By Gabriela Baron
Researchers from the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) confirmed the presence of Philippine tarsier in Tacloban City.
In a Facebook post, the research team said Philippine tarsiers are only found in the islands of Mindanao, Bohol, Samar, and Leyte.
Researchers from UPVTC documented the presence of the tarsier during night surveys conducted on July 29 to 31 in Brgy. Santa Elena, Tacloban City.
“The presence of the Philippine tarsier in Tacloban City’s forests highlights the role of the city as a key biodiversity area,” the team noted.
“The presence of tarsiers and other endemic species should be taken into account in the city’s land-use plans, particularly in terms of protecting the areas where tarsiers live.”
Locally known as “mago,” adult Philippine tarsiers typically measure 8.5 to 16 centimeters. – ngs
