Post on 16-Aug-2015
VOCABULARY CHECK
a. extirpationb. endangered speciesc. threatened speciesd. endemic speciese. extinctionf. biodiversity hotspot
• The world's second largest archipelago country after Indonesia, the Philippines includes more than 7,100 islands covering 297,179 km2 in the westernmost Pacific Ocean.
• The Philippines lies north of Indonesia and directly east of Vietnam.
• one of the few nations that is, in its entirety, both a hotspot and a megadiversity country, placing it among the top priority hotspots for global conservation.
• The archipelago is formed from a series of isolated fragments that have long and complex geological histories, some dating back 30-50 million years. With at least 17 active volcanoes, these islands are part of the "Ring of Fire" of the Pacific Basin. The archipelago stretches over 1,810 kilometers from north to south. Northern Luzon is only 240 kilometers from Taiwan (with which it shares some floristic affinities), and the islands off southwestern Palawan are only 40 kilometers from Malaysian Borneo. The island of Palawan, which is separated from Borneo by a channel some 145 meters deep, has floristic affinities with both the Philippines and Borneo in the Sundaland Hotspot, and strong faunal affinities with the Sunda Shelf.
• We often complain about our country being poor. Little do we know about how rich the Philippines is in biodiversity. In fact, this archipelago is known as having the crown jewels of marine biodiversity in the entire planet.
• Biodiversity is the abundance of different living species (or life forms) in our forests (plants and animals) and our waters (rivers, ponds, seas, etc.)
PHILIPPINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS
OUR LIVING AND NON-LIVING RESOURCES
Taxonomic Group
SpeciesEndemic Species
Percent Endemis
m
Plants 9,253 6,091 65.8
Mammals 167 102 61.1
Birds 535 186 34.8
Taxonomic Group
SpeciesEndemic Species
Percent Endemis
m
Reptiles 237 160 67.5
Amphibians
89 76 85.4
Freshwater Fishes
281 67 23.8
PHILIPPINES: high species diversity and high endemicity
ENDANGERED• A species present in
such small numbers that it is at risk of extinction.
ENDEMIC• An organism
exclusively native to a place or biota
WHY IS THIS SO:the patchwork of isolated islands,
the tropical location of the country,
and the once extensive areas of rainforest
• UNIQUE AND THREATENED BIODIVERSITYThe patchwork of isolated islands, the tropical location of
the country, and the once extensive areas of rainforest have resulted in high species diversity in some groups of organisms and a very high level of endemism. There are five major and at least five minor centers of endemism, ranging in size from Luzon, the largest island (103,000 km²), which, for example, has at least 31 endemic species of mammals, to tiny Camiguin Island (265 km²) speck of land north of Mindanao, which has at least two species of endemic mammals.
• The Philippines has among the highest rates of discovery in the world with sixteen new species of mammals discovered in the last ten years. Because of this, the rate of endemism for the Philippines has risen and likely will continue to rise
The BirdsThe Birds
The Philippines is home to some of the world's most exotic birds
• Scientists have documented 530 bird species around the Philippine archipelago.
• Of this number, 185 species are endemic to the country.
• The Bird Life International listed over 60 of them as "threatened" or "near-threatened".
Causes of Endangerment of Birds
• They are large, easily seen birds and thus vulnerable to being shot;
• They are trapped for pets or food;
• Their habitat has been destroyed, especially lowland virgin forest; and
• They are restricted to one or two islands.
Lives in the rainforests of Isabela, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.
It has similarities with Papua New Guinea's Harpy Eagle (Harpyopsis novaeguinea).
It feeds on large snakes, hornbills, civet cats, flying lemurs and monkeys - the reason why it is also called monkey-eating eagle.
With an estimated population of 100 to 300 today, the Philippine eagle is in danger of extinction.
It is one of the 400 exotic bird species in the Philippines, which, if not protected, would disappear from the face of the Earth.
The Philippine Eagle : Pithecophaga jefferyi
Endangered…
The Philippine or Red-vented Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia)
Endangered…
The Palawan Peacock Pheasant
(Polyplectron emphanum)
Endangered…
.
