{"id":41974,"date":"2024-09-11T10:33:20","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T08:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ed6c1e7d-e4e4-49c9-bab1-3f07bf2e44c8"},"modified":"2024-09-11T11:27:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T09:27:31","slug":"yoda-like-tarsiers-are-struggling-to-sleep-and-it-could-be-the-death-of-them-warn-scientists","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/yoda-like-tarsiers-are-struggling-to-sleep-and-it-could-be-the-death-of-them-warn-scientists\/","title":{"rendered":"Yoda-like tarsiers are struggling to sleep \u2013 and it could be the death of them, warn scientists"},"content":{"rendered":"

A recent survey of tarsier numbers in the Philippines\u2019 Mount Matutum Protected Landscape suggests worrying declines for the cute critters, with light and noise pollution believed to be among the key threats. <\/p>

By Graeme Green\n <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 11 September 2024 at 08:33 AM<\/p>

\n\n

A survey of tarsier numbers in the Philippines\u2019 Mount Matutum Protected Landscape has given conservationists cause for concern.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

The Philippine tarsier is one of the world\u2019s smallest primates<\/a> and belongs to the Tarsiidae family, with species found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Borneo and Sulawesi.\u00a0With large bulging eyes, a tiny body and long fingers, they are often compared to science fiction characters ET and Yoda. <\/p>

But their cuteness has counted against them \u2013 they have been poached for the pet trade and made to pose for photos with paying tourists. Habitat loss, along with sound and light pollution are another key threats.\u00a0Tarsiers are currently listed on the IUCN\u2019s Red List of Threatened Species as Near Threatened. <\/p>