D.

SIGNIFICANCE/IMPORTANCE/USES OF BIODIVERSITY
Various uses of biodiversity regarding direct and indirect values are as follows:
Timber - Wood is one of few commodities used and traded worldwide that is mainly harvested from wild
sources. It is also one of the economically most important commodities in national and international
trade. Philippines main business in the past was based on natural Philippine wood species such as
shorea Lauan, and Yakal. We have now developed export markets for most Philippine plantation
species such as Teak, Acacia, Mahogany (Khaya or Swietenia), and Gmelina. We also have local
demand for ipil-ipil.
Fishery - Fish and other fishery products make up another class of commodities of great economic
importance in international trade that are harvested. Annual landings of aquatic resources have
increased nearly five-times in the past. Though there are over 22,000 species of fish, but just ten
individual marine fish species make up one-third of marine capture landings. The most important are
the herrings, sardines and anchovies’ group (Bulinaw).
Food - plants exemplify the most fundamental values of biodiversity. Presently, around 200 species have
been domesticated as food plants. Out of these about 15 to 20 are of major international economic
importance.
Medicinal value - Living organisms provide us with many useful drugs and medicines. Digitalis, an
important drug in the treatment of certain heart ailments. Molave, Teak, Ipil, etc.)
Genetic value - Biological diversity is a valuable genetic resource. Most of the hybrid varieties of crops
under cultivation have been developed by incorporating useful genes from different species of plants to
produce better quality of the product with longer self-life or having better resistance to pests. Though
such breeding techniques are unlimited in scope.
Tourism - industry is mainly based on observation of wildlife within protected areas and is a major source
of income for many developing countries. Tourism is the major source of foreign income in Philippines.
Eco-tourism is now getting more attention and it includes interest in the all species of plants and
animals.
Poor and indigenous people - under-developed countries are dependent on diversity in forests and
wildlife for food, shelter, tools, and materials for clothing and medicines. Further reduction in the
biodiversity can further increase the poverty of these poor people.
Pollution control - Plants and certain micro-organisms in particular can remove toxic substances from the
air, water and soil. Since the different species have different characteristics and capabilities, therefore,
a diversity of species can provide wide range of pollution control. For example, toxins like carbon-
dioxide and Sulphur-dioxide are removed by vegetation; carbon monoxide is controlled by soil fungi and
bacteria.

E. BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS
There are certain regions around the world that are distributed with high concentrations of
biodiversity. They are naturally gifted with a vast existence of biological resources. However,
many of these resources are already at risk of extinction because of man-made destruction
resulting to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss. We call these places biodiversity hotspots.
Hotspots of biodiversity refer to bio-geographic regions where significant levels of biodiversity with richness
and unusual concentration of endemic species are found, however, they are threatened with mindless
exploitation and destruction.
A biodiversity is termed as a hotspot if;
 It has at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemic.
 It must be threatened or under threat of destruction to a considerable extent.

E.1 List of Biodiversity Hotspots in the World

North and Central America − California Floristic Province, Madrean pine-oak woodlands,
Mesoamerica
Caribbean − Caribbean Islands
South America − Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests, Tumbes-Chocó-
Magdalena, Tropical Andes
Europe − Mediterranean Basin

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 Africa − Cape Floristic Region, Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, Eastern Afromontane, Guinean
Forests of West Africa, Horn of Africa, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands, Maputaland-
Pondoland-Albany, Succulent Karoo.
Central Asia − Mountains of Central Asia
South Asia − Eastern Himalaya, Nepal, Indo-Burma, India, Myanmar, Western Ghats, Sri Lanka.
South East Asia and Asia-Pacific − East Melanesian Islands, New Caledonia, New Zealand,
Philippines; Polynesia-Micronesia, Southwest Australia, Sundaland, Wallacea
East Asia – Japan, Mountains of Southwest China
West Asia – Caucasus, Irano-Anatolian

F. HOT-SPOTS OF BIODIVERSITY
Hotspots are the main areas of focus for biodiversity conservation. These are the areas that are extremely
rich in biodiversity, have high level of endemism, and are under constant threat of species extinctions and
habit destruction.

G. PHILIPPINES AS A MEGA DIVERSITY

Philippines is the world’s second largest archipelago, located in the southeast region of Asia
and westernmost Pacific Ocean. 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.
Philippines is known to be a home to 52,177 described species of which 50% or more are
believed to be endemic. Unfortunately, its species richness, high endemism and diversity are
all at risk, qualifying it to be a biodiversity hotspot. Threats come from habitat alteration and
loss brought about by the destructive resource use, development related activities and
human population pressure. The overexploitation of natural resources, reduced the forests to
an alarming 24% from its original cover. Philippines was used to be covered with rainforest
some hundred years ago. An abundance of lowland rainforest distinguished by tall
dipterocarps served as its cover. While there were montane and mossy forests at higher
elevations which were characterized by smaller trees and vegetation .

H. THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
Human actions have caused extinctions (elimination of species) over a long time, not just in recent
decades. The earliest humans probably caused extinctions through hunting, with the invention of fire,
humans began to change habitats over large areas, with the development of agriculture and the rise of
civilization, rapid deforestation and other habitat changes took place, as new areas were explored, the
introduction of exotic species became an important cause of extinction, later, in the twentieth century, with
the introduction of industrial chemicals and emissions, pesticides, etc. into the environment, pollution has
become an increasingly significant cause of extinction.
H.1. Human actions pose threats to biodiversity through:
1. Habitat loss and degradation
Habitat loss and degradation are the major proximate causes of species extinction. Today, major loss
to biodiversity in the world has been done by man. Man has begun to overuse or misuse most of these
natural ecosystems affecting 89% of all threatened birds, 83% of mammals and 91% of all threatened
plants. The main causes of habitat loss are agricultural activities, harvesting or extraction (including
mining, fishing, logging, etc.) and development of human settlements, industry and associated
infrastructure.
Habitat destruction inevitably results from the expansion of human populations and human activities.
The ever-expanding human settlements have been causing destruction of natural ecosystems to meet
their requirements of food, space, shelter, etc. In many countries, particularly Islands and where human
population density is high, most of the original habitat has already been destroyed.
Scientists have estimated that human activities are likely to eliminate approximately10 million species
by the year 2050. It is also estimated that at the present rate of extinction about 25 percent of the
world’s species will undergo extinction fairly rapidly. Rich bio diversities such as tropical forests,

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 wetlands, and coral reefs world over will constitute the major part of this extinction.
2. Habitat fragmentation
A process where a large, continuous area of habitat is both reduced in area and divided into two or
more fragments. Habitat fragmentation may take place due to the development of roads, towers,
canals, fields, industries, etc. in an original large habitat. The fragments thus divide populations into
isolated groups that not only limit the potential of species for dispersal and colonization but also reduce
the foraging ability of animals. These scattered populations are increasingly vulnerable to inbreeding
depression, high infant mortality and susceptible to environmental hardships, and consequently, in the
end, possible extinction.

3. Genetic assimilation
Some rare and endangered species are threatened by genetic assimilation because they crossbreed
with closely related species that are more numerous or more vigorous. Opportunistic plants or animals
that are introduced into a new habitat by human actions may genetically overwhelm local populations.
For example, hatchery-raised trout introduced into lakes or streams may genetically dilute indigenous
stocks.

4. Pollution
Environmental pollution is the most subtle form of habitat degradation. The most common causes of
which are pesticides, industrial effluents and emissions, and emission from automobiles. Toxic
pollutants can have disastrous effects on local populations of organisms. Pesticides linked declines of
fish-eating birds and falcons was well documented in the 1970s. Mysterious, widespread deaths of
thousands of seals on both sides of Atlantic in recent years are linked to an accumulation of chemicals
such as DDT, PCB’s and dioxins. Lead poisoning is another major cause of mortality for many species
of wildlife.

5. Poaching
Poaching of wildlife for trade and commercial activities is another insidious threat that has emerged in
recent decades as one of the primary reasons for the decline in number of species. It has been a
significant cause of the extinction of species and the endangerment of many more, such as whales and
many African large mammal, Asian tigers, etc. Most extinction over the past several hundred years is
mainly due to overharvesting for food, fashion, and profit. Despite legal protection in many countries,
products from endangered species are widely traded within and between nations.
Trade in wildlife in current times is driving many species of wild animals and plants to extinction.
Elephants are poached for ivory; tigers and leopards for their skin; pangolins for meat and scales; and
rare timber is targeted for hardwood furniture. It is now considered the most lucrative global crime after
drugs, humans, and arms. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a
resolution for tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife. The Sustainable Development Goals has laid down
specific targets to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species.

I. Man-Wildlife Conflict
Man-wildlife conflict refers to the interaction between wild animals and people and the consequential
negative impact on both of them. Human population growth and the resultant destruction of wildlife habitat
for human habitation and economic prosperity create reduction of resources or life to some people and wild
animals.
Since human populations expand into wild animal habitats, natural wildlife territory is displaced. Reduction
in the availability of natural prey/food sources leads to wild animals seeking alternate sources. Alternately,
new resources created by humans draw wildlife resulting in conflict. Competition for food resources also
occurs when humans attempt to harvest natural resources such as fish and grassland pasture.
There are many consequences of man versus wildlife conflicts. The major consequences are:
 Destruction of wildlife habitat
 Injury and loss of life of both humans and wildlife
 Crop damage and livestock depredation
 Damage to human property
 Decrease in wildlife population and reduction in geographic ranges

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  Trophic cascades
Apart from the above, there are other causes of threat to biodiversity. Factors such as climate change,
invasion of non-native species also add to biodiversity losses in some or the other.

