The Philippine Archipelago Image courtesy of Google Images |
With 7,100+ islands composing the archipelagic state of the
Philippines, it is considered as the second largest archipelago in the world
next to Indonesia. Moreover, across and around these macro and micro islands, a
rich population of flora and fauna can be found in the country. Some are
endemic. Some are not. Some are still waiting to be discovered.
Chocolate Hills, Bohol Image courtesy of Google Images |
According
to The Encyclopedia of Earth (www.eoearth.org) , Philippines is one of the
biologically rich countries in the globe. Known as the Pearl of The Orient,
situated near the Pacific Ring of Fire along the equator, Philippines is
considered as a Biodiversity Hotspot. Ergo, the country’s local biodiversity is
undeniably prosperous and dynamic. The country is one of the few nations that is, in its
entirety, both a hotspot and a megadiversity place, placing it among the top
priority hotspots for global conservation and development.
Mayon Volcano Image courtesy of Google Images |
Hundreds of years ago, most of the Philippine islands
were covered in rain forest. The bulk of the country was blanketed by lowland
rainforests dominated by towering dipterocarps (Dipterocarpaceae), prized for
their beautiful and straight hardwood. At higher elevations, the lowland
forests are replaced by montane and mossy forests that consist mostly of
smaller trees and vegetation. Small regions of seasonal forest, mixed forest
and savanna, and pine-dominated cloud forest covered the remaining land area. (http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org)
Banaue Rice Terraces Image courtesy of Google Images |
By: Jaybee T. Domingo
Philippines is very blessed to have all these wonderful natural resources. It's location is perfect for most species to be their habitat. It has a vast of different biodiversity that is ideal for accommodating the plants and animals.
ReplyDeletePhilippines is truly a sight to behold and a paradise for everyone. And we Filipinos should really take good care of her.