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.
What makes Philippines a biodiversity hotspot?
Species endemism is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49% of terrestrial wildlife, while the country ranks fourth in bird endemism. The Philippines is also one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species, thus making it one of the top global conservation areas.
Why is the Philippines considered to be 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 might a region be considered a biodiversity hotspot?
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable. … In other words, it must be threatened.
Why is Philippines Biodiversity endangered?
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.
What are the 6 main threats to biodiversity?
6 Main Threats to Biodiversity – Explained!
- Human Activities and Loss of Habitat: …
- Deforestation: …
- Desertification: …
- Marine Environment: …
- Increasing Wildlife Trade: …
- Climate Change:
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.
Why Philippines has a rich ecosystem?
As a megadiverse country, the Philippines is recognized with its rich biodiversity. It has the most diverse life forms on a per unit area. Its biodiversity, composed of various flora and fauna, provides resources to meet basic needs for human survival, promotes economic development and offers environmental services.
What is the ecosystem in the Philippines?
Among the natural ecosystems are forest, grassland and coastal zone ecosystems. In the Philippines, the primary forests in the lowlands include mangrove forests, dipterocarp forests and molave forests.
What is the greatest threat humans pose to biodiversity?
Habitat loss is the single greatest threat to biodiversity on Earth today and in fact it is the second largest threat to our existence on this planet next to Climate Change.
What are the values of biodiversity?
Ecological life support— biodiversity provides functioning ecosystems that supply oxygen, clean air and water, pollination of plants, pest control, wastewater treatment and many ecosystem services. Recreation—many recreational pursuits rely on our unique biodiversity , such as birdwatching, hiking, camping and fishing.
What is the concept and criteria of biodiversity hotspot?
To qualify as a hotspot, a region must meet two criteria: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics; it has to have lost ≥ 70% of its original native habitat. MANAGEMENT. Hotspots are not formally recognised or governed areas.
What is the criteria of a biodiversity hotspot?
To be classified as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must have lost at least 70 percent of its original natural vegetation, usually due to human activity. There are over 30 recognized biodiversity hotspots in the world. The Andes Mountains Tropical Hotspot is the world’s most diverse hotspot.
What is the richest habitat on Earth?
Tropical forests are some of the richest, most exciting areas on earth. They are home to gigantic trees, colourful birds and a huge variety of fascinating mammals.
How do we protect Philippine biodiversity?
216,744
- Conserve biodiversity in forest areas and reduce forest degradation in priority watersheds.
- Build capacity to manage forest areas at the national and sub-national levels.
- Strengthen disaster-risk reduction programs.
Which country has the most animals in the world 2020?
#1: Brazil
It ranks second in mammals and amphibians, third in birds, reptiles and fish.