•Growing to just six-inches in length and weighing less than an average wristwatch, the tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world
•Can reach speeds of up to 25mph

By Jill Reilly


Time for tea: This tiny tarsier certainly appears to be happy to see a passing green grasshopper near its leafy perch with a look of almost surprise on its face

With a look of surprise on his face, this tiny tarsier certainly appears to be happy to see a passing green grasshopper near its leafy perch.

In a surprising display of agility, the Yoda-like animal sprang across the gap and ensnared his lunch.

Once found across the world since its evolution 45million years ago, the mammal - which is in fact not classed as a monkey but a mammal akin to a lemur or bush baby - is now endangered.


Leaps and bounds: The Yoda-like mini predator spies food and leaps over with lightning speed to get the grasshopper. In a single bound they can sometimes reaching speeds of 25mph

Mission accomplished: As these adorable pictures show the miniature mammal, native to Bohol Island, in the Philippines, makes up for its size by being a veracious predator

Growing to just six-inches in length and weighing less than an average wristwatch, the tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world.

The unwelcome attention of feral cats and the loss of habitat are to blame, but in some areas they are also caught and kept in captivity as tourist attractions.

As well as big eyes, it has big ears for hearing the insects, birds, snakes and lizards it feeds on. It also has long hind limbs and its feet have extremely elongated tarsus bones, hence his name.


Tiny animal: Growing to just six-inches in length and weighing less than an average wristwatch, the tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world


Small and smaller: A tarsier with a baby - once found across the world since its evolution 45million years ago, the mammal is now endangered

Predator: As well as big eyes, it has big ears for hearing the insects, birds, snakes and lizards it feeds on

After dark, it can jump more than 40 times its own body length.

The creature with giant saucer-shaped eyes was spotted by photographer Petr Slavik on the prowl for lunch

And in a single bound - sometimes reaching speeds of 25mph - the tarsier was caught on camera by Petr leaping on an insect meal.


The Philippine Tarsier factfile


source:dailymail