Forest Wildlife and Biodiversity Activity 1

I. Definition of terms
1. Wildlife
- means wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all
developmental stages, including those which are in captivity or are
being bred, fed or propagated.
2. Wildlife Management
- is the practical application of scientific and technical principles to
wildlife and population and habitat so as to maintain or manipulate
such population essentially for recreational or scientific purposes.
3. Wildlife Population
- are all the members of a species that live in one area or habitat. They
could be a group of self-sustaining individuals of a specific species in
their native surroundings.
4. Wildlife Conservation
- any dynamic efforts taken to protect and conserve all species of flora
and fauna along with their habitats, this seeks to attain wise use of
wildlife resources.
II. Facts and Figures on Philippine Wildlife

Taxonomic Group Number of Endemicity Threatened or

Species Number Percent Endangered
Species

Mammals 180 110 64 32

Aves 558 174 32 87

Reptiles 261 168 63 3

Amphibians 101 79 78 3

TOTAL/AVERAGE 1001 531 125

III. What are the causes of wildlife endangerment? Explain each.

Overexploitation occurs when humans excessively harvest or use species
beyond their capacity to reproduce or replenish. This can lead to population
decline, loss of genetic diversity, habitat destruction and many more as
continuous harvesting for commercial purposes, such as hunting and fishing
can rapidly reduce population numbers, making more species prone to
vulnerability and extinction.
Habitat Loss is a known driver of wildlife endangerment this will result in
ecosystem fragmentation, isolating populations and reducing the available
area for species to thrive. Second, it will cause displacement and species may
be forced to migrate or adopt to new, often unsuitable environment as their
natural habitats disappear.

Global Warming/Climate Change driven by human activities like the burning

of fossil fuels and deforestation, poses significant threats to wildlife and can
contribute to their endangerment through various mechanisms:

● Temperature Changes: this can directly impact species that are

adapted to specific temperature ranges. Some may struggle to survive
in warmer or colder conditions.
● Habitat Alteration: can lead to shifts in vegetation and ecosystems.
Species that are unable to adapt or migrate to suitable habitats may
face habitat fragmentation or degradation.
● Altered Food Availability: Changes in climate can impact the
abundance and distribution of prey species, affecting the food sources
for predators. This disruption can lead to ecological imbalance.
● Increased Frequency of Extreme Events: Global warming is associated
with more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as
typhoons, hurricanes, droughts and wildfires. These events directly
harm wildlife populations, destroy habitats and disrupt ecosystems.

Environmental Pollution poses a significant threat to wildlife, leading to

endangerment and population decline.

● Contaminated Water Sources: Industrial pollutants, agricultural runoff,

and chemicals can contaminate water sources and watersheds. This
can harm fish and amphibians directly.
● Air Pollution: Airborne pollutants, including toxic gases and particulate
matter can affect wildlife if inhale this can harm the respiratory
systems, while deposition onto land and water can lead to
contamination of habitats.
● Plastic Pollution: Improper disposal of plastics results in widespread
pollution, impacting terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Wildlife may
ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injuries,
digestive issues and some cases death.
● Noise Pollution: Human-generated noise frim activities like
construction, transportation and industrial operations can disrupt the
communication, navigation and behaviour of wildlife.
 Biological Pollution can lead to wildlife endangerment by disrupting
ecosystems and outcompeting native species. Here are some ways in which
biological pollution contributes to the decline of wildlife:

● Competition for Resources: Invasive species often outcompete native

species for resources such as water, food, and shelter.
● Predation: Invasive Predators can pose a significant threat to native
species that may not have evolved defenses against them. This can
lead to increased predation pressure.
● Disease Transmission: Invasive species may introduce new diseases to
native populations that lack immunity. This can result in disease
outbreaks.
● Hybridisation: When invasive species breed with the natives, it can
potentially dilute the genetic integrity of the native species
population.

IV. What are the 7 types of wildlife values? Explain each.

Negative Value - wildlife can come into conflict with human activities, leading
to damage to crops and livestocks. Some wildlife species can serve as vectors
for diseases that affect humans, this can also lead to potential transmission of
zoonotic diseases. In addition, encounters with large predators or aggressive
animals can raise concerns about public safety, particularly if these species
enter human-populated areas.

