# Pygmy tarsier > A small Sulawesi mountain primate studied in Central Sulawesi’s forest. Live animals found again in 2008 enabled new research, while much of its ecology and population remains poorly known. Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/pygmy-tarsier/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/tarsius-kerdil/ _This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._ **Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages. ## Quick answer The pygmy tarsier (*Tarsius pumilus*) is a mammal in the family Tarsiidae. Range in Indonesia: Sulawesi mountains; live-animal studies in Central Sulawesi. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Mountains of Central Sulawesi. Diet: insects and small animals (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018). | Fact | Value | |---|---| | Scientific name | *Tarsius pumilus* | | Indonesian name | Tarsius kerdil | | Group | Mammals | | Family | Tarsiidae | | Range in Indonesia | Sulawesi mountains; live-animal studies in Central Sulawesi | | Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) | | Studied live population | Central Sulawesi | | Studied habitat | Montane cloud forest | | Activity | Nocturnal | | IUCN status | Endangered · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2436488) · checked 1 October 2026 | | Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 123 | | Body weight | 48–52 g · [Animal Diversity Web — Tarsius pumilus](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) | | Elevation | 1,800–2,200 m above sea level · [Animal Diversity Web — Tarsius pumilus](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) | | Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insects and small animals (insectivore) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) | | Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) | | Observance days | [Indonesian Primate Day (30 January)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#hari-primata-indonesia) | | Active | Nocturnal (active at night) — Also active at dusk and dawn; sleeps on vertical branches by day. · [Tarsius pumilus (pygmy tarsier) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) | | Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Mountains of Central Sulawesi · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) | ## What is the pygmy tarsier? Tarsius pumilus is a small Sulawesi mountain primate studied in Central Sulawesi. It has been compared with other tarsiers, so the scientific name matters when reading research about it. Large eyes, a small body and leaping ability characterize tarsiers, while evidence specific to this mountain species remains comparatively limited. Evidence: [Animal Diversity Web — Tarsius pumilus](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) · [Hagemann et al. (2022) — phylogeny of Tarsius pumilus](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8965421/) ## Where is its habitat? Live records and genetic sampling come from Lore Lindu mountain forest in Central Sulawesi. The 2022 paper also reports an old museum specimen from South Sulawesi, so the modern study site is not a complete range boundary. Cloud forest above 1,800 metres differs from many lowland tarsier habitats; survey coverage remains uneven. Evidence: [Hagemann et al. (2022) — phylogeny of Tarsius pumilus](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8965421/) ## Why did the 2008 rediscovery matter? Researchers located living pygmy tarsiers again in Sulawesi’s mountains in 2008 after a long gap in confirmed live records. The finding allowed behavioural observations and later genetic work. “Rediscovered” describes the gap in human documentation; it does not prove the species had actually disappeared. Evidence: [Hagemann et al. (2022) — phylogeny of Tarsius pumilus](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8965421/) ## What is known about its behaviour? Tarsiers are active at night and take small animal prey, especially arthropods. Claims about pygmy tarsier groups, home ranges and hunting must be read against the small number of animals studied. Behaviour documented for a lowland tarsier should not automatically be assigned to this mountain species. Evidence: [Animal Diversity Web — Tarsius pumilus](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) · [Hagemann et al. (2022) — phylogeny of Tarsius pumilus](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8965421/) ## What still needs study? Genetic work helps place Tarsius pumilus among Sulawesi tarsiers, but field surveys remain necessary to understand its range and population trend. Responsible observation avoids bright light, handling and disturbance at resting places. Check recent studies before repeating a population figure or precise risk claim. Evidence: [Hagemann et al. (2022) — phylogeny of Tarsius pumilus](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8965421/) ## Scientific classification of the Pygmy tarsier | Rank | Name | |---|---| | Kingdom | Animalia | | Phylum | Chordata | | Class | Mammalia | | Order | Primates | | Family | Tarsiidae | | Genus | *Tarsius* | | Species | *Tarsius pumilus* | Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Common questions about the pygmy tarsier ### What is the scientific name of the pygmy tarsier? The scientific name of the pygmy tarsier is *Tarsius pumilus*, in the family Tarsiidae. In Indonesian it is called Tarsius kerdil. ### What kind of animal is the pygmy tarsier? The pygmy tarsier is a mammal in the family Tarsiidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insects and small animals (insectivore). It is also endemic to Indonesia. ### Where does the pygmy tarsier live in Indonesia? In Indonesia, this guide records the pygmy tarsier in: Sulawesi mountains; live-animal studies in Central Sulawesi. The pygmy tarsier is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Mountains of Central Sulawesi. Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/). Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/). ### What does the pygmy tarsier eat? The pygmy tarsier is a insects and small animals (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/). ### How does the pygmy tarsier reproduce? The pygmy tarsier reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/). ### Is the pygmy tarsier nocturnal? The cited source records the pygmy tarsier as nocturnal (active at night). Also active at dusk and dawn; sleeps on vertical branches by day. Source: [Tarsius pumilus (pygmy tarsier) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/). See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/). ### What are the main features of the pygmy tarsier? Key features of the pygmy tarsier, from this guide’s sources: Body weight: 48–52 g. ### How big is the pygmy tarsier? Body weight: 48–52 g. Source: [Animal Diversity Web — Tarsius pumilus](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/). ### What is the scientific classification of the pygmy tarsier? Scientific classification of the pygmy tarsier: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Tarsiidae, genus *Tarsius*, species *Tarsius pumilus*. Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology. ### Is the pygmy tarsier endangered? Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the pygmy tarsier is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2436488), checked 1 October 2026. This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the pygmy tarsier protected in Indonesia?](#protected) ### Is the pygmy tarsier protected in Indonesia? Yes. The pygmy tarsier (*Tarsius pumilus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 123). Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests. If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ### Can the pygmy tarsier be kept as a pet? No. Because the pygmy tarsier is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited. If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ## Sources & references 1. [Animal Diversity Web — Tarsius pumilus](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tarsius_pumilus/) 2. [Hagemann et al. (2022) — phylogeny of Tarsius pumilus](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8965421/) 3. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) 4. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) 5. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Further reading [Tarsier: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/tarsier/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal. _Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._ ## Keep exploring - [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) - [Crested black macaque](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/crested-black-macaque/) - [Sulawesi bear cuscus](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sulawesi-bear-cuscus/) - [Sulawesi babirusa](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sulawesi-babirusa/) - [Gursky's Spectral Tarsier](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/tarsius-spectrumgurskyae/) - [Selayar tarsier](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/selayar-tarsier/) --- Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Pygmy tarsier. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/pygmy-tarsier/