Tarsier Research and Development Center

Tagbilaran, Philippines

Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is one of the world's smallest primates, and it is endemic to Bohol. At the sanctuary, a spacious net enclosure keeps a number of Philippine Tarsiers for feeding, captive breeding and display. Here, visitors can observe the Philippine Tarsier in their natural habitat. Within the sanctuary, the Philippine Tarsiers roam freely and all of them have got used to a seven-foot high fence that circumscribes the territory and which serves mainly to protect them from predators like feral cats while maintaining a theoretical chance for tarsiers to leave the enclosure and return as their wish. The center itself serves as a visitor center and venue for research, as well as a habitat preserve. Two treks are available there: Daily Tarsier Encounter - a 20-30 minute Trek into the forest with a guide to see the tarsier, and Trek to Viewing Decks - a 2-3 hours one way trek to the viewing decks close to the center of the 167 hectare forest.