Following the discovery of tarsiers in some places here in Zamboanga City, the city council has adopted two resolutions calling for the protection of tarsiers and their natural habitats.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has disclosed that tarsiers, locally known as "Chonggo Magu", can be found in Baluno, Bungiao, Dulian, La Paz, Lumayang, Pasonaca, and Tolosa.
Two tarsiers, one of them wounded, were found several weeks ago at a populated area in La Paz. The DENR has said that the tarsiers are coming down to populated areas because of the rampant cutting of trees up in the mountains.
The resolutions sponsored by Councilor Rogelio Valesco (Kudos to your, Sir!), were unanimously approved during the regular Tuesday's session. Valesco is also chair of the city's council's committee on tourism.
The first resolution prohibits people to hunt, kill and capture tarsiers for private keeping and the second is for the DENR, as well as the stakeholders in the barangays, to protect the tarsiers and their natural habitats.
Valesco said, he authored the two resolutions citing that tarsiers are endangered species and that Zamboanguenos should feel fortunate that the little primates exist in this city.
Very well said, Sir! Salamat po!
