Philippine Tarsier Sightings Outside Protected Areas Cause Concern
MANILA, Philippines — The majority of Philippine tarsier sightings shared on social media happen outside protected areas and key biodiversity zones, sparking worries among scientists. The increasing human-wildlife encounters may put the shy primate at greater risk.
Researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP) studied over 1,125 Facebook posts from 2006 to 2024. They discovered that only 2.4 percent of sightings occurred within designated protected areas, while just 3.68 percent were inside key biodiversity areas. These findings highlight that most tarsier encounters happen beyond official conservation zones.
Expanding Range and Social Media’s Role in Conservation
The posts covered sightings across 29 provinces, more than twice the 14 provinces listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as the tarsier’s natural range. This suggests the species may be more widespread than previously documented.
“The information that social media platforms harbor could have significant use in efforts to protect other primate species as well, especially rare and cryptic species like tarsiers, and in efforts to empower citizen scientists and the general public to contribute to conservation,” local researchers noted.
Led by experts from the UP Institute of Biology, the study highlights how social media can be a powerful tool for tracking elusive animals like the tarsier, which are difficult to monitor through traditional fieldwork.
Ecotourism and Human-Tarsier Interactions
Among the posts studied, 491 featured tarsiers in ecotourism settings, mainly in popular destinations such as Bohol. Meanwhile, 74 posts showed wild encounters in farms, forests, and even classrooms. These locations fall within the tarsier’s known habitats like rural gardens and farmlands.
However, the presence of tarsiers in human-influenced environments reveals a shrinking gap between wildlife and people. Some encounters were close enough to involve direct contact or handling, raising concerns about animal welfare and safety.
Threats from Captivity and Domestic Animals
The study also uncovered 19 posts depicting tarsiers kept in captivity—confined in cages, sacks, or tied with leashes. Other posts showed injured or dead tarsiers, often victims of domestic cat attacks. These emerging threats highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation and adaptive management strategies.
Despite their cultural importance and charismatic appeal, the Philippine tarsier is classified as near threatened by the IUCN. Habitat loss and illegal trade continue to pressure the species.
Public Awareness and Conservation Opportunities
Researchers suggest that further on-ground studies are crucial to better understand the impact of human-tarsier interactions. They also observed growing public concern on social media regarding tarsier welfare, especially in posts showing mistreatment.
“These expressions of concern suggest that Philippine tarsiers are valued and the importance of their well-being is recognized,” the study emphasized. The researchers recommend exploring social media further to tailor conservation campaigns and engage specific audiences effectively.
For more news and updates on Philippine tarsier sightings, visit Filipinokami.com.
