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Difference between revisions of "Southern Leyte News"
→Frog species, size of a thumb, found in Southern Leyte forest
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==S. Leyte urged to conserve forests and biodiversity== | |||
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R08&article=1281334825444 | |||
*Friday 20th of April 2012 | |||
:by (ldl/Ms.Y Duarte, student OJT/PIA8-Southern Leyte) | |||
SOUTHERN LEYTE, April 20 (PIA) -- With the discovery of the new species of frogs in Southern Leyte, Gordon Ignacio, senior adviser of the biodiversity assessment project, urges Governor Damian Mercado and local government units to conserve the forest and the biodiversity of the province. | |||
According to Ignacio, the rich and unique bio-diversity wildlife is “Southern Leyte’s pride,” for this reason, it must be well-preserved and protected. | |||
The joint project of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German government organization, Southern Leyte provincial government, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yielded numerous significant results. | |||
Aside from the new amphibians, the Mount Nacolod assessment also recorded 229 flora species, 31 of which are found only in the Philippines. The survey team recorded 212 vertebrates. These included 112 birds, 36 mammals, and 64 amphibians and reptiles. Flora and Fauna International, a British-based group, said most of these animals are endangered. | |||
Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss, principal advisor for GIZ's forest policy, said the revelation of new species in Southern Leyte underscored the need to protect the forests of the Philippines, a key biodiversity center in the global map. At present, about 80% of the country's forests are degraded. | |||
“By destroying forests, we are also destroying habitats. Who knows what's out there?” he said. | |||
Liss also noted that new species could benefit the community greatly. To start, these species may help in developing new substances, medicines, and materials. | |||
As stated by GIZ’s press release, “support from the government and greater involvement of LGUs are expected to ensure the success of protection and rehabilitation of natural forests and conservation of biodiversity.” | |||
The said institution, together with DENR, plan to continue its field sampling in Mt. Nacolod, a mountain peak near Silago, as well as other areas of the province including the municipalities Hinunangan, Sogod, Maasin, Tomas Oppus, and Malitbog. | |||
==Frog species, size of a thumb, found in Southern Leyte forest== | ==Frog species, size of a thumb, found in Southern Leyte forest== | ||
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1301334736913 | *Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1301334736913 | ||
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The Philippines has been listed by US-based Conservation International as one among 17 countries that hold most of Earth’s plant and animals, but at the same time a bio-diversity hotspot due to massive kaingin and illegal logging operations on what was once heavily-forested areas. | The Philippines has been listed by US-based Conservation International as one among 17 countries that hold most of Earth’s plant and animals, but at the same time a bio-diversity hotspot due to massive kaingin and illegal logging operations on what was once heavily-forested areas. | ||
The DENR, through its wildlife protection department, reported that aside from the frogs, 36 new plants and animal species were discovered in the country over the past ten years. (ldl/mmp-PIA 8, Southern Leyte) | The DENR, through its wildlife protection department, reported that aside from the frogs, 36 new plants and animal species were discovered in the country over the past ten years. (ldl/mmp-PIA 8, Southern Leyte) | ||
==2 new frog species discovered in Leyte == | ==2 new frog species discovered in Leyte == | ||