The Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta), known locally as mawumag in Cebuano and other Visayan languages, and magô in Waray, is a species of tarsier endemic to the Philippines. It is found in the southeastern part of the archipelago, particularly on the islands of Bohol, Samar and Leyte. It is a member of the approximately 45-million-year-old family Tarsiidae, whose name is derived from its elongated “tarsus” or ankle bone. Formerly a member of the genus Tarsius, it is now listed as the only member of the genus Carlito, a new genus named after the conservationist Carlito Pizarras.
Its geographic range also includes Maripipi Island, Siargao Island, Basilan Island and Dinagat Island. Tarsiers have also been reported in Sarangani, although they may be different subspecies.
Etymology and taxonomic history
The tarsier is named for its elongated “tarsus” or ankle bone. The genus Carlito is named after conservationist Carlito Pizarras. The Philippine tarsier is known as mawumag in Cebuano and other Visayan languages, and magô in Waray, It is also known as mamag, magau, malmag, and magatilok-iok.
Taxonomic classification
The Philippine tarsier is the only member of the genus Carlito and a member of the family Tarsiidae. Three subspecies are presently recognised.
Family Tarsiidae
Genus Tarsius: found in Sulawesi
Genus Cephalopachus: found in Sundaland
Genus Carlito: found in Greater Mindanao
Species Carlito syrichta
Subspecies Carlito syrichta syrichta from Leyte and Samar
Subspecies Carlito syrichta fraterculus from Bohol
Subspecies Carlito syrichta carbonarius from Mindanao
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