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Myron Shekelle - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Identifying genetic relationships among Tarsier populations in the islands of Bunaken National Park and mainland Sulawesi.
PLOS ONE, 2020Co-Authors: Thalita Christiani Pingkan Sumampow, Myron Shekelle, Paul Beier, Faith M. Walker, Crystal M. HeppAbstract:Eastern Tarsiers (Tarsius Tarsier complex) are small nocturnal primates endemic to Sulawesi Island and small adjacent islands of Indonesia. In 2004, the hybrid biogeography hypothesis predicted this species complex might contain 16 or more taxa, each corresponding to a region of endemism, based on: 1) geological evidence of the development of the archipelago, 2) biological evidence in the form of concordant distributions of monkeys and toads, and 3) the distribution of Tarsier acoustic groups. Since then, 11 Tarsier species have been recognized, potentially leaving more to be described. Efforts to identify these cryptic species are urgently needed so that habitat conversion, pet trade, and cultural activities will not render some species extinct before they are recognized. We gathered data to test the hypothesis of cryptic Tarsier species on three volcanic islands in Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi, namely Bunaken, Manadotua, and Mantehage, during May-August 2018. We sequenced individuals at 5 nuclear genes (ABCA1, ADORA3, AXIN1, RAG, and TTR) and made comparisons to existing genotypes at 14 mainland sites. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses revealed that island populations are genetically identical in all 5 genes, and formed a clade separated from the mainland ones. The eastern Tarsiers first diverged from the western Tarsiers approximately 2.5 MYA. The three island populations diverged from mainland Tarsiers approximately 2,000-150,000 YA, due to either human activities or natural rafting. This study provides information for Tarsier conservation, advances the understanding of biogeography of Sulawesi, and contributes to Indonesian awareness of biodiversity. Further quantitative genetics research on Tarsiers, especially the island populations, will offer significant insights to establish more efficient and strategic Tarsier conservation actions.
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Tarsier_Convert_input
2016Co-Authors: Rafe M. Brown, Myron Shekelle, Irene Neri-arboleda, Jennifer A. Weghorst, Karen V. Olson, Mariano R. M. Duya, Anthony J. Barley, Jacob A. Esselstyn, Nathaniel J. DominyAbstract:Tarsier microsatelite
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Primates of The Oriental Night THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF INDONESIA’S TarsierS
2015Co-Authors: Sharon Gursky, Myron Shekelle, Ra NietschAbstract:We present a method for making best guess estimates for the conservation status of 20 Indonesian Tarsier taxa and populations listed in the taxonomy of Brandon-Jones et al. (2004). Published distribution maps were used to make rough estimates of the extent of occurrence. The accuracy of our estimates is sufficient that nearly all taxa and populations can be confidently assigned to one of the four size-based categories (i.e. 1- 100 km, 100- 5000 km, 5000- 20,000 km,>20,000 km) in the IUCN Red List guidelines. We used data and reports concerning habitat loss throughout Indonesia, and inferred commensurate range fragmentation, and declines in habitat quality and overall population numbers throughout the range of Tarsiers in Indonesia. These inferences were supplemented with other information and personal observations where available. Based on our calculations, we make the following recommendations for the conservation status of Indonesia’s Tarsiers. One taxon and one population warrant Critically Endangered (CR) status: Tarsius bancanus natunensis and T. sangirensis Siau population. Three taxa and four populations warrant Endangered (EN) status: Tarsius pelengensis, T. pumilus, T. sangirensis, and four acoustic forms of T. Tarsier (i.e., the Tinombo form, the Togian form, the Selayar form and the Kabaena form). Indonesian Tarsier species that we recommend be listed as Vulnerable (VU) include two taxa and three populations: Tarsius bancanus saltator, Tarsius dentatus (=dianae), and three acoustic forms of T. Tarsier (=spectrum) (i.e., the Manado form, the Gorontalo form, and the Buton form). Indonesian Tarsier species that we recommend be listed as Lower Risk include two taxa: Tarsiu
