Ram Felix Rengel, Jr.

The Ever-Fragile Tarsier in Loboc, Bohol

The Philippines Tarsier Monkey's are probably the smallest primates in the world. Its Latin name is 'Tarsius Syrichta'. Its diet consists of insects in the main which they eat live. Its height is between 90 to 160 mm (3.5 to 6.25 inches) and its weight is between 70 to 165 grams (3-6 ozs). Its big eyes give them very acute night vision, which make them good night hunters. Their big ears can move in the direction of any noise and their heads can swivel through 180 degrees which all help them in hunting.

In the Philippines, tarsiers are found in Bohol, specifically in the towns of Corella, Sagbayan and Loboc. There are still living tarsiers in some parts of Indonesia. However they used to be all over the South East Asian Islands. It has been estimated that there are between 5,000 and 10,000 of tarsiers left in the world. However that number is known to be falling. Efforts have been made to breed tarsiers in captivity but although they are very loveable animals they do not live long in captivity. If tarsiers become unhappy it is said that they commit suicide by banging their heads on something hard like cage sides.

In one of my journeys to the heart of Bohol, I was fortunate to have captured some pictures of live tarsiers. As their eyes are sensitive to lights, I was restrained to use my flash. I hope the pictures come out just as good when flashes were used. Enjoy!

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