Utilizing local community knowledge of the Philippine tarsier in assessing the Bilar population endangerment risk, and implications for conservation

Abstract

Investigating the local people’s perception of the primate species in question, as well as the impressions of and experiences with conservation measures in their neighbourhood, is important in order to devise an appropriate conservation strategy. Here, we provide our findings on the knowledge of the Bilar local community about the Philippine tarsier (Tarsius [Carlito] syrichta) and its population endangerment risk. From October 2016 to November 2017 we conducted interviews with 325 residents from five villages in Bilar, Bohol Island, the Philippines. Tarsiers, though correctly recognized as such by the majority of interviewees, were infrequently sighted in the area, mainly by men, local resource suppliers and villagers in forested areas. Despite a high general knowledge of the species, its ecology and conservation are less well known, with word-of-mouth and personal experience being important sources of information. The species is generally not perceived by locals as endangered, and positive conservation attitudes prevail. Nevertheless, hunting in the area is widespread, and tarsiers are captured either for sale, to be kept as pets or trafficked to tourist facilities or foreigners. The Philippine tarsier, as a charismatic animal, has the potential to be an effective ‘flagship species’ for promoting conservation efforts. To strengthen the species’ conservation, we recommend involving forest resources suppliers in research activities and wildlife tour services, continuing teacher training to ensure that school education emphasizes the ecological and aesthetic values of the Philippine tarsiers, and enhancing the image of this primate, particularly in the digital context, to improve tarsier welfare in captivity.