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1Primates of The Oriental Night TAXONOMIC HISTORY OF THE TarsierS, EVIDENCE FOR THE ORIGINS OF BUFFON’S Tarsier, AND THE FATE OF Tarsius spectrum Pallas, 1778
2015Co-Authors: Colin Groves, Myron ShekelleAbstract:A survey of the history of Tarsier taxonomy indicates that Tarsius Tarsier Erxleben, 1777 is a senior subjective synonym of T. spectrum Pallas, 1778. Buffon’s Tarsier, long thought lost or possibly destroyed, has been recently rediscovered and is identified as being eastern in origin (i.e. from within what has previously been classified as T. spectrum or the T. spectrum complex). The identification of Buffon’s Tarsier as an Eastern Tarsier alters Hill’s taxonomy by making T. spectrum a junior subjective synonym of T. Tarsier. Eastern Tarsiers become the type species of the genus. Our work, conducted, before the rediscovery of Buffon’s specimen, is based on illustrations of the skin and cranium by Daubenton. Investigations of Buffon’s specimen are ongoing, but do not alter our fundamental conclusions. Daubenton’s illustration of the cranium shows a nasal profile that is not consistent with published illustrations of Philippine and Western Tarsiers. Several other characteristics are argued to be consistent with Buffon’s Tarsier being eastern in origin
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Primates of The Oriental Night A METHOD FOR MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS AND CLASSIFICATION OF Tarsier TAIL
2014Co-Authors: Myron Shekelle, Colin Groves, Irene Neri-arboleda, Sharon Gursky, Ra NietschAbstract:Several independent studies of acoustics, DNA, and morphology support the hypothesis of numerous cryptic sibling taxa within Tarsius Tarsier (=spectrum), but direct comparison among studies is often hindered by the relative incomparability of specimens (e.g. those that measure acoustic form versus those that measure crania). Tail tufts have been used for taxonomic identification both among and within Tarsier species groups, but traditional univariate measures of tail tuft have yielded disappointing results. We used an ordinary ruler to assess 105 museum specimens and captive animals for overall tail length and five measurements of tail tuft fur length. We used a discriminant function analysis for 2 sets of analyses, one on all 105 Tarsiers specimens grouped by Tarsier species groups, and another on 37 Eastern Tarsiers grouped by taxon. To accommodate for possible changes in tail length due to preservation method, separate analyses were conducted for both using: a) all variables, and b) all variable except tail length. In the analysis of all Tarsiers grouped by species group with all variables, 96.2 % of the original grouped cases were correctly classified, and 93.3 % of cross-validated cases were correctly classified, while the respective values were 91.4 % and 89.5 % when the variable, tail length, was excluded. In the analysis of Eastern Tarsiers grouped by taxon with all variables, 86.5 % of the original cases were correctly classified, and 67.6 % of the cross-validated cases correctly classified, while the respective values were 78.4 % and 45.9 % when the variable tail length was excluded. This method clearly has utility for diagnosing Tarsier species groups, and it shows strong potential for assisting in the diagnosis of fine scale taxonomic variatio
Colin Groves - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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1Primates of The Oriental Night TAXONOMIC HISTORY OF THE TarsierS, EVIDENCE FOR THE ORIGINS OF BUFFON’S Tarsier, AND THE FATE OF Tarsius spectrum Pallas, 1778
2015Co-Authors: Colin Groves, Myron ShekelleAbstract:A survey of the history of Tarsier taxonomy indicates that Tarsius Tarsier Erxleben, 1777 is a senior subjective synonym of T. spectrum Pallas, 1778. Buffon’s Tarsier, long thought lost or possibly destroyed, has been recently rediscovered and is identified as being eastern in origin (i.e. from within what has previously been classified as T. spectrum or the T. spectrum complex). The identification of Buffon’s Tarsier as an Eastern Tarsier alters Hill’s taxonomy by making T. spectrum a junior subjective synonym of T. Tarsier. Eastern Tarsiers become the type species of the genus. Our work, conducted, before the rediscovery of Buffon’s specimen, is based on illustrations of the skin and cranium by Daubenton. Investigations of Buffon’s specimen are ongoing, but do not alter our fundamental conclusions. Daubenton’s illustration of the cranium shows a nasal profile that is not consistent with published illustrations of Philippine and Western Tarsiers. Several other characteristics are argued to be consistent with Buffon’s Tarsier being eastern in origin
