Philippine Tarsier
in Bohol Philippines

"A Personal Review of
Philippine Tarsiers in Captive Display"

philippine tarsier in bohol island bohol philippines bohol island philippines attractions
Philippine Tarsier in Bohol Island

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In captivity in Bohol Philippines


As one of the smallest primates in the world, the Philippine tarsier has become an endangered species in the Philippines. Several legislations have been passed to protect these adorable primates.

Today they are only a few of them in the world, scattered in the Philippines, Borneo and Indonesia.

They're endangered because their natural habitat is vanishing in front of their eyes -- their homes in the forests are turned into crops, farmland, roads and houses.

And why are large forest areas turned into crops and farmland?

A good answer for you: a fast growing human population means less forest.

Another reason as to why they're endangered is their appearance. Some of them are kept as pets in private homes. Stress and not being in their natural habitat shorten their lifespan.

That's why I think it's important to support them by visiting the sanctuary and giving donations. The community in Bohol Philippines is dependent on your contributions!

How to Get to Tarsier Sanctuary

corella tarsier foundation philippine tarsier in bohol island bohol philippines bohol island philippines attractions
The sign in Corella -- photo couresty of silent-gardens.com




bohol island bohol philippines tarsier in captivity backpacking tips asia
Close up


You can spot them in the sanctuary of Corella and Sikatuna in Bohol Island, maintained by Philippine Tarsier Foundation.

The start of the trail is near Corella. Take a bus from Dao terminal in Tagbilaran -- from there it's a 10 km drive, and 4 km from Corella town.

Admission fee: 50 PHP

Address: 14 Canapnapan, Corella
Bohol 6300
Philippines

Website: Sanctuary (opens in a new window)

Since Corella and Sikatuna are off the tourist path, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has given permits to some private individuals to display these primates. We went to one of these captive displays. It was on our way to Chocolate Hills, so it's only a pit-stop for travelers and tourists. Anyway, I don't recommend these captive displays.

If you have time, please visit the sanctuaries, where you can see these animals close to their natural habitat. A natural habitat of several hectares.

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Personal Review of
My Relationship to a Philippine Tarsier




bohol island bohol philippines tarsier in captivity backpacking tips asia
In captivity


Seeing them in captivity was just heartbreaking. I would rather see them in a sanctuary, where they're very close to their natural habitat.

They weren't kept in cages or anything, but they only had a limited area to inhabit. They just got scared when we, people, approached them. The ones we saw couldn't exactly swing by the next tree, far away from us. It seemed like they were stuck to the tree they were holding onto.

But I don't regret seeing these primates, dozing off under a tree, and looking like cute Gremlins.

We could take pictures with them, but not touch them, and they sold all these souvenirs near the entrance. The money is supposed to go to the animals held captive there.

philippine tarsier in bohol island shop souvenirs bohol philippines bohol island philippines attractions
Selling souvenirs

Was it worth it?

Please visit a sanctuary if you can, not a captive display.

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Where do you want to go next?

Return to Philippines Main Page

Heading for Palawan Island? Try Dos Palmas Palawan Resort and Hotel

Visit Mount Pinatubo, and get a personal review!

Read my personal review of Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Don't know how to get to Bohol Philippines? When to visit? Heard of Alona Kew Beach? CLICK!

Make a stop-over at Simply Butterflies Conservation Center in Bohol Island

Leave Philippine Tarsier and return to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.



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