The Sulu Hornbill (Anthracoceros montani)
Endangered…
.
The Mindoro Imperial Pigeon (Ducula mindorensis)
Endangered…Cebu Black
Shama
Cebu Flowerpecker (now presumed extinct)
Endemics…and Endangered
The Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon
Gallicolumba platenae
Visayan wrinkled hornbillAceros waldeni
Red-bellied pitta (Pitta erythrogaster)
Endemics…and still widespread
Grand RhabdornisPhilippine Creepers
MAMMALS At least 165 mammal species are found in the Philippine hotspot
over 100 of these are endemic (61%)
The Mammals
One of the world's rarest mammals lives in the dwindling forest of Panay Island: Philippine spotted deer (Cervus alfredi), considered by many as the most endangered deer in the planet
Deer that cannot be found elsewhere: the Calamian hog deer or Calamian deerhave longer and darker legs, compared with other hog deer.
By 1996, its population further declined to only about 900, prompting conservationists to declare it as an endangered species.
The Mammals
Unique pygmy water buffalos (Bubalus mindorensis) endemic to Mindoro listed as one of the ten most endangered species in the world.
From 10,000 heads in the 1900's, population went down to 369 heads in the late 1980's to as few as 20 heads roaming in the wild today
The Mammals
• Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) measures only about twelve centimeters in length.
• Found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol and Mindanao, the Philippine tarsier got its name from its elongated tarsus bone.
• Today, there are only about 1,000 tarsiers inhabiting the wilds of Corella town in Bohol province where the biggest concentration of these rare animals was once reported.
The Mammals
• The Palawan bearcat population is threatened by human activities.
The Mammals
• South of Palawan, lies the Balabac Island, home of the world's smallest hoofed mammal - the Philippine mouse deer.
• Locally known as Pilandok (Tragalus nigricans), this ruminant stands only about 40 centimeters at the shoulder level.
• While the mouse deer are widely distributed across Asia, their dwindling population has alarmed the World Conservation Union, which declared them as endangered in 1996.
The Mammals
• Dugongs or sea cows, the only herbivorous marine mammals, are often sighted in Philippine waters, particularly near Palawan province and southern Mindanao.
• A dugong can live more than 70 years.
• The Philippine government has banned the commercial exploitation of dugong since 1991.
The Mammals
Over the years, these two species of giant fruit bats have roamed around the 10,000-hectare Subic Forest National Protected Area, which is considered the biggest roosting site of bats in the world.
Golden- capped fruit BatAcerdon jubatus
The Mammals
The smallest bat in the world is the Philippine bamboo bat (vespertilionid), which belongs to the vespertilionid family. This bat measures about four centimeters (1 1/2 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 15 cm. Approximately, it weighs 1.5 grams (1/20 ounce).
The Mammals
The Mindoro Pallid Flying Fox - smallest flying fox in the
Philippines The Philippine tube-nosed bat, Nyctimene rabori of Negros is considered highly endangered
The Mammals
bare-backed fruit bat or Dobsonia chapmani
Believed to Believed to have become have become extinct in extinct in 1970s as a 1970s as a result of the result of the combination of combination of forest forest destruction, destruction, disturbance by disturbance by guano miners, guano miners, and huntingand hunting
The Mammals
The continuous denudation of tropical forests in the country threatens the remaining population of kagwang, which used to abound in the wilderness of Basilan, Leyte, Samar, Bohol and Mindanao.
Philippine government declared kagwang as an endangered species and banned its commercial exploitation.
The Mammals
The Visayan Warty Pig Sus cebifrons
1994: 1994: EndangeredEndangered
1996 - 2004: 1996 - 2004: Critically Critically EndangeredEndangered
Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat Phloeomys pallidus
Widespread in northern and central Widespread in northern and central Luzon Luzon From sea level to high mountains (at From sea level to high mountains (at least 2000 m), in primary and least 2000 m), in primary and secondary forest and heavily disturbed secondary forest and heavily disturbed scrubscrub
Reptiles are represented by about 235 species
160 of which are endemic (68%)
There are nearly 90 amphibian species in the hotspot, almost 85 percent of which are endemic
Crocodylus porosus, it is different from Mindoro's freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis)
There were tales that a 27-foot saltwater crocodile was killed near Lake Taal in Batangas in 1823.
