Terrestrial Biodiversity: The Philippine terrestrial biodiversity is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecologies. It includes:
- Forests: the Philippines has one of the oldest and most extensive rainforests in the world. These forests are home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including 10,000 species of plants, 1,500 species of birds, and 100 species of mammals.
- Mangroves: The Philippines is home to extensive mangrove forests, which provide important habitats for a variety of marine life.
- Uplands: The uplands of the Philippines are home to unique mountain ecosystems, including cloud forests and grasslands, which are home to many endemic species.
Marine Biodiversity: The Philippines is located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, which is considered to be the center of global marine biodiversity. It has some of the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems, featuring over 400 species of coral, 3,500 species of fish, and several species of marine mammals, including the endangered dugong and whale sharks.
Endemism: The high levels of endemism make the Philippines a biodiversity hotspot. Some of the most iconic endemic species include:
- The Philippine Eagle, which is the largest eagle in the world and the national bird of the Philippines.
- The Tamaraw, a small and critically endangered wild carabao found only in the island of Mindoro.
- The Palawan Peacock Pheasant, a beautiful bird found only in the island of Palawan.
Conservation: Due to its immense biodiversity, the Philippines is facing significant challenges in conserving its natural resources and protecting its unique species. The country is working towards preserving its biodiversity through the implementation of various conservation programs and protected areas.