Locally in the Sangihe dialect of Sangir language, tarsiers are called Senggasi or Higo.

It was later classified as a subspecies of the spectral tarsier T. spectrum by Hill[4] and remained so until recently.

[6][7] The large, round, forward-facing, pale-chestnut-colored eyes and elongated digits and tarsus are basic characteristics of the Sangihe tarsier.

The tails are very long compared to body size and are used for support while stationary but are not truly prehensile in nature.

The Sangihe tail has a sparse covering of dorsal fur, and does not have scales underneath.

However, researchers are not sure if the populations found in agricultural areas are due to source-sink dynamic.

Shekelle and Salim made some proposals on better protection for this species along with the Siau Island tarsier.

Such actions include more investments on improving ex situ conservation, mimic sanctuaries found for a subspecies of the Philippine tarsier Carlito syrichta fraterculus along with tarsier-tracking activities.

Accurate numbers are hard to estimate due to cloud coverage over its range.

Mount Awu can also be considered a natural threat as well, since it is an active and deadly volcano on the island.

Anthropogenic causes include habitat loss or fragmentation, the introduction of cats and dogs to the island, population density increases in its territory, and pet trade.