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Primates of The Oriental Night A METHOD FOR MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS AND CLASSIFICATION OF Tarsier TAIL
2014Co-Authors: Myron Shekelle, Colin Groves, Irene Neri-arboleda, Sharon Gursky, Ra NietschAbstract:Several independent studies of acoustics, DNA, and morphology support the hypothesis of numerous cryptic sibling taxa within Tarsius Tarsier (=spectrum), but direct comparison among studies is often hindered by the relative incomparability of specimens (e.g. those that measure acoustic form versus those that measure crania). Tail tufts have been used for taxonomic identification both among and within Tarsier species groups, but traditional univariate measures of tail tuft have yielded disappointing results. We used an ordinary ruler to assess 105 museum specimens and captive animals for overall tail length and five measurements of tail tuft fur length. We used a discriminant function analysis for 2 sets of analyses, one on all 105 Tarsiers specimens grouped by Tarsier species groups, and another on 37 Eastern Tarsiers grouped by taxon. To accommodate for possible changes in tail length due to preservation method, separate analyses were conducted for both using: a) all variables, and b) all variable except tail length. In the analysis of all Tarsiers grouped by species group with all variables, 96.2 % of the original grouped cases were correctly classified, and 93.3 % of cross-validated cases were correctly classified, while the respective values were 91.4 % and 89.5 % when the variable, tail length, was excluded. In the analysis of Eastern Tarsiers grouped by taxon with all variables, 86.5 % of the original cases were correctly classified, and 67.6 % of the cross-validated cases correctly classified, while the respective values were 78.4 % and 45.9 % when the variable tail length was excluded. This method clearly has utility for diagnosing Tarsier species groups, and it shows strong potential for assisting in the diagnosis of fine scale taxonomic variatio
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The Genera and Species of Tarsiidae
International Journal of Primatology, 2010Co-Authors: Colin Groves, Myron ShekelleAbstract:We revise the taxonomy of the primate family Tarsiidae. We classify extant Tarsiers in 3 genera— Tarsius , Cephalopachus , and Carlito —each of which originated in the Miocene, or earlier, and each of which is allopatrically distributed within a distinct biogeographic region: Sulawesi, Sundaland, and Greater Mindanao, respectively. Within the genus Tarsius , formerly regarded as a single species, Tarsius spectrum , we recognize 8 allopatric and parapatric species, 9 if the inclusion of pumilus is warranted, and note that more are likely to be described in the near future. We restrict Tarsius Tarsier , the senior taxon of the genus, to the island of Selayar, off the tip of the southwestern peninsula of Sulawesi. In doing so, it is required that we resurrect Tarsius fuscus Fischer 1804, for the population of Tarsiers from the southwestern peninsula near the city of Makassar. We note that neither Cephalopachus nor Carlito has been the subject of anywhere near as much field research as has Tarsius ; thus we question if the currently accepted α taxonomy for these genera is based on knowledge or ignorance.
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The Rediscovery of Buffon's Tarsier
International Journal of Primatology, 2010Co-Authors: Cécile Callou, Jacques Cuisin, Colin GrovesAbstract:The Tarsier described by Buffon and Daubenton (1765) is the source of all scientific names given to Tarsiers, with the sole exception of Simia syrichta Linnaeus 1758, until the early the 19th century, and most even up to the 1820s. It is therefore extremely important to try to determine precisely what this individual might have been. We here summarize what is known of the specimen and its history, and of other specimens with which it has potentially been confused. We argue that, though there is some room for doubt, in all probability this important species still exists.