J. Introduction of exotic species

Organisms introduced into habitats where they are not native are termed as exotics. They can be thought
of us biological pollutants and are considered to be among the most damaging agents of habitat alteration
and degradation in the world. Inducing species intentionally or unintentionally (accidentally) from one
habitat into another where they have never been before is a very risky business. Freed from the parasites,
pathogens, predators and competitors that normally keep their numbers in check, exotics often exhibit
explosive population growth that crowds out native species. Their aggressive invasion might be considered
a kind of ecological cancer.
Introductions of exotic species have cause of biodiversity loss due to human actions, however, are poverty,
macroeconomic policies, international trade factors, policy failures, poor environmental laws/ weak
enforcement, unsustainable development projects and lack of local control over resources. Population
pressures and accompanying increases in the collection of fuel wood and fodder, and grazing in forests by
local communities to take their toll on the forests, and consequently its biodiversity.
Important Terms in Biodiversity
1. Endangered species
2. Vulnerable species
3. Rare species
4. Threatened species
1. Endangered species - These are species whose numbers have been reduced to a critical level or
whose habitats have been so drastically reduced that they are in immediate danger of extinction.
2. Vulnerable species - The species that are under threat such that they may have to be classified as
endangered in the near future if causal factors continue to operate. These include species whose
populations have been seriously depleted and whose ultimate security is not assured, as well as
those species whose populations are still abundant but are under threat throughout their range.
3. Rare species - These are species with small total population size in the world. In their distribution,
they are usually localized within restricted habitats or geographical area or are thinly scattered over
an extensive range. It is necessary to mention here that a species that is rare is not necessarily in
danger of becoming extinct; some species, like the whooping crane, are naturally rare. However,
rarity does raise concerns about the possibility of extinction.
4. Threatened species - The term ‘threatened’ is used in the context of conservation of the species
which are in any one of the above three categories. These are species that have declined
significantly in total numbers and may be on the verge of extinction in certain localities.

Endangered species in the Philippines

endangered animals in the Philippines to endangered plants in the Philippines.
1. Philippine Crocodile 9. Wild Pig (Baboy Damo)
2. Philippine Eagle 10. Philippine Forest Turtle
3. Tamaraw 11. Waling-Waling
4. Bombon Sardine (Tawilis) 12. Kris Plant
5. Calamian and Philippine spotted deer 13. Staghorn Fern
6. Tarsier 14. Arabica Coffee
7. Sea Turtles 15. Catmon
8. Balabac mouse deer (Pilandok)

Threatened species of Philippines by taxonomic group

K. CONVERSATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Considering the degree of threat to biodiversity around the world and the vital importance of biodiversity for
living beings of which mankind is a major part, there is an urgent need to conserve biodiversity in the world.
Further, we should be concerned about saving biodiversity because of the benefits it provides us, biological
resources and ecosystem services, and the social and aesthetic benefits.

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There are two main methods for the conservation of biodiversity;
In-situ Conservation
In-situ or on-site conservation refers to the conservation of species within their natural habitats. This is
the most viable way of biodiversity conservation. It is the conservation of genetic resources through
their maintenance within the environment in which they occur.
Examples − National Parks, Wild Life sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Gene Sanctuaries
Ex-situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation means the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural
habitats. In ex-situ conservation methods, the plants and animals taken away from their habitats are
taken care of in an artificially created environment.
Examples − Captive Breeding, Gene Banks, Seed Banks, Zoos, Botanical gardens, Aquaria, In vitro
fertilization, Cryopreservation, Tissue Culture

L. COMMON REPUBLIC ACT ON CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY

Republic Act No. 9147 – Otherwise known as the “WILDLIFE, RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND
PROTECTION ACT”. an Act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources
and their habitats, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes. it provides, furthermore,
for the control and supervision of wildlife capture, hunting and trade; finally, it provides for
supporting and promote scientific research on the protection of biodiversity. The provisions of
this Act shall apply to all wildlife species overall, including those living in the protected also to
exotic species that could be traded, live, and/or bred in captivity or propagated in the country.
shall preside over all terrestrial plants and animals, turtles and tortoises and wetland species,
including also crocodiles, waterbirds and all amphibians and dugong.

Republic Act No. 7586 of 1992 - Also known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act
(NIPAS) 1992. An Act providing for the establishment and management of national integrated
protected areas system. The system, abbreviated NIPAS shall encompass "outstandingly
remarkable areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and
endangered species of plants and animals, biographic zones and related ecosystems, whether
terrestrial, wetland, or marine". All such areas shall be designed as "protected areas”.