Environmental Science 101

Research Project
Group Name: TEAM HALAMAN
Members:
Alinsunurin, Hazel
Cantalejo, Karla
Cantalejo, Charles Andrew
Castillo, Erica Mae
Conejero, Jasmin

Answer the following questions (please provide necessary references):

1.Define the following species category:

a. native species - those are species that live in the same place that they are originally from.
b. introduced species - those that have been brought to where they are by humans, either
accidentally or intentionally.
c. near threatened species - a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT)
by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be vulnerable to
endangerment in the near future, but it does not currently qualify for the threatened status.
d. vulnerable species - a species which has been categorized by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature that is threatened with extinction unless the circumstances that are
threatening its survival and reproduction improve.
e. endangered species - a type of organism that is threatened by extinction.
f. critically endangered species - one that has been categorized by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature as facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
g. extinct in the wild - one that has been categorized by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature as known only by living members kept in captivity or as a naturalized
population outside its historic range due to massive habitat loss.
h. extinct - termination of a kind of organism or of a group of children (taxon), usually a species

2. Give at least 3 species (preferably Philippine species) of the following:

a. native species
- Koala
- Beaver
- Kangaroos
b. introduced species
- Rabbits
- Dogs
- Snakes
c. near threatened species
- African bush Elephant
- Angelfish
- Badger
d. vulnerable species
- Giant Tortoise
- Dugong
- Giant Panda
e. endangered species
- Tiger
- Blue Whale
- Gorilla
f. critically endangered species
- Chimpanzee
- Sea lions
- Whale
g. extinct in the wild
- Hawaiian Crow
- Pere Davids Deer
- Spixs Macaw
h. extinct
- Black Rhinoceros
- Baiji White Dolphin
- Passenger Pigeon

3. Why is Philippines considered as biological hotspot?

4. Why the Philippine Biodiversity is endangered?

There are many particular reasons why Philippine’s biodiversity is now endangered and
the following are one of the major threats to Philippine biodiversity:

INCREASED POPULATION DENSITY AND URBAN SPRAWL

Population pressure as a threat to biodiversity stems mainly from the encroachment

into, and exploitation of, biologically important areas by impoverished people whose primary
concern is survival. Such people often migrate in substantial numbers between areas and
islands, having lost their lands through such factors as soil erosion and exhaustion, landslips,
and volcanic eruptions.

The destructive swidden cultivation of uplands and logged-over areas, illegal logging,
and hunting and collection of wildlife and flora are widespread. Further, the mainstreaming of
indigenous communities has resulted in the gradual loss of indigenous knowledge and
practices, which are conservation-friendly.
EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES

Destructive resource use often results from extractive industries such as mining, logging
and fishing, on commercial and small scales, and from the road building necessary to develop
them. Although these activities are regulated by the government, implementation of regulatory
safeguards is inconsistent and hampered by limited resources.

Areas abandoned by commercial logging and mining concessions attract many small
(and illegal) loggers and miners whose activities are generally more destructive. Where there
are commercial logging and mining activities, there is migration of people seeking related
employment, opening up areas for settlements and bringing workers and families to previously
uninhabited areas.

Hunting, poaching and flora collection follow human migration into upland areas,
aggravating the threat to wildlife. Moreover, logged-over areas are often converted to kaingin
(swidden) cultivation, clearing them of remaining vegetation.

CONFLICTING POLICIES

Unclear land use policies at the national level create confusion and conflicts.
Overlapping mandates and jurisdictions occur with respect to the use and management of
forest lands where logging, mining, plantation, special uses and settlement encroachment are
concerned.

Similar problems occur at the local level in response to indiscriminate land use
conversion and development projects. Weak consideration, if any, is given to environment and
biodiversity conservation by local governments in land use decisions.

In cases where proper land use and zoning controls are in place, the problem lies with
the political will to enforce those controls, particularly where there are unresolved conflicting
uses and contending institutions or influential parties involved.

5. Provide specific ways to conserve and protect the Philippine Biodiversity.

 Purchase eco-friendly and sustainable products as well as refrain from using non-
biodegradable materials.
 Establishing more National parks in the country.
 Help and save the bees as they play a huge role in preserving biodiversity. It could be
done by preventing the use of pesticide and by growing wildflowers and plants in your
backyard.
  Protect and respect local habitats through taking small steps such as avoiding leaning on
the grass or plants, keeping to the hiking trail, and bringing the animals back on their
home.
 Reduce water waste by keeping the faucet close when not in use or taking a shower in a
shorter amount of time.
 Captive breeding. This is mostly happened in the zoo where they capture animals that
are nearly extinct and help them breed before putting them back to wild.
 Deforestation and logging should be prohibited.
 Address overexploitation such as overfishing and too much hunting of animals by strictly
banning it.
 Help to fight climate change particularly global warming by reducing the use of fossil
fuel like using solar powered generated materials.
 Reduce pollution by planting more trees, avoid littering, and keeping away from using
plastic.

References
https://study.com/academy/lesson/native-species-definition-examples
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critically_Endangered
https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-examples-of-indigenous-species
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduced_species#:~:
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/directory?direction=desc&sort=extinction_status
https://www.cepf.net/our-work/biodiversity-hotspots/philippines/threats