The local government unit of Tunga town in Leyte has confirmed sightings of the endangered Philippine tarsier in the area.
This, after resident Julios Aglosulos said the tarsier seen here has reappeared. He posted a photo of a tarsier clinging onto a young coconut leaf taken in November of 2023.
Locally known as "mago", this nocturnal primate is endemic to the Philippines and commonly found in the islands of Bohol, Samar and Leyte, and in Biliran and Maripipi islands.
“As their giant eyes might suggest, Philippine tarsiers are nocturnal and well-adapted to their dark environment. Currently, the tarsier found by Aglosulos is back in its natural habitat,” the tourism office said.
As of today, the tarsier in Tunga is the second documented sighting in Leyte Island.
Back in 2022, a tarsier was seen in in Sta. Elena village in Tacloban during the night survey by the University of the Philippines-Tacloban.
There also had been reports of similar sightings in other villages in East Visayas though no documentations were presented.
Leave It Alone
For locals, sightings of these tarsiers are indications of a thriving forest and ecosystem in the area.
On the other hand, despite the multiple sightings, the local government and tourism agency discourages the locals from capturing or taking the said animals from their natural habitats.
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