Tarsier, the world’s smallest monkey

( Only in the Philippines)

Bohol. The town where you find the famous, breath-taking chocolate hills.

It is also home to the world’s smallest primate –the tarsiers.

It is interesting to know that an adult tarsier is only 5 inches big. Amazing, isn’t it? They have really big eyes that can scare you, if you see it the first time. Long brown tail to brag about.

They are generally quiet and still most of the time, but these tarsiers can also hop from one high bush to the other, when they are happy.

I was told by the caretakers that a tarsier eats an average of twenty (20) crickets a day. Wow, what an appetite huh. So you see, these street kids from bohol would be seen running around for crickets as they would have a day’s pay out of their catch.

I have seen a baby tarsier…one tiny thing…only one inch in size. What a treat to have seen this baby, who the mom sternly hides and protects from us. Its really funny because as you see through the covered “nest” you can't seem to see the baby, but the minute it opens its eyes, then you can already spot it from where it is hidden. Such huge eyes.

I have learned also that a mommy tarsier produces only one (1) baby in a year…that’s why they’re rare.

They’re nice to behold and its just awesome how small they are, considering they’re monkeys.

If you have the chance to visit the Philippines, Bohol in particular, make sure you pass by the chocolate hills, and on your way to the Loboc river cruise, check out the world’s smallest primate, the Tarsiers.!