By Marisol Bo-oc | 11:30 AM April 10, 2024
Social media is ablaze with demands for stronger protection of tarsier (family Tarsiidae), a small leaping primates found only on various island of Southeast Asia, after a video from a vlogger was seen holding the tarsiers.
“Sa Bohol dili gani na gunitan kay bawal,” said a netizen.
Another netizen said, “ignorance of the law excuses no one.”
In a Facebook post, a vlogger identified as “Farm Boy” who hails from Polomolok in South Cotabato found two tarsiers three days ago.
“Farm Boy” uploaded video clips of tarsiers he found while in the forest.
He sparked anger among netizens when he touched the tarsiers while saying “smile.. Baby…”
“Hinuli na po namin,kasi muntik Ng matamaan Ng itak,pakawalan din namin Yan pag katapos pakainin🫰🙏😇,” he said.
He added, “Pakainin ko muna to saka kona pakawalan,para dumami pa sila lalo🙏🫰😇.”
He didn’t say in his vlog what food he would give to the two tarsiers.
These nocturnal creatures which are found abudantly in Bohol feed exclusively on live animals. They primarily prey on flying insects such as moths, locusts, beetles and cicadas.
On Tuesday, the tarsiers were released to the forest. In his video post, he said personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) facilitated the release.
The majority of Tarsier species are now endangered or threatened, and some are designated critically endangered. They can’t be handled, let alone played with because they are easily stressed and suicidal.
