A trip to Bohol is not complete without visiting the tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates. During my first visit with friends, I have already seen these tarsiers in real life but since I am with my husband who hasn’t seen the creature yet, I included this in the itinerary. Additionally, I just learned that there are two attractions in which tarsier-viewing is possible and I have been to one site only so I got curious as to their difference especially after reading reviews online comparing the two sites - the Tarsier Conservation Area and Tarsier Sanctuary.
During my first visit to Bohol, we went to Tarsier Sanctuary in Loboc to see the tarsiers. I wasn’t aware that there is another site for tarsier viewing so I didn’t insist on going there as well.
While planning our itinerary for my second trip to Bohol, I learned about Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella and based on reviews and travel blogs, this one is better than the first site I visited since tarsiers in this site are in their natural habitat. Our driver recommended this place too and I’m glad that he took us here because Tarsier Conservation Area is indeed way better than Tarsier Sanctuary.
First, the tarsiers are indeed in their natural habitat. They are allowed to wander freely in the five square-kilometer protected area. They can also freely wander outside the protected area.
Second, we have a guide that gives information about the tarsiers. From him, I learned that tarsiers are territorial and the ratio of tarsier to land area should be one per one square kilometer territory. Since the protected area is five square kilometers, the guide informed us that the maximum number of tarsiers living in the area is only five. That’s not the same with Tarsier Sanctuary in Loboc wherein tarsiers are placed inside a huge cage that is just a few square-meter wide.
Third, they do not allow large groups inside the protected area so as not to disturb these shy creatures. Again, this is not the same with Tarsier Sanctuary as people there are everywhere.
Fourth, this is where tarsiers are breed.
Fifth, it is under the care of Mr. Carlito Pizarras, the one who first discovered the tarsiers in the country as a boy. From then on, he dedicated his time knowing more about the tarsiers, how to care for and breed them. In fact, one genus is also named after him to recognize his efforts. We were lucky because during our visit, we caught a glimpse of him. I wanted to ask him for photo op but I was too shy as he was entertaining some volunteers at the time.
I can go on and on with regards to the difference between the two attractions but to sum it all up; the Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella is the place to be.
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