Stefan Merker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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RESEARCH ARTICLE Stop and Go –Waves of Tarsier Dispersal Mirror the Genesis of Sulawesi Island
2016Co-Authors: Christine Driller, Stefan Merker, Dyah Perwitasari-farajallah, Walberto Sinaga, Novita Anggraeni, Hans ZischlerAbstract:The Indonesian island of Sulawesi harbors a highly endemic and diverse fauna sparking fas-cination since long beforeWallace’s contemplation of biogeographical patterns in the region. Allopatric diversification driven by geological or climatic processes has been identified as the main mechanism shaping present faunal distribution on the island. There is both consensus and conflict among range patterns of terrestrial species pointing to the different effects of vicariant events on once co-distributed taxa. Tarsiers, small nocturnal primates with possible evidence of an Eocene fossil record on the Asian mainland, are at present exclusively found in insular Southeast Asia. Sulawesi is hotspot of Tarsier diversity, whereby island colonization and subsequent radiation of this old endemic primate lineage remained largely enigmatic. To resolve the phylogeographic history of Sulawesi Tarsiers we analyzed an island-wide sample for a set of five approved autosomal phylogenetic markers (ABCA1, ADORA3, AXIN1, RAG1, and TTR) and the paternally inherited SRY gene. We constructed ML and Bayesian phylogenetic trees and estimated divergence times between Tarsier populations. We found that their arrival at the Proto-Sulawesi archipelago coincided with initial Miocene tectonic uplift and hypothesize that Tarsiers dispersed over the region in distinct waves. Intra-island diversification was spurred by land emergence and a rapid succession of glacial cycles dur-ing the Plio-Pleistocene. Some Tarsier range boundaries concur with spatial limits in other taxa backing the notion of centers of faunal endemism on Sulawesi. This congruence, how-ever, has partially been superimposed by taxon-specific dispersal patterns
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Stop and Go - Waves of Tarsier Dispersal Mirror the Genesis of Sulawesi Island.
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Christine Driller, Stefan Merker, Dyah Perwitasari-farajallah, Walberto Sinaga, Novita Anggraeni, Hans ZischlerAbstract:The Indonesian island of Sulawesi harbors a highly endemic and diverse fauna sparking fascination since long before Wallace’s contemplation of biogeographical patterns in the region. Allopatric diversification driven by geological or climatic processes has been identified as the main mechanism shaping present faunal distribution on the island. There is both consensus and conflict among range patterns of terrestrial species pointing to the different effects of vicariant events on once co-distributed taxa. Tarsiers, small nocturnal primates with possible evidence of an Eocene fossil record on the Asian mainland, are at present exclusively found in insular Southeast Asia. Sulawesi is hotspot of Tarsier diversity, whereby island colonization and subsequent radiation of this old endemic primate lineage remained largely enigmatic. To resolve the phylogeographic history of Sulawesi Tarsiers we analyzed an island-wide sample for a set of five approved autosomal phylogenetic markers (ABCA1, ADORA3, AXIN1, RAG1, and TTR) and the paternally inherited SRY gene. We constructed ML and Bayesian phylogenetic trees and estimated divergence times between Tarsier populations. We found that their arrival at the Proto-Sulawesi archipelago coincided with initial Miocene tectonic uplift and hypothesize that Tarsiers dispersed over the region in distinct waves. Intra-island diversification was spurred by land emergence and a rapid succession of glacial cycles during the Plio-Pleistocene. Some Tarsier range boundaries concur with spatial limits in other taxa backing the notion of centers of faunal endemism on Sulawesi. This congruence, however, has partially been superimposed by taxon-specific dispersal patterns.
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Stop and Go – Waves of Tarsier Dispersal Mirror the Genesis of Sulawesi Island
2015Co-Authors: Christine Driller, Stefan Merker, Dyah Perwitasari-farajallah, Walberto Sinaga, Novita Anggraeni, Hans ZischlerAbstract:The Indonesian island of Sulawesi harbors a highly endemic and diverse fauna sparking fascination since long before Wallace’s contemplation of biogeographical patterns in the region. Allopatric diversification driven by geological or climatic processes has been identified as the main mechanism shaping present faunal distribution on the island. There is both consensus and conflict among range patterns of terrestrial species pointing to the different effects of vicariant events on once co-distributed taxa. Tarsiers, small nocturnal primates with possible evidence of an Eocene fossil record on the Asian mainland, are at present exclusively found in insular Southeast Asia. Sulawesi is hotspot of Tarsier diversity, whereby island colonization and subsequent radiation of this old endemic primate lineage remained largely enigmatic. To resolve the phylogeographic history of Sulawesi Tarsiers we analyzed an island-wide sample for a set of five approved autosomal phylogenetic markers (ABCA1, ADORA3, AXIN1, RAG1, and TTR) and the paternally inherited SRY gene. We constructed ML and Bayesian phylogenetic trees and estimated divergence times between Tarsier populations. We found that their arrival at the Proto-Sulawesi archipelago coincided with initial Miocene tectonic uplift and hypothesize that Tarsiers dispersed over the region in distinct waves. Intra-island diversification was spurred by land emergence and a rapid succession of glacial cycles during the Plio-Pleistocene. Some Tarsier range boundaries concur with spatial limits in other taxa backing the notion of centers of faunal endemism on Sulawesi. This congruence, however, has partially been superimposed by taxon-specific dispersal patterns.
