A detailed assessment of threats to tarsiers and its habitat: A case of Tarsiers Carlito syrichta (Linnaeus, 1758) in Hindang, Leyte

Authors

  • Jay Torrefiel Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, Tacloban City 6500, Philippines
  • Brian Sabanal Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines
  • Chester Breech Cuta Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A, Philippines
  • Israel Embayarte Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A, Philippines
  • Ris Menoel Modina Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A, Philippines
  • Crislin Cruz National Coconut Research Center -Visayas, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A, Philippines
  • Fretzeljane Pogado Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte 6521-A, Philippines
  • Kim Dianne Ligue Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City 8000, Philippines
  • Lief Erikson Gamalo University of the Philippines Mindanao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7308755

Keywords:

Fragmentation, Karst forest, Leyte Island, Tarsier, Threat

Abstract

The Philippine tarsier Carlito syrichta (Linnaeus, 1758) is considered a specially protected flagship species in the Philippines. However, the species is threatened due to natural disasters and human activities. Little is known about the ecology and existing threats of tarsier populations in some islands in the Philippines, particularly in Samar, Dinagat, Biliran, and Leyte. In this study, we report the existence of a population of tarsiers utilizing a karst forest patch in Hindang, Leyte, and characterize the habitat of the species after a super typhoon. Using field-based observations, camera traps, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with the stakeholders, we generated baseline data on tarsiers in Mt. Bontoc, their habitats, and the existing and possible future threats. Results revealed that tarsiers were present in forested areas dominated by small-sized trees having a mean diameter at breast height (DBH) of 2.5 centimeters and a mean height of 5.0 meters. These trees are harvested for firewood. Recorded threats to the population and its habitat include incidental captures of the animal, typhoons, forest fires, and the presence of exotic animals. FGDs revealed high concerns of the stakeholders for the protection and conservation of the species and the inclusion of the tarsiers for local management and tourism strategies in the future. The study highlights the significance of field visits and community participation to assess the local threats to tarsiers for future actions in terms of biodiversity conservation in fragmented habitats. 

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Published

2022-11-09

How to Cite

Torrefiel, J. ., Sabanal, B., Cuta, C. B., Embayarte, I., Modina, R. M. ., Cruz, C. ., Pogado, . F. ., Ligue, K. D., & Gamalo, L. E. (2022). A detailed assessment of threats to tarsiers and its habitat: A case of Tarsiers Carlito syrichta (Linnaeus, 1758) in Hindang, Leyte. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 7(3), 80–95. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7308755

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2023): Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Section

Original Article

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