Nature & Environment

Yoda-like 'forest goblins' found in Indonesia

By T.K. Randall
May 5, 2017 ·  5 comments

Tarsiers are peculiar looking creatures. Image Credit: CC BY 2.0 yeowatzup Named Tarsius spectrumgurskyae and T. supriatnai, the two new species, which are both types of tarsier, were initially identified from recordings of their vocalizations.

Both were found living in the northeastern forests of Sulawesi - an island in Indonesia.

Tarsiers, which were once a common sight across Asia and North Africa, are now only found scattered across the islands of Southeast Asia.

Their numbers, as well as their forest homes, have been in decline for years.

"They always startle me in the jungle," said herpetologist Rafe Brown. "You can see the glowing eyes of wild cats even in the dark, but not tarsiers. They're like little furry forest goblins."


Source: National Geographic | Comments (5)

Tags: Tarsiers