# Gursky's Spectral Tarsier

> Gursky's Spectral Tarsier (Tarsius spectrumgurskyae). Gursky's spectral tarsier was separated from a broader spectral-tarsier concept on Sulawesi; older records may use a different name.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/tarsius-spectrumgurskyae/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/tarsius-spectrumgurskyae/
_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:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier (*Tarsius spectrumgurskyae*) is a mammal in the family Tarsiidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from North Sulawesi, Gorontalo. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Northern Sulawesi (from the tip of the northern peninsula to the Gorontalo Isthmus). Diet: insects and small vertebrates (live prey only); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Tarsius spectrumgurskyae* |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Tarsiidae |
| Observation records | North Sulawesi, Gorontalo |
| Taxonomic group | Primates |
| GBIF records | 258 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9717634) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insects and small vertebrates (live prey only) · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/162336422/162336580) |
| 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) · [Gursky's Spectral Tarsier - Tarsius spectrumgurskyae - Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/gurskys-spectral_tarsier.htm) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Northern Sulawesi (from the tip of the northern peninsula to the Gorontalo Isthmus) · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/162336422/162336580) |

## What is the Gursky's Spectral Tarsier?

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier refers to Tarsius spectrumgurskyae, in the genus Tarsius, family Tarsiidae, and order Primates. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9717634)

## What is known about the Gursky's Spectral Tarsier?

Gursky's spectral tarsier was separated from a broader spectral-tarsier concept on Sulawesi; older records may use a different name.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsius%20spectrumgurskyae)

## How many Indonesian records name the Gursky's Spectral Tarsier?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 258 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9717634&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include North Sulawesi, Gorontalo. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9717634&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Gursky's Spectral Tarsier?

Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Gursky's Spectral Tarsier with Pygmy tarsier, Sumatran Surili, Moor Macaque. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Gursky's Spectral Tarsier

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Tarsiidae |
| Genus | *Tarsius* |
| Species | *Tarsius spectrumgurskyae* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about Gursky's Spectral Tarsier

### What is the scientific name of Gursky's Spectral Tarsier?

The scientific name of Gursky's Spectral Tarsier is *Tarsius spectrumgurskyae*, in the family Tarsiidae and the order Primates.

### What kind of animal is Gursky's Spectral Tarsier?

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier is a mammal in the family Tarsiidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insects and small vertebrates (live prey only). It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does Gursky's Spectral Tarsier live in Indonesia?

Observation records of Gursky's Spectral Tarsier summarised in this guide mainly come from North Sulawesi, Gorontalo. That list is not a complete range map.

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Northern Sulawesi (from the tip of the northern peninsula to the Gorontalo Isthmus). Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/162336422/162336580).

### What does Gursky's Spectral Tarsier eat?

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier is a insects and small vertebrates (live prey only). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/162336422/162336580).

### How does Gursky's Spectral Tarsier reproduce?

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is Gursky's Spectral Tarsier nocturnal?

The cited source records Gursky's Spectral Tarsier as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [Gursky's Spectral Tarsier - Tarsius spectrumgurskyae - Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/gurskys-spectral_tarsier.htm).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of Gursky's Spectral Tarsier?

Scientific classification of Gursky's Spectral Tarsier: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Tarsiidae, genus *Tarsius*, species *Tarsius spectrumgurskyae*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is Gursky's Spectral Tarsier endangered?

Yes. On the IUCN Red List, Gursky's Spectral Tarsier is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9717634), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether Gursky's Spectral Tarsier is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9717634)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9717634&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1047733)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsius%20spectrumgurskyae)
5. [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/162336422/162336580)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
7. [Gursky's Spectral Tarsier - Tarsius spectrumgurskyae - Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/gurskys-spectral_tarsier.htm)
8. [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

- [Pygmy tarsier](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/pygmy-tarsier/)
- [Sumatran Surili](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/presbytis-melalophos/)
- [Moor Macaque](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/macaca-maura/)
- [Selayar tarsier](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/selayar-tarsier/)

---

Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Gursky's Spectral Tarsier. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/tarsius-spectrumgurskyae/