You haven't been to Bohol if you haven't seen the shy Philippine tarsier.Being nocturnal creatures, the tarsiers have large eyes which provide it with excellent night vision. The tarsier's eyes are fixed in its skull, unlike that of a human. It has this amazing ability to rotate its head 180 degrees in each direction instead. Its elongated tarsal bones (thus the name "tarsier") allow it to leap effortlessly from branch to branch when hunting for food during the night. Its sharp teeth help it to catch its preys easily. Insects are the ingredients of each tarsier's meal, so don't fret about going near it. Your fingers are not part of its daily diet :D However, it is important to remember that tarsiers are sensitive animals. They are likely to commit suicide when touched or disturbed by loud noises.
In the Philippines, tarsiers are found mostly in Bohol, particularly in the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Visitors may tour the sanctuary as accompanied by a guide. These guides ensure that visitors get to enjoy seeing the tarsiers without disturbing them.
A campaign to save the Philippine tarsier is being spearheaded by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a nonstock, nonprofit organization supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).A Tarsier Conservation Program is also being implemented to focus on conservation, eco-tourism, environmental awareness and research.
To know more about the Philippine tarsier, the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Philippine Tarsier Foundation visit www.tarsierfoundation.org
Tarsier Sanctuary
Corella, Bohol
Open daily
9:00am - 4:00pm
