PHILIPPINE

BIODIVERSITY
TRUE OR FALSE
INSTRUCTION: ANALYZE THE GIVEN STATEMENT AND DETERMINE IF IT IS
TRUE OR FALSE.

TRUE OR FALSE

PHILIPPINES HAS LESS THAN 52, 177 DESCRIBED

SPECIES, HALF OF WHICH ARE ENDEMIC OR CAN
BE FOUND HERE ON EARTH.
 TRUE OR FALSE
Although relatively small among the 17 megadiverse countries, the
Philippines has the greatest concentration of unique species per
unit area around the world.

TRUE OR FALSE

The Philippines species are among the world’s top 10 in terms of

endemism.
 TRUE OR FALSE
In terms of terrestrial vertebrates, the Philippines is known to host 1,200
species of which 618 (or 40%) is endemic.

TRUE OR FALSE

Philippines has 228 Key Biodiversity Areas which are home to 844 globally
important species of plants, mollusks, elasmobranchs, fishes, amphibians
and reptile diversity in Southeast Asia.
 Analysis:

Instructions:
Numbers will be used to indicate gender: 1 for male, 2 for
female, and 3 for all. When a number is called, students
should stand up according to their assigned number. The
last student to stand up will be required to answer the
question posed.
Why is the Philippines considered special in terms of
its biodiversity?

Why do you believe it is important for the world to pay

attention to the biodiversity in the Philippines?

What are the benefits of being one of the top

countries for species endemism?
 PHILIPPINE
BIODIVERSITY
 At the end of the Lesson, the students shall be able to:

1. Evaluate the status of Philippine biodiversity by exploring the richness and

endemism of its flora and fauna, as well as analyzing the conditions and varieties of its
unique ecosystems.

2. Identify the biodiversity hotspots and key areas of biodiversity loss in the
Philippines, emphasizing their ecological significance.

3.Analyze the factors contributing to biodiversity loss in the Philippines, highlighting

the driving forces behind these changes.
The Philippines, an archipelago of over
7,000 islands, boasts a staggering away
of biodiversity that is highest in the
world, featuring unique species like the
Philippine Eagle and the tarsier. This
rich ecosystem underpins local,
livelihood, with fishing, agriculture, and
ecotourism deeply intertwined with the
health of marine and terrestrial
environments.
PHILIPPINES AS A
MEGA-DIVERSE
COUNTRY
 The Philippines is considered as one of the world’s
megadiverse countries with almost 75% of the world’s
biodiversity. Indeed, almost two-thirds of the earth’s
biodiversity is concentrated in the country. Comparing the
geographical area of all the countries on earth, the
Philippines is considered to have the most numbers of
diverse
KeylifeBiodiversity
forms on a per unit area of basis.
Statistics:
Terrestrial Mammals: 207 species (133
endemic)
Birds: 691 species (239 endemic)
Reptiles: 419 species (241 endemic)
Amphibians: 120 species (98 endemic)
 TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS

Philippine Eagle Philippine Tarsier Carabao

Philippine Mouse-Deer Giant Cloud Rat Philippine Flying Lemur

BIRD SPECIES

Eurasian Collared
Philippine Eagle Asian Glossy
Dove
Starling

Tawny Grassbird Yellowish Bulbul White-Fronted Tit

 REPTILES

Green Sea Turtle Philippine Cobra Monitor Lizard

Philippine Skink Palawan Forest Bornean Earless

Turtle Monitor
AMPHIBIANS

Philippine Toad Green Frog Common Surinam Toad

Mindanao Tree Samar Pond Philippine

Frog Frog Flat-Headed Frog
 The Philippines is home to over 3,000 endemic
flowering plant species. Noteworthy examples
include Rafflesia arnoldii, which produces the world’s
largest flower, and various Nepenthes species,
unique carnivorous plants adapted to nutrient-poor
environments.

The country’s varied ecosystems, from tropical

rainforests to coral reefs and mangrove swamps,
support a wide range of plant species, each adapted
to its specific habitat.

Many native plants, such as Tawa-Tawa (Euphorbia

hirta), are valued for their medicinal properties,
reflecting the deep cultural connection to local flora.
-Approximately 60% of mammals, 50% of birds, and
30% of reptiles in the Philippines are endemic. The
critically endangered Philippine Eagle, one of the
largest eagles globally, symbolizes the country’s rich
avian diversity.

The Tarsier, one of the smallest primates, and the

Philippine Mouse-deer (Pilandok), considered a living
fossil, exemplify the distinctiveness of the country’s
mammal population.

The Philippine archipelago is part of the Coral

Triangle, which boasts the highest marine
biodiversity in the world, with over 500 coral species
and 2,000 species of fish.
 UNIQUE
ECOSYSTEMS
 Rainforests- These tropical
rainforests host a multitude of plant
and animal species, providing vital
ecosystem services and habitats.

Example species:
Philippine Eagle
Tamaraw
Coral Reefs-The Philippines’ coral reefs are
part of the Coral Triangle, known for their
biodiversity and importance for marine life.

