The Tarsier Sanctuary

Deep in the secondary growth forest foothill of Corella town, in the interior part of Bohol, is an institution dedicated to the preservation and scientific researches on the endemic tarsier of Bohol. This is the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary of Canapnapan, Corella Bohol, a project of the foundation primarily established with the Program Goal of:

1. To protect the Philippine Tarsier and its habitat from extinction through increased environmental awareness, research programs and establishment of protected areas for wildlife in the Province of Bohol

2. To provide economic and social development opportunities to the local population through the introduction of eco-tourism-related livelihood endeavors.

The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary of Corella, Bohol is an arm of the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. (PTFI), a non-stock, non-profit organization established in 1996 to find ways to conserve as well as to promote the tarsier of Bohol. In 1997, with the signing of the MOA between DENR and PTFI the Tarsier Conservation Program was created.

THE TARSIER CONSERVATION PROGRAM COMPONENTS:

a. Conservation: Conservation and preservation of habitat of the threatened Philippine Tarsier is the main objective of this project. The Foundation has dedicated an 8.4 hectare of secondary growth forest as its main conservation area.

At present, an area within the three municipalities of Corella, Sikatuna and Loboc has been identified as a potential sanctuary for the specie. The site is 167has. Timberland area, it is currently under the administration of the DENR and is part of its Social Forestry Project. The proclamation of this area to be included in the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act is essential to the survival of the Philippine Tarsier in Bohol.

b. Eco-tourism: The popularity of Bohol as an eco-tourism destination in the Philippines will play a major role in the success of any eco-tourism development project in the province. A Tourism Development Plan has been formulated by the Provincial Legislators, these policies and management strategies will expand both conservation and development and can provide livelihood opportunities for remote areas.

c. Environmental Awareness :Through the use of facilities at the Philippine Tarsier Research & Development Center and the Wildlife Sanctuary for teaching purposes, the conservation message extends to all walks of life and will be beneficial to both the goals of the conservation project and to the local communities, schools and other local and international groups.

Research: Very little is known about the Philippine Tarsier. Most of the research in the past has primarily been conducted outside Bohol and even the country. And there exist a very strong need to provide and support a research program for both national and international primatologists and wildlife biologists wishing to come to Bohol and study the tarsiers in their natural habitat.

Research Programs:

• Data Collection

• Captive Breeding Program

• Rehabilitation Program

• Correspondence with research institutes and Universities

• Internship Programs