It reportedly took 40 men to bring the body ashore.
Philippine flat- headed frogBarbourula busuangensis
• Busuanga, Culion, and Palawan
• inhabits clear, unpolluted swift-flowing mountain streams and rivers in lowland rainforests where it usually floats near the surface of the water unless disturbed, when it will hide under submerged rocks
southern Luzon and southern Luzon and Catanduanes Island Catanduanes Island in the Philippines, in the Philippines, where it inhabits the where it inhabits the forested slopes of forested slopes of low mountainslow mountains
Gray’s monitorVaranus olivaceus
Philippine pond turtleHeosemys leytensis
Philippine Green turtle
Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Hawksbill sea turtle
has more than 280 inland fish, including nine endemic genera and more than 65 endemic species, many of which are confined to single lakes.
An example is Sardinella tawilis, a freshwater sardine found only in Taal Lake.
Fish
• The Philippine government declared whale sharks as endangered species in 1998, thereby banning its plunder and exploitation.
• Right now, the Department of Tourism is promoting eco-tourism to protect the whale sharks in Donsol.
Fish
The world's smallest freshwater fish is found in the Philippines. The dwarf goby (Pandaka pygmaea) measures 1.2 centimeters or less than half of an inch, the tiniest known vertebrate.
American Ichthyologist Albert Herre first discovered it in Malabon River in 1925.
Fish
World's smallest commercial fish: Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis) found only in Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur province.
Sinarapan grows to an average length of 1.25 centimeters, only slightly longer than the dwarf goby.
Today, unabated fishing in the two lakes threatens the population of sinarapan.
it would take a thousand to fill a tablespoon
Fish
Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus Blue-spotted angelfish
Exyrias: goby or biya
Sawtail Catshark
Philippine Anchovy: Dilis or Bolinao
Fish
There are at least 50 known seahorse species in the world. They inhabit temperate and tropical waters but most of them are concentrated in the warm coastal waters of the Philippines.
The Invertebrates
Tridacna gigas grows as large as one meter in length and weighs 600 pounds
Tridacna gigas, one of the world's largest shells can be found under Philippine waters.
The Invertebrates
Pisidum, the world's tiniest shell, can be found under Philippine waters.
Pisidum is less than 1 millimeter long
The Invertebrates
A shell called glory of the sea (Connus gloriamaris) is also found in the Philippines and considered as one of the most expensive shells in the world.
The Invertebrates
• About 70 percent of the Philippines’ nearly 21,000 recorded insect species are found only in this hotspot.
• About one-third of the 915 butterflies found here are endemic to the Philippines, and over 110 of the more than 130 species of tiger beetle are found nowhere else.
The Plants
• Total Plant Species: 9,253• Endemic Plant Species: 6, 091• Endemics as Percentage of World
65.8
The Plants
Velvet Apple, Mabolo Diospyros discolor
Among the endemic fruit trees in the Philippines are durian, mabolo, pili and bignay
There are more than 150 species of palms and dipterocarps in the hotspot, and around two-thirds of these are found nowhere else in the world.
The Plants
Of the 1,000 species of orchids found in the Philippines, 70 percent are restricted to the hotspot.
As many as 9,000 flowering plants can be found in the country
Gingers, begonias, gesneriads, orchids and pandans are particularly high in endemic species
Threats to Biodiversity
“Extinction is the most irreversible and tragic of all environmental calamities. With each plant and animal species that disappears, a precious part of creation is callously erased.”
-Michael Soulé, noted American conservation biologist
Problems and Threats
Biodiversity loss in the Philippines stems from causes classified into six broad categories:
1. Habitat loss/destruction2. Invasive species/Biological pollution3. Pollution (Chemical)4. Human Population5. Overharvesting/Overexploitation6. Weak Institutional and Legal Capacities
Habitat Loss/Destruction
Habitat destruction and loss can be traced to anthropogenic and nature-wrought causes. Anthropogenic activities include destructive and unsustainable practices such as
logging,fires,land conversion,siltation,destructive fishing methods, andencroachment (advance beyond proper limits) and occupancy in protected areas.
