Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills, beautiful beaches, and its other amazing natural wonders, but one of the most unique and special attractions is the Philippine tarsier. These tiny primates, with their enormous eyes, are truly captivating. But seeing them raises an important question: How can we visit these creatures without causing them harm? This article will explore how to be an ethical tourist when visiting the tarsiers in Bohol and understand what’s being done to protect them.
What are Philippine Tarsiers?
Let’s start with the basics. The Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta) is one of the smallest primates in the world. They are only about 4 to 6 inches tall and weigh just a few ounces! Their most distinctive feature is their incredibly large eyes, which are proportionally the biggest of any mammal. Tarsiers are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. They are also carnivores, primarily eating insects. These tiny creatures are found only in the Philippines, specifically in Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
The tarsier’s anatomy is pretty interesting. Their huge eyes are fixed in their sockets, so they can’t move them around. Instead, they can rotate their heads almost 360 degrees! This helps them spot prey and stay safe from predators. They also have long legs that they use for leaping from tree to tree. They’re experts at catching insects in mid-air! Their lifespan is typically around 24 years in the wild. While they may look cuddly, they’re very easily stressed, and being in captivity can be particularly hard on them.
Why are Tarsiers Important?
Tarsiers are more than just cute animals; they are an important part of the ecosystem. As insectivores, they help control insect populations, preventing potential crop damage and maintaining ecological balance. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy environment. They are also a unique part of the Philippines’ biodiversity, contributing to the country’s natural heritage. In other words, tarsiers are vital to their environment.
The Plight of the Tarsiers: Understanding the Threats
Unfortunately, tarsiers are facing several threats that put their survival at risk. Understanding these threats is the first step in helping protect them.
Habitat Loss
One of the biggest threats to tarsiers is habitat loss. As forests are cleared for agriculture, housing, and other developments, tarsiers lose their homes and hunting grounds. This forces them to move to smaller, more fragmented areas, making it harder for them to find food and mates. Deforestation continues to be a major problem in the Philippines, according to reports from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Pet Trade
Sadly, some people try to capture tarsiers to keep them as pets. This is extremely harmful because tarsiers are very sensitive to stress, and being kept in captivity often leads to their death. These animals become easily traumatized, and they often commit suicide when held in captivity. They thrive in their natural habitat.
The Tourism Industry
Believe it or not, the tourism industry itself can pose a threat to tarsiers, if not managed properly. Unethical tourist practices, such as loud noises, flash photography, and close handling, can stress the animals and disrupt their natural behavior. Many tourists are unaware of the correct etiquette when visiting tarsier sanctuaries.
Ethical Tourism: How to Visit Tarsiers Responsibly
The good news is that we can all play a part in protecting tarsiers by practicing ethical tourism. Here’s how you can make a positive impact when visiting these special creatures:
Choose Reputable Sanctuaries
Not all tarsier sanctuaries are created equal. Some prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. Do your research and choose sanctuaries that are known for their commitment to tarsier conservation. Look for places that:
Have spacious, natural enclosures for the tarsiers.
Limit the number of visitors at a time.
Have knowledgeable guides who educate visitors about tarsier conservation.
Contribute to research and conservation efforts.
One example of a reputable sanctuary is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol. This sanctuary is dedicated to protecting tarsiers in their natural habitat and promoting responsible tourism.
Follow the Rules
Sanctuaries usually have rules in place to protect the tarsiers. These rules might include:
No flash photography: The bright light can startle and stress the tarsiers.
No loud noises: Keep your voice down and avoid making any sudden movements.
No touching: As tempting as it may be, do not touch the tarsiers. They are easily stressed and can even harm themselves if they feel threatened.
Keep a distance: Maintain a respectful distance from the tarsiers to avoid disturbing them.
By following these rules, you can help minimize your impact on the tarsiers and ensure their well-being.
Educate Yourself and Others
Before your visit, take some time to learn about tarsiers and the threats they face. Share this knowledge with your friends and family. By raising awareness, you can help promote responsible tourism and conservation efforts. The more people know about these amazing creatures, the better chance they have of surviving.
