Why is the Philippines a biodiversity hotspot?

Why is the Philippines a biodiversity hotspot?

Philippines: A Biodiversity Hotspot It is considered to be a mega – diversity country because of the exceptional diversity in ecosystems, species and genetic resources found within its 7,100 island territory. The overexploitation of natural resources, reduced the forests to an alarming 24% from its original cover.

Why does Philippines have a lot of endemic species?

The 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.

How does biodiversity relate to endemism?

Endemism and between-area diversity are also related to the typical size of a species range. An area’s endemic species dominate discussions of protecting biodiversity because it is the loss of these species that causes a global loss of species diversity.

What place in the Philippines that has rich biodiversity?

As a result, Palawan not only showcases many of the flora and fauna associated with the rest of the Philippines, but also has many birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, trees and plants found on the island of Borneo.

What can you say about the Philippines biodiversity?

The Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species. The Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world’s flora.

Why is Philippines rich in biodiversity?

The Philippines is one of the 17 mega biodiverse countries, containing two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and 70 percent of world’s plants and animal species due to its geographical isolation, diverse habitats and high rates of endemism. The Philippines’ biodiversity provides several ecosystem services.

Are tarsiers only found in the Philippines?

tarsier, (family Tarsiidae), any of about 13 species of small leaping primates found only on various islands of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

What are the famous floras in the Philippines?

List

• Abaca – Musa textilis.
• Acacia.
• Almaciga – Agathis philippinensis.
• Atis – Annona squamosa.
• Banaba – Lagerstroemia speciosa.
• Banana.
• Bayabas – Psidium guajava.
• Breadfruit – Artocarpus altilis.

What is endemism examples?

Endemism is an ecological word meaning that a plant or animal lives only in a particular location, such as a specific island, habitat type, nation or other defined zone. For example, many species of lemur are endemic to the island of Madagascar.

What is the greatest threat to Philippine biodiversity Why?

The continuing habitat degradation and forestland conversion are major threats to Philippine biodiversity. These are attributed primarily to large-scale and indiscriminate logging and mining, burgeoning human population, overharvesting of resources, and infrastructure development.

How can we protect biodiversity in the Philippines?

Project Goals

1. Conserve biodiversity in forest areas and reduce forest degradation in priority watersheds.
2. Build capacity to manage forest areas at the national and sub-national levels.
3. Strengthen disaster-risk reduction programs.

Recognised as the hottest of biodiversity hotspots — a global conservation priority area which faces significant threats — the Philippines, together with other megadiverse countries, hosts over two-thirds of Earth’s plant and animal species. However, increasing human activity has pushed its wildlife to the edge of collapse.

Why is the Philippines a biodiverse country?

The Philippines is one of the 17 mega biodiverse countries, containing two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and 70 percent of world’s plants and animal species due to its geographical isolation, diverse habitats and high rates of endemism. The Philippines’ biodiversity provides several ecosystem services.

Why are there so many endemic species in the Philippines?

Several endemic species in the Philippines have only four percent of their natural forest habitat remaining. At sea, unsustainable fishing has reduced fish populations, putting pressure on the ocean’s ability to provide food and incomes.

How are biodiversity and watersheds improved in the Philippines?

Philippines Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program. The Philippines is one of the 17 mega biodiverse countries, containing two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and 70 percent of world’s plants and animal species due to its geographical isolation, diverse habitats and high rates…