22 Jun 2012

Insect’s ass is grass as it gets too close tiny predator

tarsier enjoys meal
Lunch time ... tarsier enjoys meal

AN UNFORTUNATE grasshopper makes an easy meal for one of the planet’s cutest critters.

The tiny tarsier clutches the insect in both hands while chomping on it.

And at only five inches tall it packs a punch far beyond its tiny size.

Nevertheless the miniature mammal, native to Bohol Island, The Philippines, is under threat.

Taken from its jungle habitat and into the human world, the saucer-eyed beasts struggle to survive.

Tarsiers' cuteness works against them
Under threat ... tarsiers' cuteness works against them

Czech wildlife photographer Petr Slavik, 44, explained: “The major enemy of the tarsius is their cuteness.

“But if kept as pets they are dying very soon and they have never been successfully bred in captivity.

“For this reason the research of their behaviour is so important.”

DUIT