The Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Incorporated (PTFI) a non-stock, non-profit organization which was mandated by the DENR in their 1997 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the Philippine Tarsier Conservation Program gains international as well as local attention for their efforts.
The Conservation Mandate carried four (4) major components, namely:
-
Conservation and Preservation of the Philippine Tarsier and its Natural Habitat. To this end a Sanctuary was acquired and maintained in Canapnapan, Corella. Part of this component was the employment of Mr. Carlito Pizzaras, now known as the Tarsier Man. He is known for his passion in the care and devotion of the Tarsier, studying and observing them in the wilds, even as a young boy.
-
Scientific Research. IUCN and other conservationist organization rated the Tarsier as Data Deficient or “DD” and Conservation Dependent.
-
Community Organizing. This component mandates the mobilization of People’s Organization, providing livelihood and educating them to help in the conservation efforts.
-
Eco-Tourism. To open the sanctuary to guests and tourists and allow them to see tarsiers in their natural habitat, imparting them with the necessary inputs to make them aware of the need for conservation and make them in turn ambassadors to the cause of this beautiful animal.
On September 6, 2007 the US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney came to visit the tarsier sanctuary and went home impressed at the efforts made by PTFI, despite the lack of funds. Through this exposure the USAid, is now looking for ways on how to help the efforts at preserving this specie of tarsier, scientifically known a Tarsius Syrichta.
Continue reading Tarsier Conservation Efforts Gains International Attention