Nature-wrought destructions
Volcanic eruptionsEarthquakesTyphoonPests Diseases
Biological Pollution (Species Level)
Invasive Species:
parasitize or predate upon residents
hybridized with them
compete with them for food
bring unfamiliar diseases
modify habitats
disrupt important interactions.
Pollution - the brown horizon - Early morning view from a room
in the EDSA Shangrila Hotel - looking out towards Quezon City.
January, 2009.
Chemical (Environmental) Pollution
Pollutants overwhelm our ecosystems and overtax the dispersal and self-cleansing capacity of our atmosphere, water bodies and land.
Forest ecosystems - less subjected to chemical pollution compared to other ecosystems with the exception of chemical defoliants usage
Wetland ecosystems - take much toll from chemical wastes from mine tailings, hazardous wastes from industrial plants, factory discharges, agricultural fertilizer and pesticide run-offs, and even household wastes.
Marine ecosystems - are subject to the same chemical pollutants as wetlands but are less vulnerable because of their greater expanse.
Agricultural ecosystems - are poisoned by intensive fertilizer and pesticide applications..
Overexploitation
Population pressure, poverty and paucity of livelihood opportunities, dearth of values, and the "open access" nature of many bioresources all contribute to the overexploitation and non-sustainable use of our country’s biodiversity.
Weak Institutional and Legal Capacities
Major drawbacks in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use include:
inappropriate, overlapping, conflicting and obsolete policies and institutions
shortage of technical expertise
shortage of funds
Weak Institutional and Legal Capacities
weak information, education, and communication capacities
inadequate policy mechanisms
poor integration of research and development activities.
Protecting Biodiversity
16 June 2010 Biodiversity.ppt 82
• Biodiversity “hotspots”– Protection of habitat
Sierra ClubThe Sierra Club, founded in 1892, is one of the oldest conservation organizations in existence. With over 1.3 million members, this organization is one of the most effective and powerful at effecting changes in government and corporate America. Fighting for the preservation of land and forest, clean air and water, and a host of other issues, the Sierra Club is well-known and respected.
National Audubon SocietyThe Audubon Society’s declared mission is “to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity” and since the late 1800s the organization has worked hard to achieve its mission. Interestingly, the original John Audubon, who created the foremost guide to North American birds, was not the founder, but did inspire the organization’s founders, namely George Bird Grinnell. Today bird conservation and Audubon are practically synonymous.
World Wildlife FundThe iconic panda logo has made the WWF instantly recognizable to many people around the world. With 5 million members internationally and over 1.2 million in the States, this 45-year-old wildlife defense organization is going strong. Strongly promoting an emphasis on science, the WWF works to preserve nature and its creatures. From the organization’s website: “We are committed to reversing the degradation of our planet’s natural environment and to building a future in which human needs are met in harmony with nature. We recognize the critical relevance of human numbers, poverty and consumption patterns to meeting these goals.”
GreenpeaceGreenpeace began in 1971 when a group of activists put themselves directly in harm’s way in order to protest nuclear testing off the coast of Alaska. Believing that concerted action from ordinary people is the best way – according to their signature quote from Margaret Mead, the only way – the organization has helped to stop whaling, nuclear testing, as well as leading efforts to protect Antarctica. Over 2.5 million members worldwide.
National Wildlife FederationThe National Wildlife Federation is dedicated to preserving animals in the United States and works with local agencies in the 48 contiguous states. It is one of the largest environmental organizations, with over 4 million members participating in grass-roots efforts on a variety of wildlife issues. The organization was actually founded by a cartoonist named Jay Darling (aka “Ding” Darling) in 1936 at the behest of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)According to the official website: “The Natural Resources DefenseCouncil works to protect wildlife and wild places and to ensure a healthy environment for all life on earth.” The NRDC combines hundreds of active lawyers with over 1.2 million members to create direct and legislative change. The focus is on preventing climate change and saving endangered species, among other goals.
