The Philippine tarsier, one of the country’s most cherished and mysterious creatures, might be living in more places than anyone previously imagined. In a groundbreaking study, University of the Philippines Diliman biologists Maria Sabrina Tabeta and Simeon Gabriel Bejar uncovered tarsier sightings in 29 provinces, more than double the number currently listed in global conservation databases.
How did they make this discovery? Through the help of everyday Filipinos on Facebook.
The researchers reviewed over 1,100 public posts from 2006 to 2024 that mentioned tarsier encounters. “What we found was astonishing. People were seeing tarsiers far beyond the areas where we thought they lived,” they said.
Most of the sightings came from the Greater Mindanao Faunal Region, covering places like Mindanao, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Camiguin, and nearby islands. The unexpected spread of sightings suggests tarsiers may be more adaptable to changing environments and human presence than previously believed, a positive sign for their survival.
From Social Posts to Conservation Insights
While many posts were joyful moments shared during ecotourism visits, the study also revealed important clues about the challenges tarsiers face. Some were spotted in captivity, injured, rescued, or sadly found dead. The common threats they faced included pet attacks, forest fires, and construction activity, reminders that human-wildlife interaction is increasing.
Interestingly, many sightings happened outside official Protected Areas and Key Biodiversity Zones, signaling the need to rethink how and where conservation efforts should be focused.
But the overall message remains hopeful: people are seeing tarsiers more often, which means there’s a growing opportunity to protect them.
Powering Conservation Through Community
“This study shows that social media isn’t just for sharing—it can actually help protect wildlife,” said Tabeta and Bejar. “It fills in the gaps that traditional research sometimes misses and helps us better understand how to care for these species.”
To keep the momentum going, the researchers launched the Philippine Tarsier Conservation and Research Initiative on Facebook. The page encourages people to report sightings, raise awareness, and get involved in protecting one of the Philippines’ most iconic and lovable creatures.
