Bohol: Tarsier Conservation Area

Let’s face it: the Philippine Tarsier is ugly. But it is utterly adorable. An odd contradiction, but it totally works.

Bohol is also known for being where you can find the famous Philippine Tarsier, particularly in the Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc. And that’s where we headed after our lunch at the Loboc River, which I blogged about here.

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There are a lot of species of tarsiers all over the world, but this one, called mawmag and mamag by the locals, is endemic to the Philippines. They feed on insects and smaller animals.

You could say that the Tarsier is the official mascot of Bohol. You’ll be inundated with the creature almost everywhere you go. Souvenirs featuring this tiny ape are a huge hit, and you’ll even find its various renderings in shirts and the like.

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Entrance to the Conservation Area requires a Php60.00 payment. And you get another postcard in lieu of a boring ticket stub. Yay!

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Of course, there are rules that must be followed. Tarsiers are known for their tendency to commit suicide when subjected to trauma, so you have to follow these rules.

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According to the staff of the sanctuary, there are 113 tarsiers in captivity inside the 8.4 hectare Tarsier Conservation Area, but only 12 of them are in the viewing area. That is because the 12 are the only ones who are used to people. And each of them have names, too!

This was the first ever live tarsier I’ve seen in my life, the one who took its spot close to the entrance. So bashful. We had to wait until it deigned to turn our way.

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Apparently, tarsiers are territorial, so they need a wiiiiiiiiide space to thrive in. In short, they do not want to share space, and prefer to be alone. This explains why you have to have quite a lengthy walk to get to the next stop where a tarsier resides.

This is also one of the reasons why caretakers need not worry that they would wander off when they’re not looking. They pick a spot and stake their claim on that territory, opting to stay instead of going off.

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This, here, is named Enteng. And he’s very snobbish. Haha! We couldn’t get a decent picture!

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But there were friendly ones, too. 🙂 And, if I may say it, AWAKE. (Tarsiers are nocturnal.)

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At the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area, visitors are not allowed to touch them, but trick shots are permitted. The tarsier in the photo below was the most accommodating of the lot.

Posting this photo of Tita Claire having her photo taken, just to show you the scale of a human and a full-grown tarsier. Hey, it’s not called the world’s smallest primate for nothing!

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These little ‘uns are extremely adorable. Sadly, they are also endangered, mainly due to theft and smuggling. They are quite sensitive, so take them out of their natural environment, and they’ll perish. Apparently, they cost a lot when sold off as pets. Sheesh. People should just settle for dogs and cats, IMO.

You CANNOT be in Bohol and NOT visit the tarsiers. That’s just not how it’s done. Buying those plushies and keychains with tarsiers hanging on them won’t do, either. You have to get up close and personal to the real thing. And be in awe. I sure was.

If you are concerned with the plight of these adorable furry creatures-slash-treasures, you can help by volunteering, donating, or simply visiting the Sanctuary.

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