The animal that looks most like Jedi Master Yoda—the Philippine tarsier, found nowhere else in the world!

▲The sleepy appearance of the tarsier is quite amusing—they are animals unique to Bohol Island in the Philippines. (Photo by reporter Chen Ziying)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Report from the Philippines

The most captivating thing about Bohol Island in the Philippines is that the entire island is an environmental protection zone, with pristine, unpolluted scenery that words like "blue sea and sky" can't fully describe; the unique "Tarsier Ecology" is even more globally exclusive, showcasing the extraordinary natural landscape of this island.

“It is estimated that there are 124 tarsiers on Bohol Island, and their activity range is within 10 meters—no other tarsier is allowed to enter. Miraculously, they can only survive on this island, as they cannot live elsewhere.Tarsiers that go on hunger strikes in protest will die within a month, and they cannot be kept in cages. They need a green, open area to survive," explained a Chinese-Filipino tour guide, sparking even more curiosity about the true nature of these uniquely tempered primates.

 
▲The highly temperamental tarsier not only lives in expansive tree jungles but also claims a 10-meter radius as its territory, not allowing other tarsiers or animals to intrude. Wild tarsiers can live up to 20 years. (Photo by reporter Chen Ziying)

The world’s smallest primate—the tarsier—was reportedly kept by residents of Bohol Island in earlier times. But around three years ago, they suddenly became strangely aggressive, likely due to disturbances, causing the tarsiers to turn hostile. As a result, the local government took over management, collaborating with private entities to breed and protect the tarsiers. Around 15 tarsiers are now managed semi-captively and are available for close-up viewing by tourists. Tarsiers are also ancestors of all mammals, having existed 60 million years ago. With bodies about the size of a fist, they are incredibly cute and closely resemble Jedi Master Yoda from Star Wars. Their unusual appearance immediately captures attention, and their necks can rotate 300 degrees—more than an owl’s 260-degree range.


▲Take a closer look—doesn’t the tarsier look just like Jedi Master Yoda from Star Wars? (Photo by reporter Chen Ziying)


▲Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. (Photo by reporter Chen Ziying)
【Related Information】
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: General admission 60 PHP, students and seniors 50 PHP.