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Informal maps of Sulawesi and Tarsier phylogenetic trees.
2015Co-Authors: Christine Driller, Stefan Merker, Dyah Perwitasari-farajallah, Walberto Sinaga, Novita Anggraeni, Hans ZischlerAbstract:A) Malay Archipelago and distribution of extant Tarsiers. Dotted lines: Western (Wallace Line, WL) and eastern boundary (Lydekker Line, LL) of the Wallacea region. Dashed line: Sunda Arc. B) Main tectonic sutures on Sulawesi [1]. Arrows point to topographically significant regions. C) Species ranges of distinct lineages. White continuous lines: Macaque and toad hybrid zones, white dotted lines: Toad ranges deviating from the nearest macaque hybrid zone [4]; Continuous black lines: Distribution of Tarsier acoustic forms [9, 17], thick black lines and circle indicate the discontinuous range of T. wallacei [17], in black dotted areas, Tarsier species boundaries are yet to be determined; White dashed line: population differentiation in a Sulawesian bat species, Thoopterus nigrescens [5]. D) Study sites on Sulawesi indicated by white dots (2001–2008; BAT: Batusuya; KAM: Kamarora; KOJ: Koja; LAO: Laone; MAK: Make; PEA: Peana; UWE: Uwemanje), black dots (2009–2010; BAN: Bantimurung; DUA: Duasaudara; KEN: Kendari; KOR: Korosule; LAB: Labanu; LUW: Luwuk; OGA: Ogatemuku) and coloured squares. Squares mark sites where only Tarsier vocalizations were recorded (blue: T. dentatus-like, red: T. lariang-like). Colored labels mark populations with taxonomic affiliation (see color key at the top right). E) Time-calibrated multilocus Bayesian species tree with posterior probabilities (pp) above 0.5 for internal nodes and 95% confidence intervals on divergence time estimates indicated by grey node bars. Lower case letters correspond to node names in Table 2. Arrows at the time-scale point to the Sundaland/Sula-Spur collision at 23 MYA [1] and significant sea-level lowstands at 10 and 2.5 MYA [19].
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Control Region Length Dynamics Potentially Drives Amino Acid Evolution in Tarsier Mitochondrial Genomes
Journal of Molecular Evolution, 2014Co-Authors: Stefan Merker, Dyah Perwitasari-farajallah, Sarah Thomas, Elke Völker, Barbara Feldmeyer, Bruno Streit, Markus PfenningerAbstract:Patterns and processes of molecular evolution critically influence inferences in phylogeny and phylogeography. Within primates, a shift in evolutionary rates has been identified as the rationale for contrasting findings from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA studies as to the position of Tarsius . While the latter now seems settled, we sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of three Sulawesi Tarsiers ( Tarsius dentatus , T. lariang , and T. wallacei ) and analyzed substitution rates among Tarsiers and other primates to infer driving processes of molecular evolution. We found substantial length polymorphism of the D-loop within Tarsier individuals, but little variation of predominant lengths among them, regardless of species. Length variation was due to repetitive elements in the CSB domain—minisatellite motifs of 35 bp length and microsatellite motifs of 6 bp length. Amino acid evolutionary rates were second highest among major primate taxa relative to nucleotide substitution rates. We observed many radical possibly function-altering amino acid changes that were rarely driven by positive selection and thus potentially slightly deleterious or neutral. We hypothesize that the observed pattern of an increased amino acid evolutionary rate in Tarsier mitochondrial genomes may be caused by hitchhiking of slightly deleterious mutations with favored D-loop length variants selected for maximizing replication success within the cell or the mitochondrion.
