Capturing a Tarsier: Bohol’s Cutest Unofficial Mascot

Bohol, Philippines is home to one of the world’s cutest endangered mammal. It is a nocturnal animal which size is as small as an adult human fist. The primate is probably the most popular resident of the island. I am pretty sure that it is on the bucket list of most, if not all, tourists that visit Bohol. It is not surprising that they cannot resist the tempting cuteness of Bohol’s unofficial mascot which is named as Tarsier.

This adorable little animal is so famous that its image was included in the design of the Philippines’ 200 Peso Note along with another famous attraction in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills. I admit, it made me so proud being a Boholano. Just recently, I played a mobile game called Tong Its Wars and its mascot or avatar or whatever its called is the endearing Tarsier.

I was fortunate that I was able to capture a Tarsier, through the lens of my phone’s camera. Ever since I started with mobile photography, it has been one of my subject-goal. Being a local, it was easier since I know where to find one. Bohol has a Tarsier Sanctuary which is found in the town of Corella. As seen on its website, Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary  is an institution dedicated to the preservation and scientific researches on the endemic tarsier of Bohol. They have a facility where visitors can see Tarsiers. Visitors are allowed to take photos of a Tarsier provided that they follow certain rules, like avoiding using flashes while taking photos. You may visit the website of the foundation to know more.

TARSIER FOUNDATION

To capture a Tarsier in its natural habitat can be tricky. There is also no assurance that you can find a good spot for a photo when you visit the foundation. It is huge and the animal moves around the sanctuary, thus you cannot predict if the Tarsier stays on a spot close to where visitors are allowed to enter and roam around. For a mobile photographer, it would be very difficult to get a good shot if the animal is too far away. I do not recommend zooming-in as it would compromise the quality of the photo. If you plan to visit, just wish that the Tarsier decides to take a nap at a nearby tree close enough to snap a good photo. You should also keep in mind all the dos and don’ts when you enter the sanctuary in order not to stress the Tarsier out.

I was lucky the day that I visited, there was one Tarsier which happened to chill at the bush just beside the trail. I was so amazed that I enjoyed a few moments of just looking at it with my naked eyes before I took my phone out. I set my camera’s setting to auto and looked for a good angle, keeping in mind the no-flash policy. I took a sample shot and was satisfied so I decided not to change the settings. It was a bright day so there was good natural lighting. I took as many shots as I can in the short time I had with the Tarsier because there were other visitors who were waiting for their turn to capture the tiny creature.

I was really excited upon seeing my photos. The Tarsier was cute. If only it is legal to own one, I would have immediately bought one. Nonetheless, I was very satisfied with the shots I got.

All the photos were shot using my LG V20 smartphone and were enhanced using Lightroom mobile editing app.

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