Social Value - holds a significant value by contributing to social diversity and

cultural heritage. Fosters a sense of tradition, manners and responsibility
toward the environment while learning good character and attitude,
promoting a more harmonious relationship between humans and the natural
world.

Scientific and Educational Value - serves as a crucial component for

ecological research. Studying wildlife helps us all to understand biodiversity
and natural processes. Moreover, wildlife provides real-world examples and
sight in fostering an appreciation for the natural world and promoting
environmental awareness and conservation efforts among students and the
general public.

Recreational Value - wildlife has significant value as people enjoy the

pleasure of adventure and adrenaline of physical activities. The presence of
diverse species in natural habitats enhances the overall outdoor experience
for people which fosters connection with nature.
 Commercial Value - people can gain profit derived from selling or trading
animals and their by-products, in some cases by conducting wildlife related
operations and businesses. However, it's crucial to balance commercial
interests with conservation efforts to ensure the sustainable exploitation of
wildlife resources.

Aesthetic Value - wildlife holds significant aesthetic values contributing to the

beauty and diversity of natural environments. The intricate patterns, vibrant
colours, and unique behaviours of various species enhances the overall
appeal of our environment making wildlife an object of beauty, history and
inspiration of art, literature and cultural expression.

Biological Value - various species play essential roles in ecological processes

such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control which contributes to the
overall health and balance of ecosystems. Biodiversity, driven by the presence
of diverse wildlife, ensures resilience and adaptability in the face of
environmental changes. In addition, many species contribute to nutrient
cycling, soil fertility and influencing the overall productivity of the land.

V. Enumerate the factors determining Wildlife Distribution, Abundance and Quality.

● Reproduction
● Physiology and Behaviour
● Movements and Migration
● Food, Nutrition and Water
● Mortality
● Soil and Geography
● Cover Requirements

VI. What are the methods of studying food habits and preferences? Explain each.
● Preference trials - animals in captivity may be presented with two or
more food items, the item most eaten is rated as preferred over
less-eaten items. In the field, free-roaming animals may be followed to
observe their food preferences.

● Observations of food remains and signs - partially eaten carcasses of

prey often accumulate at dens or nests. Tabulation of these food
items provides food habit information during a limited season of the
year. During some time trails of carnivorous animals are followed to
note the frequency of their predation and, by examining signs, to
identify species of prey taken.

● Observation of feces and stools - feces of both carnivores and

herbivores may be examined for undigested food particles. For
carnivores, these are hair, bones and feathers. In herbivore feces,
 microscopic examination of fecal materials is usually required. Fecal
analysis involves a possibility that highly digestible foods may be
underrepresented in resulting food habit data.

● Feeding-site observation - this usually involves observation of wildlife

feeding at a distance. The location is noted and the observer inspects
the food at the site to see which have been fed upon. This method is
not applicable to animals that are difficult to observe and trace.

● Measurement of forage use (consume) - food habits of herbivores

may be evaluated by quantifying the evidence of grazing or browsing
on naturally available plants. To obtain food preference ratings, plant
species are usually compared by considering the intensity of use on
each species relative to its abundance in the habitat.

● Observation of regurgitated pellets - highly applicable to birds, notably

owls, hawks, eagles, herons and many more, as they regurgitate
indigestible hair and bones from their foods. Regurgitated pellets may
be collected, especially around nests where they may be numerous,
and the remains of food items identified.

● Digestive tract observation - this method involves collecting animals

and noting foods present in the stomach, this requires in-depth
knowledge in anatomy and the use of technology.

VII. Enumerate the food components for wildlife and explain its importance.
Water - do keep the animal hydrated and is an essential dietary component
for digestion and metabolism, it also helps wildlife for evaporative cooling
especially in hot environments.
Fats and Carbohydrates - vital for basal metabolic processes & regulation of
body temperature and as a source of many hormones. It is reasonable that
animals eat and store fat and carbs based on physiological demands.
Special Nutrients - like amino acids, proteins, minerals and essential fatty
acids are important for growth, homeostasis, healing and disease immunity.
Essential Minerals - like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, iron,
magnesium, potassium and many more help in strengthening the bone,
muscle and overall body structure of the animal.