2. Also called the monkey-eating eagle, the
Philippine eagle is native to the southern
Philippines. It is characterized by a brown and
white feather pattern and bushy crest, and is
believed to be one of the largest and most
powerful birds on Earth. A full-grown adult can
grow to as big as four feet (ft) tall and can
weigh as much as nine kilograms (kg). The
monkey-eating eagle is the Philippines national
bird. Major threats to the Philippine eagle's
survival are deforestation, mining, and
pollution.
3. This small primate is another endangered species endemic in the
Philippine islands. This species was once widespread throughout
Southeast Asia. Fossils of these animals were also found in North
America and Europe. Tarsiers today can also be found in other
Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
In the Philippines, you can find tarsier in the southeastern region
of the archipelago. Current data shows that there are species
that have been found inhabiting the islands of Mindanao, Samar,
Bohol, and Leyte. Some of can also be found in Maripipi Island,
Dinagat Island, and Siargao Island.
Distinguishing Features
The Philippine tarsier is considered one of the smallest species
of primates in the world. They measure around 118 to 149
millimeters (mm) and they weigh somewhere from 113 to 142
grams. In contrast to their little bodies, tarsiers have distinctly
large eyes. Their anatomy shows that a tarsier eyeball is as big as
the animal's brain. A tarsier's eyeball can have a diameter of 16
mm.
4. Also known as the Mindoro dwarf buffalo, the
Tamaraw is the only known bovine that is
indigenous to the Philippines. Until the 20th
century, the original habitat of this species was
essentially intact and unharmed. They were once
found all over Mindoro Island, from the plains up
to the mountains. But now the population has
been reduced to about 200, with many being
carefully bred in captivity. Another critically
endangered animal according to the IUCN, the
main causes of the Tamaraw being on the list of
endangered animals in the Philippines are illegal
hunting, logging, and residential land clearing.
5. A well-balanced ecosystem maintains the health of the
environment. This ensures that human beings have
access to clean air and water, and fertile land for
agriculture.
Clean air and water improves our quality of life, and
fertile land for agriculture ensures that we can produce
enough food for consumption. A balanced ecosystem
also provides us with plants that have medicinal
properties.
So, when ecosystems aren’t maintained, our health
can be affected too. That’s why when you add to the
conservation of endangered species, you’re also
contributing towards the well-being of all people.