Sharon Gursky - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Impact of Typhoon Haiyan on a Philippine Tarsier Population.
Folia Primatologica, 2017Co-Authors: Sharon Gursky, Nanda B Grow, Cristina C. Salibay, Lori FieldsAbstract:Over the last 2 decades the Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta aka Tarsius syrichta) has had its conservation status revised from Endangered to Data Deficient to Near Threatened. The last status change was based on a study of the species' population density, which suggested that a single natural catastrophe could potentially wipe out the Philippine Tarsier. In 2013 typhoon Haiyan hit Bohol, one of the island strongholds for this species. In this study we compare the density of the Bohol Tarsier population within the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary before and after the typhoon. We demonstrate that the typhoon significantly affected the density of the Philippine Tarsier in the sanctuary. Before the typhoon, Tarsier density was approximately 157 individuals/km2 whereas after the typhoon the density was a mere 36 individuals/km2. Prior to the typhoon, more Philippine Tarsiers were found in older secondary forest than in younger secondary forest, whereas after the typhoon all observed individuals were found in relatively younger secondary forest. Vegetation plots where we observed Philippine Tarsiers prior to the typhoon contained a mean of 33 trees/m2, with a mean diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 cm, and a mean height of 4 m. After the typhoon vegetation plots contained an average of 156 trees, had a mean DBH of 6 cm, and a mean height of 2 m. Based on the IUCN Red List criteria, the reduction and fluctuation in the density of this species suggests that the conservation status of the Philippine Tarsier should be changed to Vulnerable. This study indicates natural disasters can have a significant effect on the extinction risk of primates, with implications for future effects of anthropogenic climate change.
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Primates of The Oriental Night THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF INDONESIA’S TarsierS
2015Co-Authors: Sharon Gursky, Myron Shekelle, Ra NietschAbstract:We present a method for making best guess estimates for the conservation status of 20 Indonesian Tarsier taxa and populations listed in the taxonomy of Brandon-Jones et al. (2004). Published distribution maps were used to make rough estimates of the extent of occurrence. The accuracy of our estimates is sufficient that nearly all taxa and populations can be confidently assigned to one of the four size-based categories (i.e. 1- 100 km, 100- 5000 km, 5000- 20,000 km,>20,000 km) in the IUCN Red List guidelines. We used data and reports concerning habitat loss throughout Indonesia, and inferred commensurate range fragmentation, and declines in habitat quality and overall population numbers throughout the range of Tarsiers in Indonesia. These inferences were supplemented with other information and personal observations where available. Based on our calculations, we make the following recommendations for the conservation status of Indonesia’s Tarsiers. One taxon and one population warrant Critically Endangered (CR) status: Tarsius bancanus natunensis and T. sangirensis Siau population. Three taxa and four populations warrant Endangered (EN) status: Tarsius pelengensis, T. pumilus, T. sangirensis, and four acoustic forms of T. Tarsier (i.e., the Tinombo form, the Togian form, the Selayar form and the Kabaena form). Indonesian Tarsier species that we recommend be listed as Vulnerable (VU) include two taxa and three populations: Tarsius bancanus saltator, Tarsius dentatus (=dianae), and three acoustic forms of T. Tarsier (=spectrum) (i.e., the Manado form, the Gorontalo form, and the Buton form). Indonesian Tarsier species that we recommend be listed as Lower Risk include two taxa: Tarsiu
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Primates of The Oriental Night A METHOD FOR MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS AND CLASSIFICATION OF Tarsier TAIL