World Business Council for Sustainable DevelopmentInterested in sustainable development? The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is the place to go online. This global association of 200 leading companies states: “Our mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to support the business license to operate, innovate and grow in a world increasingly shaped by sustainable development issues.” The capitalist’s online environmental organization.
Forest Stewardship CouncilCertification from the FSC is essential for a green retailer to have genuine “eco cred”. Environmental labels and certifications are not globally standardized, but FSC is one you can trust. This non-governmental nonprofit was established to protect forests. Located in 46 countries, the FSC helps companies, governments and communities with proper forest management and accredidation.
The Nature ConservancySince its inception in 1951 the Nature Conservancy has dedicated itself to saving lands and waters. With over 117 million acres sustained, 5,000 miles of rivers kept clean, and hundreds of marine conservation projects, the Nature Conservancy is one of the most successful and effective green organizations in existence. The science-based approach (they have 700 scientists on staff) is used in all conservation efforts around the world.
Wildlife Conservation SocietyDevoted to saving wildlife, the Wildlife Conservation Society is unique in that it runs a large system of urban parks. The official statement reads: the Wildlife Conservation Society “saves wildlife and wild lands through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks”. The mission of the organization is to connect humans with wildlife in the hopes that interaction will inspire preservation of endangered species.
National Geographic SocietyCelebrating its 120th year, the iconic and beloved National Geographic Society is one of the largest, most well-funded and most prominent environmental organizations. Focusing on science-based research and general interest as well as conservation efforts, Nat Geo is decidedly environmentalist without that being the overt thrust of the organization, choosing instead to celebrate amazing wonders of the earth and its creatures. Its mission: “Since 1888, we’ve traveled the Earth, sharing its amazing stories with each new generation. National Geographic’s Mission Programs support critical expeditions and scientific fieldwork, encourage geography education for students, promote natural and cultural conservation, and inspire audiences…”
Conservation International (CI) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, which seeks to ensure the health of humanity by protecting Earth's ecosystems and biodiversity[2]. CI’s work focuses on six key initiatives that affect human well-being: climate,food security, freshwater security, health, cultural services and species contribution. The group is also known for its partnerships with local non-governmental Organizations and indigenous peoples.
RA 7586 NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED
AREAS SYSTEM ACT OF 1992• June 29, 1992
• provides for the establishment and management of protected areas in the Philippines
• serves as the legal basis for the "In Situ" conservation of biological diversity through the appropriate management of ecologically important areas for conservation and sustainable development
• in simpler terms, serves to "protect outstandingly remarkable areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals representative of biogeographic zones and related ecosystems."
RA 8371 The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (The Rules & Regulations Implementing the
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997)
• October 29, 1997
• An act to recognize, protect and promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous people, creating a national commission of indigenous people, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes
RA 8550 THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE OF
1998
• February 25, 1998
• An act providing for the development, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic resources, integrating all laws pertinent thereto, and for other purposes
RA 8550 THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE OF
1998The state shall ensure the attainment of the following
objectives of the fishery sector:• 1. Conservation, protection and sustained management
of the country's fishery and aquatic resources;• 2. Poverty alleviation and the provision of
supplementary livelihood among municipal fisherfolk;• 3. Improvement of productivity of aquaculture within
ecological limits;• 4. Optimal utilization of offshore and deep-sea
resources; and• 5. Upgrading of post-harvest technology.
RA 8749 CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999
• June 23, 1999
• An act providing for a comprehensive air pollution control policy and for other
RA 9003 ECOLOGICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 2000
• January 26, 2001
• An act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefor, and for other
RA 9147 WILDLIFE RESOURCES CONSERVATION
AND PROTECTION ACT
• July 30, 2001
• An act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes
RA 9072 NATIONAL CAVES AND CAVE
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION ACT
• April 8, 2001
• An act to manage and protect caves and cave resources and for other purposes