Support Local Communities
Whenever possible, support local businesses and communities near the tarsier sanctuaries. This helps create economic incentives for conservation and ensures that local people benefit from the presence of the tarsiers. Buy souvenirs from local artisans, eat at local restaurants, and stay at locally-owned guesthouses. By supporting the local economy, you are contributing to the long-term sustainability of tarsier conservation.
Report Unethical Practices
If you witness any unethical practices at a tarsier sanctuary, such as animals being handled by tourists or kept in small, unnatural enclosures, report it to the authorities. You can contact the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or a local conservation organization. Reporting unethical practices helps hold these establishments accountable and encourages them to improve their standards of care.
Conservation Efforts: What’s Being Done to Protect Tarsiers?
Protecting tarsiers requires a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities. Here are some of the key conservation efforts that are currently underway:
Habitat Protection and Restoration
Protecting and restoring tarsier habitats is crucial for their survival. This involves establishing protected areas, reforesting degraded areas, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. The DENR is working to expand protected areas for tarsiers and implement stricter regulations on deforestation. Conservation organizations are also involved in reforestation projects, planting native trees to create more suitable habitats for tarsiers.
Research and Monitoring
Scientists are continuously studying tarsiers to better understand their behavior, ecology, and conservation needs. This research helps inform conservation strategies and ensures that efforts are targeted and effective. Monitoring tarsier populations is also important for assessing the success of conservation efforts and identifying any emerging threats.
Community Involvement
Engaging local communities in tarsier conservation is essential. This involves providing education and training, creating economic opportunities related to ecotourism, and empowering communities to manage and protect tarsier habitats. By involving local communities, conservation efforts can be more sustainable and effective.
Legislation and Enforcement
The Philippine government has laws in place to protect tarsiers and their habitats. However, effective enforcement of these laws is crucial. This includes cracking down on illegal logging, poaching, and the pet trade. Stronger penalties for those who violate these laws can also deter future offenders.
The Future of Tarsiers: What Can We Do?
The future of tarsiers depends on our collective efforts. By practicing ethical tourism, supporting conservation efforts, and raising awareness, we can help ensure that these amazing creatures continue to thrive in the Philippines.
Support Conservation Organizations
Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that are dedicated to tarsier conservation. These organizations rely on the support of individuals like you to carry out their important work. Your contributions can help fund research, habitat protection, and community outreach programs.
Spread the Word
Share what you’ve learned about tarsiers with your friends, family, and social media followers. The more people who are aware of the threats facing tarsiers, the more likely they are to take action. You can also write letters to your elected officials, urging them to support tarsier conservation.
Make Sustainable Choices
Support sustainable practices in your daily life. Reduce your consumption of products that contribute to deforestation, such as palm oil and unsustainably sourced timber. Choose eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible. By making sustainable choices, you can help reduce the pressure on tarsier habitats.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about tarsiers and ethical tourism:
What is the best time to visit a tarsier sanctuary?
Since tarsiers are nocturnal, any time during the day is fine for visiting. However, it’s best to go during the cooler months (November to May) to avoid the heat and humidity. Early morning or late afternoon visits can also be less crowded.
Are tarsiers dangerous?
No, tarsiers are not dangerous to humans. They are small, shy creatures that are more likely to run away than attack. However, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with respect.
Can I take a tarsier home as a pet?
No! It is illegal to take a tarsier from its natural habitat and keep it as a pet. Tarsiers are very sensitive to stress and often die in captivity. Supporting the illegal pet trade also encourages the unsustainable removal of these creatures from their natural habitat.
What should I wear when visiting a tarsier sanctuary?
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Avoid wearing bright colors or noisy clothing that could disturb the tarsiers.
How can I tell if a tarsier sanctuary is ethical?
Look for sanctuaries that prioritize the well-being of the tarsiers over profit. These sanctuaries will have spacious, natural enclosures, limit the number of visitors, have knowledgeable guides, and contribute to research and conservation efforts. If you see any signs of unethical practices, such as animals being handled by tourists or kept in small, unnatural enclosures, avoid that sanctuary.
References
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Don’t just visit Bohol–experience it responsibly. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can enjoy the beauty of the Philippine tarsiers while helping protect them for generations to come. Choose ethical sanctuaries, respect the animals, and support local communities. Every little action counts. Make your visit to Bohol a positive contribution to the survival of these incredible creatures. Plan your trip today and be a part of the solution!
