Clarence Jim B.

Rengel
2012-14304
BS Chemical Engineering
Endangered Tales
Stewards of Nature
The Endagered Tales documentary gave an immense amount of information on the
biological diversity of the Philippines even though we have already discussed a few of these in
class. Basically, there are four explanations for the high biodiversity in the Philippines. Since the
islands are found near the equator, warm temperature and high amount of rainfall due to the
tropical climate allow the abundance of life. Also, the country has a complex geological history
since it was mainly composed of oceanic islands many years ago and some islands like Palawan
was once part of mainland Asia. Profusion of islands and the diversity of habitats, like in the
Mindanao faunal region (Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Mindanao), also play a role in the high
biodiversity of the country.
The documentary also featured different plants and animals that are critically endangered
(have a high risk of being extinct in the next 25 years). Examples of these include the Visayan
Leopard Cat, Visayan Spotted Deer, and the Visayan Warty Pig. The Philippine Crocodile is
the most threatened species of crocodiles in the world. Less than about 100 of them are in San
Mariano, Isabela. The Philippine Cockatoo, which I find really beautiful, are sadly also
classified as critically endangered and only 13 of them are left in Polillo Island! They are really
noisy and have this distinct red and yellow color in their tails. One bird that I was not familiar
with was the Black Shama but it is quite sad to know that they were usually hunted by kids back
in the day. The Golden Crowned Flying Fox are very interesting not only because of their
survival mechanism but also because they are considered primary reforesters along with other
fruit bats. The main endangered flora that was featured is the Cebu Cinnamon tree. I was not
aware that the country had cinnamon so that was a very pleasant surprise but it is also tragic
since around 730 of them are left.
The main threat to these wondrous species is the large and ever-increasing population of
the people. Due to our needs and wants, forests are being cleared and only 10% of it is left.
Commercial logging and kaingin are still prominent today! So is illegal fishing that uses
dynamite and sodium which destroy the reefs. Lastly, the over collection of species for display,
pet trade, and illegal wildlife trade contribute to the decrease of their population.
This kind of information tends to bring a persons spirit down. But as a future engineer, I
know I can be one of the proponents of the preservation and conservation of the environment and
everything in it. Although there are consequences and harmful effects upon the environment in
my specific field, I know there are ways to minimize this and I am going to specialize in this

discipline. Biological diversity should be crucial knowledge to everyone in the country because
this matter of life is a language everyone speaks. Once a species goes extinct because of our
actions and lack of awareness, there is a possibility that that species is a keystone species and the
ecosystem would be disrupted and even our lives would be in danger. So it is important to have
this knowledge because the moment we learn about these species and their present conditions,
threats, and conservations is also the moment we become responsible for them. Regardless of
age, race, and profession, we are all stewards of nature and we should take that responsibility to
heart.