Species:
Clownfish (Amphiprioninae): A popular
marine fish that has a symbiotic
relationship with sea anemones.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata):

An endangered species known for its
beautiful shell and important role in
maintaining coral health.
 Mangrove Forests- Mangroves protect
coastal areas and provide critical habitats
for various marine species, acting as
nurseries for fish.

Species:
Mangrove Monitor (Varanus cumingi): A
large lizard that inhabits mangrove forests
and is adept at climbing.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):

One of the largest living reptiles, often
found in mangrove areas and coastal
regions.
 Cloud forests- are tropical or subtropical forests
characterized by high humidity and frequent cloud cover,
typically found at high elevations. These forests are rich in
biodiversity and often have a unique microclimate.

Species:
Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes spp.): Carnivorous plants that
trap insects in their specialized leaf structures filled with
digestive enzymes.

Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta): A small primate with

large eyes, known for its nocturnal habits and ability to
leap between trees.
Lakes and freshwater ecosystems- include bodies of
water such as lakes, rivers, and streams that support
a variety of aquatic life. These ecosystems are crucial
for biodiversity and provide essential resources for
both wildlife and human communities.

Species:
Taal Lake Calamari (Sardinella tawilis): The only
freshwater sardine species globally, endemic to Taal
Lake and an important part of the local fishery.

Philippine Freshwater Mussel (Pilsbryoconcha exilis):

A species vital to freshwater ecosystems, serving as a
filter feeder and supporting water quality.
Alpine ecosystems- are found in high mountain regions,
characterized by cold temperatures, strong winds, and a
unique array of vegetation adapted to harsh conditions.
These areas often feature stunted trees, grasses, and a
variety of wildflowers.
Species:
Apo Muna Plant (Palaquium luzoniense): A tree species
adapted to the cooler temperatures and specific soil
conditions of the alpine environment.

Philippine Eagle Owl (Bubo philippensis): A large owl

that thrives in mountainous and forested areas, playing a
role in the ecosystem as a predator.
 WHY DO
PHILIPPINES
HARBOR SUCH
BIODIVERSITY?
The geology of the Philippines enhances biodiversity through its
geological isolation and varied landscapes. Formed by volcanic
activity around 50 million years ago, the archipelago's separation
from the Asian mainland allows species to evolve independently,
fostering unique evolutionary paths. Diverse elevations and
microclimates create distinct habitats—such as tropical lowland
rainforests and montane rainforests—supporting high levels of
endemism and biodiversity.
BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT AND
KEY BIODIVERSITY AREAS
IDENTIFICATION IMPORTANCE THREATS
 BIODIVERSITY
HOTSPOT
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region
characterized by significant levels of biodiversity
that is under threat from human activities.
 PALAWA
N
Threats Faced:
Coastal development, mining, and
tourism-related activities. These
pressures endanger unique habitats.
 MINDANA
O
Threats: Deforestation, mining, and
agricultural practices. These activities
disrupt habitats for species such as the
Mindanao Tree Sparrow and Philippine
Eagle.
 VISAYAS
Threats:
Habitat destruction from agriculture, urban
development, and overexploitation of resources.
 KEY BIODIVERSITY
AREAS
Vulnerability: Measured by the presence of globally threatened species, including:
Endemic species and Congregatory species,
Irreplaceability: Assessed by the concentration of species; loss of these areas jeopardizes
conservation goals.
 SIERRA MADRE (Northern
Luzon)
Largest mountain range in the Philippines; vital for watershed protection and diverse
ecosystems.

Notable Species: Philippine Eagle, Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove, various endemic orchids.
 MOUNT APO
(Mindanao)
Highest peak in the Philippines, supporting rich biodiversity
and unique ecosystems.

Notable Species: Philippine Eagle, Mount Apo Cloud Rat,

numerous endemic plants.
 TUBBATAHA REEF
(Palawan)
UNESCO World Heritage Site; critical for marine biodiversity and coral reef
conservation.

Notable Species: Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles, diverse fish species, and coral
varieties.
 THREATS FACED BY THESE
AREAS
Habitat Destruction- Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion lead to the loss of critical
habitats.

Pollution: Activities- Pesticide use, and plastic waste severely impact biodiversity.

Overexploitation- Unsustainable fishing practices, illegal logging, and mining have further degraded
these ecosystems. For instance, only 91 out of 228 KBAs are currently protected under national laws,
leaving many vulnerable to exploitation.

Climate Change- The impacts of climate change exacerbate existing threats by altering habitats and
affecting species survival rates. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can disrupt breeding
seasons and food availability for various species.

Invasive Species- Non-native species can outcompete local flora and fauna, leading to declines in native
biodiversity. This is particularly concerning in isolated island ecosystems where endemics are already
under stress.
 WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE
IMPORTANCE OF THESE AREAS?
 Biodiversity hotspots and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are critical for
prioritizing conservation efforts, especially given limited time and resources.
These areas offer vital ecological services such as watershed protection,
carbon storage, and habitat for threatened species, including the Philippine
eagle and Cebu flowerpecker.