If your trip to Hokkaido is aimed at spotting the adorable Ezo flying squirrel, then a visit to Tangkoko Nature Reserve would be incomplete without observing the equally charming tarsier.
Tangkoko is one of the best locations in the world to see tarsiers, where ecotourism offers guided night walks to witness these creatures and other nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitats.
Tarsiers are notable for their large eyes, adapted for seeing in the dark, and their remarkable head rotation ability, which allows them to turn their heads nearly 180 degrees, making them among the most intriguing primates globally.
These small animals measure about 10 to 15 centimeters in length, with tails often longer than their bodies, aiding their movement through the dense forest canopy.
Research projects in Tangkoko have played a vital role in understanding the behavior and ecology of tarsiers, enhancing knowledge of their ecological significance.
Local communities actively participate in conservation projects, ensuring the protection of both wildlife and cultural heritage. The reserve stresses the need for conservation efforts to safeguard these unique species and their habitats from dangers like habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trafficking.
Tangkoko Nature Reserve is a crucial ecological zone that provides a haven for tarsiers and other wildlife, while also serving as an important center for conservation, research, and education regarding Indonesia's natural heritage.
Other nocturnal creatures, such as large tarantulas, also emerge for their nighttime foraging.
Crab Eating Frog can also easily be found along the trail especially area near the coast.
As we exited the forest, we encountered another night animal—the Sulawesi Scoop Owl.
It was a perfect conclusion to my first day of exploration at Tangkoko Nature Reserve, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our homestay host.
