An approximately 134-hectare of land between the municipalities of Corella and Sikatuna has been set aside as the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. The area is maintained and operated by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization, whose initiative to save the tarsiers is being supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism.
The Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), estimated to be 45 million years old, was declared by President Fidel V. Ramos as an especially protected species via Proclamation 1030. It has gray fur and a nearly naked tail. Tarsiers are named as such because of their special elongated tarsal bones, which form their ankles and enable them to leap to almost 10 feet from tree to tree. Their long, partly hairless tail arcs over their back when they hop on the ground. Tarsiers are small and weigh only about 113 to 142 grams or four to five ounces. The most notable feature of a tarsier is its eyes, each of which is bigger than its entire brain. Like owls, tarsiers can rotate their head almost 180 degrees in each direction. they hunt at night exclusively for animal prey and their diet includes insects such as cockroaches and crickets and sometimes small lizards.
In support to President Ramos' proclamation of the tarsier as an especially protected species, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation established the tarsier Trail, a pathway that runs through the interior portions of the towns of Corella, Sikatuna and Loboc. The trail traverses through the natural habitat of the tarsier and gives tourists numerous vantage points where they can catch a glimpse of the primate, popularly known as the world's smallest primate, and at the same time see a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The trail begins in Corella where efforts have been made to breed the tarsier in captivity. The foundation is expected to set up a research center for the study and propagation of the species as well as a Tarsier Research and Development Center, wherein trekkers will be oriented with the unique characteristics and habits of the animal through photos and audio-visual presentations.
Trained volunteer guides, who are mostly students, then take trekkers the 134-hectares forested area which is populated by an estimated 500 tarsiers divided into mini-colonies of no more than three to 10 adults and their offspring. Mature secondary growths of mahogany, teak and ficus trees line up the trail. Many varieties of palm, fern, bamboo and other plants also adorn both both sides of the trail. Serpent eagles, wood-peckers, parrots, grass owls, pigeons and para-keets also abound the area. Trekkers may even get a glimpse of the Philippine Civet Cat if they are lucky.
The trail also takes trekkers to the Loboc River and the Loboc Church, and then back to Tagbilaran, which is only 40 minutes away.
Getting There
To reach the start of the trail in Corella, one may take buses or jeepneys that are readily available in Tagbilaran City, which is only 10 kilometers away. Air-conditioned vans and cars are also available at the airport and in most hotels and resorts. The Sanctuary is only four kilometers from the town of Corella.
