What is something iconic that is reminiscent of your home province? For some, it may be a signature dish — such as lechon, which instantly takes Cebuanos back to the Queen City of the South. For others, it might be a beloved destination, like the serene Lake Danao in Ormoc. But for Boholanos, there is one icon that rises above all others — not a landmark nor a delicacy, but a creature with ginormous eyes, a slender tail, and a rather cutesy build: the tarsier.
Fortunately for them, this tiny primate that has taken on the role of cultural and ecological emblem of Bohol, could just be over their heads — literally! Tarsier sightings within the VSU campus have been made, which is a reminder of the biodiversity that exists within and around the campus. As Viscans and advocates for the environment, it is an integral duty to not only be aware of their presence, but also to value and protect them.
With that said, let us get to know these little fellas!
Tarsier, Tarsier — What on Earth Are You?
The Philippine tarsier, scientifically known as Carlito syrichta, is a member of the family Tarsiidae under order Primates, the same taxonomic order which humans belong to. Known for their distinctive large eyes, which are proportionally larger than their brains, these creatures have become an unmistakable icon of Philippine biodiversity. Locally, they go by various names such as “mawumag” in Cebuano and “mago” in Waray.
Contrary to misconceptions, Philippine tarsiers are not just found in Bohol. These solitary species have also been documented on the islands of Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, particularly in lush rainforests where they are adapted to. In these habitats, the tarsiers are able to perform their ecological function.
Tarsier, Tarsier — What Do You Do?
Despite its small size, these guys possess a lot of unique adaptations that make it one of the most fascinating mammals in the region.
Tarsiers are insectivores, feeding primarily on crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. This means that they are predators that help control the population of insects, spiders, and other small animals in their forest habitats, contributing to the health of the food web. As prey to other nocturnal carnivores like owls and civets, they also influence predator populations.
Tarsiers also consume fruits and nectar, therefore acting as seed dispensers and pollinators through their foraging behavior. While the details of pollination by tarsiers are not fully understood, their consumption of plant-based foods like certain fruits and their presence in forested habitats suggest a role in plant propagation.
They are also an indicator species. The presence of tarsiers in an area can reflect the overall health of its environment. Relying on healthy forest survival, their population indicates the presence of dense, intact forest with a variety of vegetation and a healthy insect population. Their use of diverse tree species for sleeping sites signifies a stable habitat. On the contrary, their absence in sites where they have been documented or recorded could signal habitat degradation, logging, or forest fires.
Moreover, these creatures' quiet nature holds a prominent place in wildlife tourism and conservational efforts. This is a part of why they have also become a cultural emblem in Bohol in addition to their important ecological role.
Tarsier, Tarsier - What Are You Doing Here?
Through various social media posts, sightings of tarsiers in unexpected places have surfaced. Many are surprised, even puzzled, to discover that tarsiers are not exclusive to Bohol, as they also inhabit other Philippine islands, including parts of Leyte. What comes as an even greater surprise to some is that one of these habitats is none other than the VSU campus itself.
In a Facebook post, Viscan public figure Mr. Jed Cortes shared his past experience in documenting tarsiers in the campus. Having been asked to take pictures of tarsiers for a project, he and his friends gathered at Molave Hill at the VSU Upper Campus at dusk. Twenty meters away from the road, they waited in a shrubby spot while listening to long and sustained shrill sounds — these were tarsier sounds. They encountered three tarsiers that night, and were able to take their pictures in a way that did not disturb them.
“I wonder if they're still there? In that same exact spot. But I'm sure they're still here somewhere in our forests. Perhaps other Better Viscans will find them again soon,” he said in a Facebook post last month.
Exciting? Definitely. However, it is an absolute must that we give great respect and protection to this endemic and endangered species. Although they are a sight to see, spotting tarsiers in environments where the line between humans and wildlife starts to meet should be a matter dealt with great care.
Being in close contact with humans and other animals that may harm them also poses a great risk to the tarsiers’ safety. For instance, a study from the University of the Philippines found posts about tarsiers that are outside their usual environment, constantly being abused; some of these posts depicted either injured or dead animals, which are said to be a result of attacks by domestic cats.
Another reason to be strictly cautious when it comes to these animals is because of their sensitivity. Tarsiers are so sensitive to their environment that something like a camera flash is enough to cause anxiety. What makes it even worse is that these primates are known to commit suicide as a response to extreme stress.
In addition to what was mentioned, tarsiers also face other risks, including environmental disturbances, habitat degradation, and the dangers of unwanted human attention. So, as responsible stewards of life and the environment, what must be done?
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Keep your distance. Respect tarsiers’ space and other wildlife by admiring from afar.
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Take care of your surroundings. It is not just yours, but it is also theirs. We humans are not the only ones present in our surroundings.
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Advocate for them and their environment. Spread awareness. Ignorance about nature is one of the main roots of its destruction.
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Learn to appreciate tarsiers and all of life. For you cannot protect something that you do not value.
The VSU campus is not just an institution for students, but it is also home for diverse forms of life, including tarsiers. Their presence is both a privilege and a responsibility. For Viscans, the call is clear: respect wildlife, protect their habitats, and use different platforms to champion the conservation of this species and many more. Because at the end of it all, safeguarding nature will ensure that the future generations can wonder in awe of the world — wide-eyed.
Sources:
Marsh, J. (2025, August 1). Is the Tarsier a Monkey? Everything You Need to Know About Nature’s Tiny Nocturnal Marvel. Environment Co. https://environment.co/is-the-tarsier-a-monkey-all-you-need-to-know-about-this-nocturnal-marvel/
Palalimpa, R. (2025, August 3). Researchers see alarming FB ‘trend’ on tarsier sightings. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2090739/researchers-see-alarming-fb-trend-on-tarsier-sightings
Bullard, E. (2023). Tarsier. Research Starters | EBSCO Research. https://share.google/dMb2qBA2AjKYHK4pF
Kgm. (2025, April 10). The Philippine Tarsier. Kubo. https://www.kgmresorts.com/post/the-philippine-tarsier
Winn, P. (2016, July 31). Tourists make this primate commit suicide.The World. https://theworld.org/stories/2016/07/31/tourists-make-primate-commit-suicide