Journals Information
Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 13(3), pp. 428 - 439
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130311
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Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude, Practices, and Perception on Tarsiers in Iligan City, Philippines
Marc Alain B. Vergara *, Jaime Q. Guihawan , Armi G. Torres , Wella T. Tatil , Hilly Ann R. Quiaoit
School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Environmental Science, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
ABSTRACT
The Philippine tarsier, Carlito syrichta, is a small primate only found in the Philippines. To better understand and protect this species, it's essential to understand how local communities think about and act on conservation efforts. This study is the first to examine what residents in Rogongon, Iligan City, know, think, and do about tarsiers since no research has been done. We surveyed 350 residents from five different areas: Brgy. Hall (Purok Scaling), Gabunan, Sikyop Coop Hall, Libandayan, and Languisan. The survey asked questions that measured their knowledge, awareness, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of tarsiers using a scale from one (1 strongly disagree) to five (5 strongly agree). Data shows that residents who had seen a tarsier had different views from those who hadn't. Interestingly, those who had never seen a tarsier scored higher on specific knowledge questions, like the tarsier's nocturnal behavior and diet; this challenges the idea that seeing the animal would automatically lead to better understanding. On the other hand, residents who had seen tarsiers tended to support conservation efforts more. Those who hadn't seen tarsiers were more aware of conservation issues and policies, possibly because of other forms of education or exposure. However, residents who had seen tarsiers were more likely to engage in practices that support conservation. Regardless of whether they had seen a tarsier, both groups showed strong positive attitudes toward protecting the tarsiers. Overall, the results show that the community has a strong interest in conservation, and with the right strategies, there's real potential for practical conservation work in Iligan City.
KEYWORDS
Philippine Tarsier, Rogongon, Conservation Efforts, Community Knowledge, Awareness and Attitudes, Tarsier Behavior, Environmental Education
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Marc Alain B. Vergara , Jaime Q. Guihawan , Armi G. Torres , Wella T. Tatil , Hilly Ann R. Quiaoit , "Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude, Practices, and Perception on Tarsiers in Iligan City, Philippines," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 428 - 439, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130311.
(b). APA Format:
Marc Alain B. Vergara , Jaime Q. Guihawan , Armi G. Torres , Wella T. Tatil , Hilly Ann R. Quiaoit (2025). Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude, Practices, and Perception on Tarsiers in Iligan City, Philippines. Environment and Ecology Research, 13(3), 428 - 439. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130311.