Clinging to a tangle of aerial fig-tree roots, two tiny tarsiers scan the forest with their saucer-like eyes. By watching patiently every evening, Stefano learned when and where this family would emerge from their daytime hideout. He had just enough time to frame their small figures against the vast tree before they leapt away to find food.
Gursky’s spectral tarsiers were only recognised as a separate species in 2017. They can be differentiated from other tarsiers by the distinctive duet courting couples perform to mark their territories. Big eyes, prominent ears and the ability to almost completely swivel their heads around help all these nocturnal mammals pinpoint prey at night.
Italy
Stefano became serious about photography at 17 and went on to obtain a PhD in zoology from the University of Aberdeen (Scotland). He is the author of nine photography books, a multi-award winner in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and a regular contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine. Stefano has run many long-term multimedia projects, the latest being A Family in the Arctic.
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