Wildlife authorities said they were investigating a vlogger today who was seen on video catching and playing with endangered monkeys in the Philippines.

The probe was launched when Ryan Parreno, from South Cotabato province, who goes by the online name Farm Boy, recoded himself picking up tarsier monkeys from a branch in the forest.

Footage shows the vlogger holding the first tarsier and showing it to his friend while a second one clung to a branch nearby on April 8.

The second tarsier was then plucked off the branch by the person holding the camera as they laughed and fixed them into poses for the video.

In the video, while gripping one of the animals tightly in his hand, he said 'smile, baby, smile'.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources launched an investigation into the footage.

A spokesman said: 'This is to inform the public that the DENR-12 monitoring and enforcement team received a report on Monday, April 8, about a disturbing video of improper treatment of Philippine Tarsiers.'

The video did not show if the animals were returned to their habitat but the DENR confirmed in its statement that the primates in the video were safe.

The department added: 'The Department investigated the matter and found that the two tarsiers were released but the agency is still looking for further actions to be taken on the wildlife incident.'

No official charges have been filed against the vlogger but the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines holds a penalty of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to 250,000 PHP (3,526.96 GBP).

The tarsier is one of the smallest known primates. It has extremely large eyes, each larger than its entire brain, which gives it exceptional night vision for its nocturnal lifestyle.

Tarsiers, including the Philippine tarsier, are endangered due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss due to deforestation and clearing of rainforests in Southeast Asia for agriculture, logging, and human settlement.