2014Co-Authors: Myron Shekelle, Colin Groves, Irene Neri-arboleda, Sharon Gursky, Ra NietschAbstract:Several independent studies of acoustics, DNA, and morphology support the hypothesis of numerous cryptic sibling taxa within Tarsius Tarsier (=spectrum), but direct comparison among studies is often hindered by the relative incomparability of specimens (e.g. those that measure acoustic form versus those that measure crania). Tail tufts have been used for taxonomic identification both among and within Tarsier species groups, but traditional univariate measures of tail tuft have yielded disappointing results. We used an ordinary ruler to assess 105 museum specimens and captive animals for overall tail length and five measurements of tail tuft fur length. We used a discriminant function analysis for 2 sets of analyses, one on all 105 Tarsiers specimens grouped by Tarsier species groups, and another on 37 Eastern Tarsiers grouped by taxon. To accommodate for possible changes in tail length due to preservation method, separate analyses were conducted for both using: a) all variables, and b) all variable except tail length. In the analysis of all Tarsiers grouped by species group with all variables, 96.2 % of the original grouped cases were correctly classified, and 93.3 % of cross-validated cases were correctly classified, while the respective values were 91.4 % and 89.5 % when the variable, tail length, was excluded. In the analysis of Eastern Tarsiers grouped by taxon with all variables, 86.5 % of the original cases were correctly classified, and 67.6 % of the cross-validated cases correctly classified, while the respective values were 78.4 % and 45.9 % when the variable tail length was excluded. This method clearly has utility for diagnosing Tarsier species groups, and it shows strong potential for assisting in the diagnosis of fine scale taxonomic variatio
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Altitude and Forest Edges Influence the Density and Distribution of Pygmy Tarsiers (Tarsius pumilus)
American Journal of Primatology, 2013Co-Authors: Nanda B Grow, Sharon Gursky, Yulius DumaAbstract:In this study, we examine how high-altitude ecology and anthropogenic edges relate to the density and distribution of pygmy Tarsiers. Pygmy Tarsiers (Tarsius pumilus) are extremely small-bodied primates (55 g) that are endemic to high-altitude forest and exhibit several differences from lowland Sulawesian Tarsier species. From June to September 2010 and January to March 2012, we conducted a population census of pygmy Tarsiers across multiple altitudes. Sampling took place within a 1.2 km2 area encompassing altitudes of 2,000–2,300 m a.s.l. on Mt. Rore Katimbu in Lore Lindu National Park, central Sulawesi, Indonesia. We observed 22 individuals, with an estimated population density of 92 individuals per 100 ha. These results indicate that pygmy Tarsiers live at a lower density than lowland Sulawesian Tarsier species. Lower density was associated with decreased resources at higher altitudes, including decreased tree size, tree density, and insect biomass. Within the sample area, we found pygmy Tarsiers in only 8 of 24 (33%) quadrats, suggesting a nonrandom distribution that probably overinflated this population density estimate. Pygmy Tarsiers exhibited a clumped distribution near anthropogenic edges that were associated with increased insect abundance and biomass. Airborne insects were more abundant along forest edges than within the forest interior, and pygmy Tarsiers were observed to forage along edges where there was a higher abundance of Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. Tarsiers may mitigate the decreased availability of insects at high altitudes by adjusting their ranging patterns to remain near forest edges. Am. J. Primatol. 75:464-477, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Population survey of the Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) in Corella, Bohol.
Folia Primatologica, 2011Co-Authors: Sharon Gursky, Cristina C. Salibay, C.z. CuevasAbstract:In 1986, in response to the rapid habitat destruction throughout the archipelago, the Philippine Tarsier was classified as endangered. Since that time, this Tarsier has been reclassified as data deficient and more recently as near threatened despite a significant lack of information on the population density of the species. Data were collected at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation Sanctuary from June to October 2010. Population density was estimated using a modified form of the quadrat census method. A total of 55 individuals were located within the sampled area. This is equivalent to approximately 1.55 Tarsiers per hectare. Ecologically, there were significantly more Tarsiers found in the young secondary forest than in areas characterized as old secondary forest. Extrapolating to the entire protected area, as many as 258 Tarsiers may reside in the sanctuary. The vegetation plots where Tarsiers were found had substantially more trees per plot, contained trees with larger diameters, and contained slightly taller trees than did the plots where no Tarsiers were observed.
