Malungon, Sarangani Province — A mother Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) carrying her baby was recently spotted during a tarsier survey and monitoring activity conducted in a protected watershed in Malungon on Tuesday, April 8. This marks the second recorded sighting of the elusive primate in the area—and the first documented instance of a mother with her young.
The discovery is a promising sign that the Philippine Tarsier, a species listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), may be successfully reproducing in the area. It also underscores the importance of protecting natural habitats that support their survival.
“This sighting shows that tarsiers have likely long existed in this part of Malungon, and that the conditions here allow them to thrive,” said local environmental officials. The Malungon Watershed, where the tarsier was seen, is under the protection of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malungon and the Malungon Water District.
To reinforce conservation efforts, a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign was held alongside the monitoring activity. The campaign aimed to inform the community about the Philippine Tarsier’s ecological role and to promote Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which strictly prohibits hunting, harming, or keeping tarsiers in captivity.
The Philippine Tarsier is among the smallest primates in the world and plays a vital role in maintaining forest health by controlling insect populations. However, it faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, human disturbance, and illegal pet trade.
Environmental authorities stressed the need for sustained protection and vigilant monitoring of the Malungon Watershed, not only for the tarsiers but also for other endemic wildlife that call it home.
“This is a crucial moment to rally community support and strengthen conservation partnerships. The survival of the Philippine Tarsier depends not only on laws and protected areas, but on people who understand their responsibility in safeguarding our biodiversity,” the officials added.
The recent sighting brings renewed hope and highlights the urgent need to continue protecting the delicate ecosystems that nurture some of the Philippines’ most vulnerable species.