Yap, Micah Joy C. BIO 1 THY2014-89513 Prof. Espanola

Reaction Paper – Endangered Tales

Philippines: A Mixed Bag of Variety

The biodiversity of the Philippines is one of the most phenomenal among

other territories in the world. In spite of its small land area surrounded with waters,

this created different varieties of life—from birds, mammals, reptiles and even to

flowers. It is so diverse that most of the new found species are only endemic in the

Philippines and every year not only Filipino but even foreign biologists continue their

explorations for new species in the Philippine rainforests, study them and introduce

the species to science. This high biodiversity of the country is not well acknowledged

and not given full attention. Due to lack of dissemination and educating its own

people, this causes tragic threats for some of the species to be critically endangered

without being fully aware. Few examples of these critically endangered species are

the Tamaraw, the Philippine Eagle and the Philippine Crocodile. These are just some

species that are few steps away from being extinct if not taken seriously. Written in

textbooks, students know these animals exist but only a number have seen them with

their own eyes. It is very saddening that the own people living in one of the most

diverse territories in the world might not get the chance to even have a peek of these

animals if they continually don’t act on saving these animals from extinction.

One of the most interesting facts that I learned personally from knowing how

diverse the Philippines was its rich flora and fauna. It is said that every year the

number of the new found species in the different parts of the country is increasing and

increasing. The Philippines is so diverse that it even outnumbered the endemic and

species found in United Kingdom and even Brazil’s majestic Amazon rainforest. It is

enthralling that this small islands keeps the precious treasures only found in their

place just waiting to be discovered.

Every Filipino is involved and must be involved in learning the amazing and

rich biodiversity of the Philippines in whatever field he may be. The aspect that he is

Filipino is valid enough to claim awareness of its land’s riches. Being aware and

spreading consciousness to its people is perhaps one of the simplest ways in being a

part of saving the country’s rich treasures. Being exposed in the reality of not only

knowing but also putting an act in preserving these given ecosystem.