Dondin Sajuthi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Nocturnal Tarsier retina has both short and long/medium-wavelength cones in an unusual topography
The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2000Co-Authors: Anita E. Hendrickson, Hidayat R. Djajadi, Lisa Nakamura, Daniel E. Possin, Dondin SajuthiAbstract:The evolutionary position of Tarsiers with respect to primates is still debated. The type of photoreceptors in the nocturnal Tarsius spectrum retina has been compared with the nocturnal New World monkey Aotus trivulgaris and the Old World monkey Macaca nemestrina by using immunocytochemical labeling for antisera known to be specific for primate cone and rod proteins. In all three species, antisera to long/medium (L/M) -wavelength specific cone opsin and cone-specific a-transducin detected a single row of cones. Only Macaca and Tarsier retina contained cones labeled by antiserum to short (S) -wavelength specific cone opsin. Tarsier rod cell bodies were 6 ‐12 deep, depending on retinal eccentricity. Tarsier central cones had 2-mm-wide outer (OS) and inner segments, which came straight off the cell body. Cone morphology differed little from rods except OS were shorter. Macaca cones labeled for 7G6 and calbindin, Aotus cones did not label for calbindin, and Tarsius cones did not label for 7G6 or calbindin. In Tarsier retinal whole-mounts, peak cone density ranged from 11,600 ‐ 14,200/cones mm 2 . The 11- to 12-mm-wide peak region centered roughly on the optic disc, although foveal counts remain to be completed. Density decreased symmetrically to a far peripheral band of 4,200 ‐7,000/cones mm 2 . In contrast, S cone density was very low in central retina (0 ‐300/mm 2 ), rose symmetrically with eccentricity, and peaked at 1,100 ‐ 1,600/mm 2 in a 2- to 3-mm-wide zone in the far periphery. In this zone, S cones were 9 ‐14% of all cones. L/M cones were regularly spaced, whereas S cones showed no regular distribution pattern. Although the functional characteristics of the Tarsier S and L/M cone systems are yet to be determined, Tarsier cone proteins and distribution have some similarities to both New and Old World monkey retinas. J. Comp. Neurol. 424:718 ‐730, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: photoreceptors; immunocytochemistry; opsin; primate
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nocturnal Tarsier retina has both short and long medium wavelength cones in an unusual topography
The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2000Co-Authors: Anita E. Hendrickson, Hidayat R. Djajadi, Lisa Nakamura, Daniel E. Possin, Dondin SajuthiAbstract:The evolutionary position of Tarsiers with respect to primates is still debated. The type of photoreceptors in the nocturnal Tarsius spectrum retina has been compared with the nocturnal New World monkey Aotus trivulgaris and the Old World monkey Macaca nemestrina by using immunocytochemical labeling for antisera known to be specific for primate cone and rod proteins. In all three species, antisera to long/medium (L/M) -wavelength specific cone opsin and cone-specific a-transducin detected a single row of cones. Only Macaca and Tarsier retina contained cones labeled by antiserum to short (S) -wavelength specific cone opsin. Tarsier rod cell bodies were 6 ‐12 deep, depending on retinal eccentricity. Tarsier central cones had 2-mm-wide outer (OS) and inner segments, which came straight off the cell body. Cone morphology differed little from rods except OS were shorter. Macaca cones labeled for 7G6 and calbindin, Aotus cones did not label for calbindin, and Tarsius cones did not label for 7G6 or calbindin. In Tarsier retinal whole-mounts, peak cone density ranged from 11,600 ‐ 14,200/cones mm 2 . The 11- to 12-mm-wide peak region centered roughly on the optic disc, although foveal counts remain to be completed. Density decreased symmetrically to a far peripheral band of 4,200 ‐7,000/cones mm 2 . In contrast, S cone density was very low in central retina (0 ‐300/mm 2 ), rose symmetrically with eccentricity, and peaked at 1,100 ‐ 1,600/mm 2 in a 2- to 3-mm-wide zone in the far periphery. In this zone, S cones were 9 ‐14% of all cones. L/M cones were regularly spaced, whereas S cones showed no regular distribution pattern. Although the functional characteristics of the Tarsier S and L/M cone systems are yet to be determined, Tarsier cone proteins and distribution have some similarities to both New and Old World monkey retinas. J. Comp. Neurol. 424:718 ‐730, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: photoreceptors; immunocytochemistry; opsin; primate
