Declining
Tarsius fuscusVU

Tarsius fuscus

Declining
Siau Island TarsierCR

Siau Island Tarsier

Tarsius tumpara

Declining

Threatened in Indonesia

EN

Speckle-faced Bent-toed Gecko

Cyrtodactylus psarops

Unknown
Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
VU

Bacan Myzomela

Myzomela batjanensis

Declining
VU

Hopea coriacea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pygmy Tarsier classified as Endangered?
Pygmy Tarsier is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Tarsius pumilus faces severe habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range in Central Sulawesi. Mining activities and human settlement expansion have further fragmented the remaining forest patches where this species occurs. The species' highly specialized nocturnal lifestyle and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to even small-scale habitat disturbances.
Where does Pygmy Tarsier live?
Pygmy Tarsier occurs in Indonesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pygmy Tarsier?
The main threats to Pygmy Tarsier are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.