1.

Look in the net or other source of information for species (plants or animals) which are listed
as threatened, endangered or critically endangered (other than those mentioned in the
lesson).

NEGROS FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus arcanus)

The Negros fruit dove (Ptilinopus arcanus)

belongs to the Columbidae family of pigeons
and doves. It is found on the Philippine island
of Negros. A single female specimen
collected from the slopes of Mount Kanlaon
in the northern part of the island is all that is
known about this fruit dove. Despite a
number of recent long-term surveys, this
species has not been found since the type
specimen was collected in 1953. Given the
fact that there was an unconfirmed claim in 2002 and the shyness of fruit-doves, it could still
exist. Any remaining population is likely to be small, and it will continue to decline as a result of
hunting and habitat destruction. Because of these factors, it is critically endangered.

2. State the reasons why these organisms are in that condition (threatened, endangered,
critically endangered).

 Hunting – It was discovered when it was believed to be the mate of another bird.
Hunters recorded shooting this species of dove between 1985 and 2008. Hunting has
put a lot of pressure on the fruit doves in this region. The population is thought to be
very small and decreasing within its range due to the species' apparent limited range,
lack of records, and hunting pressure.
 Habitat destruction/loss – The Negros fruit dove is thought to have originated as a
lowland bird, but the destruction of forests in northern Negros pushed the dove out of
its ideal habitat, leading to its extinction. Today, no forest exists in northern Negros
below 2,460 feet, and several searches of Mount Kanlaon and the surrounding area in
the 1990s yielded no evidence of the species' presence, and searches of Mount Kanlaon
and the surrounding area in the 1990s yielded no evidence of the species' continued
presence.

3. Explain why you think it’s important for these organisms to be protected.

Although Negros fruit dove existence were not yet confirmed. It is still important to our
ecosystem. When a species becomes endangered, it indicates that the ecosystem is
deteriorating. Each species that goes extinct causes the extinction of other species in its
ecosystem. Humans depend on healthy environments to purify the air we breathe. We would
not have clean air, water, or land without safe forests, grasslands, rivers, oceans, and other
 habitats. We put our own health at risk if we allow our atmosphere to become polluted. Doves,
on the other hand, are an essential part of ecosystems, which we need for our own survival.
Forests and the marine climate, for example, provide us with food, medicines, and essential raw
materials. It plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of these systems.
4. Discuss the reasons why you think biodiversity is important and why endangered animals and
habitats should be protected.

Biodiversity is important in our degree of dependency in our environment. We, like all
other animals, are interconnected and depend on one another to live. Other species can be
affected if one piece of biodiversity is lost. It is essential to protect the biodiversity in order to
avoid losing any of these vital components. If biodiversity does not exist, food, medicine,
climate, etc. cannot exist also. One of many benefits of biodiversity was food. We, humans, rely
on food to relieve our hunger and to be healthy. It also enables bees pollinate crops, organic
fertilization improves yield, and heirloom varieties that can strengthen and improve the health
of our plants. Because of biodiversity, we humans have foods on our table. Since, human are
also prone to health diseases. Biodiversity is important. Nature provides aspirin, penicillin, and
thousands of other medicines. Plants, animals, and microorganisms account for more than half
of all prescription medications. Our climate is also influenced by biodiversity. Forests, wetlands,
and other protected habitats help to reduce the effects of floods and droughts by regulating
greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide.
The wellbeing of the earth is maintained by a well-balanced ecosystem. This means that
humans have access to clean air and water, as well as agriculturally fertile land. Clean air and
water boost our quality of life, while fertile agricultural land ensures that we have enough food
to eat. Plants with medicinal properties can also be found in a well-balanced environment. As a
result, if habitats aren't preserved, our health could suffer as well.

5. Why should ecosystems be kept healthy, with every member of the ecosystem protected?

An ecosystem is a living system that includes plants, animals, and microorganisms, as

well as all non-living environmental influences. To keep this balance on its place. It is necessary
for us humans, to understand how each component of the natural environment affects the
others. Ecosystems can also be described as communities of organisms and non-living matter
that interact. Each component of the ecosystem is vital. Since ecosystems are interdependent,
each component is essential. When viewed in different light, the entire world is one ecosystem;
an interdependent collection of life forms and processes, without which everything will be
impacted and altered. This is the same dynamic that takes place within our own bodies. When
we are sick, or have an injury to one of our body parts (deforestation, fires, etc.), our body will
not function well, it may also lead into death (extinction). If it shows that the environment is
worsening. Each extinction of a species results in the extinction of other species in its
ecosystem. Humans depend on safe environments to breathe clean air. Without healthy forests,
grasslands, rivers, seas, and other ecosystems, we wouldn't have clean air, water, or soil. If we
allow our environment to become poisoned, we endanger our own health. Our future, the
future of our children, and their children depends on it. If all parts of the ecosystem became
extinct, then all of us humans too.
References:

Negros Fruit Dove. (n.d.). [Photograph]. Philippine Endangered.

https://images.app.goo.gl/U8Apw6CiiNwuo5RXA

Parks, A. O. (2020, May 12). Why is biodiversity important? Parks Blog.

https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/why-is-biodiversity-important/

Why do we need to protect biodiversity? - Environment - European Commission. (2010). European

Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/intro/index_en

Wikipedia contributors. (2021, February 7). Negros fruit dove. Wikipedia.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negros_fruit_dove