Kollam: Dr N J Natarajan, a well-travelled Malayali doctor and renowned ENT surgeon from Ernakulam, fulfilled a lifelong dream by capturing the world's smallest mammal, the Philippine tarsier, on camera. This highly intelligent primate was photographed at the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol, Philippines.

Known locally as Mawumag in the Cebuano language, the Philippine tarsier stands between 85 to 160 mm tall and weighs between 80 to 160 grams. It is carnivorous and distinguished by its long tail and large eyes, which are fixed in its skull. Despite its similarities to the Slender loris found in India and Sri Lanka, the Philippine tarsier is unique for its tail.

“It was a lifelong dream of mine to photograph this mammal. Thousands of tourists from different parts of the world come here just to see it," Dr Natarajan expressed his joy.

Dr. Natarajan, who has travelled to 91 countries across all continents, including Antarctica, and authored five books, was accompanied by his wife, Lathalakshmi, during this journey.