Tarsier PTFI

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 (the "Sanctuary") of Canapnapan, Corella Bohol, a project of the Foundation primarily established with the following program goals:


  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" or the "Foundation"), a non-stock, non-profit organization established in 1996 to find ways to conserve as well as to promote the tarsier of Bohol. The Philippine Tarsier Conservation Program was created in 1997 as a result of a memorandum of agreement ("MOA") between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ("DENR") and PTFI.


The Foundation selected a site for the Tarsier Sanctuary within a forested area in the public domain of approximately 167 hectares between the municipalities of Corella and Sikatuna in Bohol. Corella is only 14 kilometers northeast of Tagbilaran City. Buses and jeepneys regularly ply the route. Airconditioned coaches and cars are likewise available for hire at the airport, travel agencies, hotels and resorts. The Sanctuary entrance is approximately four kilometers away from the town center of Corella.


Numerous sightings of the tarsier within and around the Sanctuary confirm that it is most suitable for the stated purpose. In addition to being extensive, it is largely uninhabited and isolated enough from settlements that neither population pressure nor pollution in any form is foreseen to be a problem. While certain parts are open and relatively bare, on the whole vegetation is adequately lush, mostly with the kind of second-growth trees, bamboo clumps, tall grass patches and thick bushes that the tarsier prefers. Amid such scenery, the Foundation has constructed a visitor complex. Aimed at introducing guests to the Philippine Tarsier, the building contains, among others, a reception and souvenir counter, an exhibition area, an audio-visual room, a mini-cafeteria, toilets, and administration offices.


The premises also holds a research center, with a library, offices, conference rooms, staff quarters and storage. Here, the Foundation provides suitable, albeit limited, accommodations for visiting scientists and technicians. Access to this center is restricted. Attached to it is a one-hectare netted enclosure that is the home of ten tarsiers. These tarsiers are for both public viewing and study. The tarsiers are free to leave the enclosure to hunt and roam within the larger area of the Sanctuary.


From the visitor complex, trails and pathways spread out to various parts of the Sanctuary, where the tarsier can be observed in its natural habitat by the naked eye or binoculars. To facilitate this, multiple viewing decks have been erected atop elevated platforms.