Linan Tupi, South Cotabato “Tarsier Sanctuary”

Despite influx of visitors to the newly discovered “Tarsier Sanctuary” in Mt. Matutum, local authorities here has instead restrained accepting guests to favor the wildlife protection group that will do research on the smallest primate’s habitat early next month.

Just recently, Mayor Tamayo issued an order to Linan officials and tourism council to suspend accepting visitors while the research of Endangered Species International (ESi) is being conducted.

ESI, an international wildlife conservation group, will start its study of the primates after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted it “wildlife gratuitous permit.”

The permit that DENR Region XII Director Alfredo S. Pascual issued early this year ESI to collect and study the tarsiers in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) for 1 year.

ESI will assess the tarsier's distribution, population size and density, habitat association, and status, which are needed for the establishment of a core conservation center for the protection of the animals’ habitat and prevention from possible extinction.

ESI President Dr. Pierre Fidenci, during his visit here last month, sought the help of Tupi Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. to free the area from further disturbance in preparation for the research.

“We need to secure the area to ensure that the habitat will not be disturbed,” Fidenci told Mayor Tamayo.

“I was alarmed with the reports that the locals are hunting the tarsiers and held it in captivity as showcase to visiting tourists,” he added.

“We need to secure and free the area from disturbance or we might end up no tarsiers to study because tarsiers are sensitive and might flee out of their habitat if disturbed and worst it may commit suicide,” he further explained.

Fidence also pointed out that the study is needed to come up with a sustainable eco-tourism plan for Linan.

In response to the Mayor’s order, Linan chairman, Reynaldo Alburo said, “ We will obey with the Mayor’s order. This is good for the conservation and for our eco-tourism program.” (DED/CDIO-Tupi)