Biodiversity = Biological + Diversity

(Samu’t-saring Buhay)

Refers to the totality of

species and the ecosystems
that they live in. This
includes all forms of life from
microorganisms to
macroorganisms.
GENETIC DIVERSITY

SPECIES DIVERSITY

ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY
Genetic
diversity
It is the sum total of genetic
information contained in the genes of
individual organisms that inhabit the
earth.
Species
diversity

is the variety of living organisms on

earth. A group of organisms
genetically so similar that they
interbreed and produce fertile
offspring is called a species.

Scientist estimates that there are 10 M species on earth….

Ecosystem
diversity
FOREST ECOSYSTEM FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM

relates to the variety of

habitats, biotic communities,
GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM

and ecological processes in the

biosphere.
MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM MARINE
Philippine
biodiversity
at a glimpse Map of the
Philippines
 Estimated Number of Species in Various biodiversity
groups in the Philippines

Groups Estimated Number Groups Estimated Number

of Species of Species
Algae 865 Protozoa 396
Fungi 3,000 Sponges 200
Lichens 789 Annelids 700+
Mosses 753 Corals 488+
Ferns 950 Crustaceans 1,400
Cycads 4 Insects 16,704
Conifers 24 Molluscs 462
Flowering Plants 8,120 Echinoderms 500+
Fishes 2,175
Sub-total 14,505 23,025
Total 37,530
AMPHIBIANS
109
species

78% are endemic

REPTILES

288 species

66% are endemic

Two species of crocodiles

Saltwater crocodile

Both species found

in Region 02
Freshwater crocodile
BIRDS
We have more than 581 species of birds

34% endemic to the Philippines

MAMMALS
204 species

111 (54%) are

endemic
 estimated total number is between
INSECTS 50,000-100,000

20,940 species of insects recorded

at least 70% are endemic
PLANTS

estimated total number is about 16,000 +++species,

about half are endemics
MANGROVES

54 species
40 species in the Philippines
 500 of the 800+ known coral
CORALS species in the world is found in the
Philippines
 MEGADIVERSITY COUNTRIES

MEGADIVERSITY COUNTRIES: Just seventeen nations collectively claim within

their borders more than two-thirds of the Earth’s biological resources. These
countries are also home to a major portion of the planet’s cultural diversity. In
terms of plant and animal species at risk, as much as 80 percent of the world’s
most endangered biodiversity is found within the megadiversity countries.
 Importance of Biodiversity

Economic: food – grains, cereals, honey, dairy products,

fruits and vegetables, etc.
clothing – leather, cotton, wool, silk, etc.
shelter – bamboo, lumber, etc.
industrial uses – resin, rubber, etc.
 Importance of Biodiversity
Ecological Value
Ecosystem services
are so important since no
life, including our own,
would exist without them

Forest serves as watersheds

 Importance of Biodiversity

Biomedical/Scientific – extracts for medicine to cure number of

ailments, improvement of human health through vitamins/food
supplements and as test animals.
Importance of Biodiversity
 Importance of Biodiversity

Cultural/Religious/ – every living organism has the right

to exist; and cultural beliefs that some animals
are sacred and are worshiped, or revered as a
national pride due to their uniqueness.
 THREATS
TO
BIODIVERSITY
THREATS DEFORESTATION

KAINGIN
THREATS DEFORESTATION

LOGGING
THREATS DEFORESTATION

ROAD DEVELOPMENT
 Extent of Forest Cover Loss in the last 100 years

70 % 60 % 40 %

34 % 23.7 % 18.3 %

Source: Environmental Science for Social Change, 1999

 THREATS

SILTATION/SEDIMENTATION
 THREATS
ure: Internet

ILLEGAL FISHING
 THREATS

IRRESPONSIBLE MINING
 THREATS

Introduction of Exotic Species

 THREATS

UNSUSTAINABLE HUNTING OF WILDLIFE

DISASTER? HOPE ?
Al Gore

“ we should not wait…..

we cannot wait……..
we must not wait ”

37
In our fight to save
Philippine
biodiversity