Endemic Species and Their Local Importance

Flashcards covering the definitions, categories, regional examples, specific species, and ecological roles of endemic species, with a focus on the Western Visayas and Negros regions.

How is an ecosystem defined in the lecture?

A geographic area where living organisms interact with each other and with their non-living physical environment, functioning as a bubble of life.

What does the term "ecological state" or "ecological status" measure?

The overall health and condition of an ecosystem, assessing its physical, chemical, and biological integrity and how closely its structure matches an undisturbed, natural baseline.

What are the four essential components supplied by a habitat?

Food, water, shelter, and sufficient space.

What event marks the occurrence of extinction?

The permanent disappearance of a species from Earth when the very last living member of that species dies.

How is endemism defined?

The ecological state of a species being native to a single, defined geographic location—such as an island, country, or isolated mountain—and found nowhere else in the world.

What is the largest land-based biome?

Boreal Forests (Taiga), located in higher northern latitudes.

What species of hardwood trees dominate the Lowland Dipterocarp Forests in the Visayas?

Lauan, Apitong, and Yakal.

What is another name for Lower & Upper Montane Forests found in Leyte and Negros Oriental?

Mossy forests.

Which native tree frequently dominates the Limestone Karst Forests in Bohol and Samar?

The native Molave tree.

What are the primary functions of Beach and Mangrove Forests along tropical coastlines?

They serve as the first line of defense against storm surges and provide essential habitats for marine life.

What is the largest watershed in Negros Occidental?

Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP), spanning over $70,000$ hectares.

Which park is centered around an active stratovolcano and covers over $24,000$ hectares?

Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

Which two crater lakes are featured in the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park?

Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao.

Which facility, run by the Talarak Foundation, operates as a breeding and conservation center in Bacolod City?

Negros Forest Park.

What is the scientific name and local name of the Rufous-headed Hornbill?

$Rhabdotorrhinus\,waldeni$, also known as Dulungan.

Which bird is known for a vivid, blood-red patch of feathers on its breast?

Negros Bleeding-Heart Pigeon.

What are the identifying physical characteristics of the Visayan Spotted Deer ($Rusa\,alfredi$)?

A dark coat and distinct light-colored spots.

What feature is the male Visayan Warty Pig ($Sus\,cebifrons$) known for?

A striking crest of hair.

Which small, patterned wild cat is native only to the Negros and Panay islands?

Visayan Leopard Cat ($Prionailurus\,bengalensis\,rabori$).

Which species is noted as one of the world's largest bats and is a heavily threatened endemic?

Golden-Crowned Flying Fox ($Acerodon\,jubatus$).

What vital ecological roles does the Common Island Flying Fox ($Pteropus\,hypomelanus$) play?

Pollinating economically valuable crops like durian and regenerating coastal forests through seed dispersal.

Which bird, also known as the Luzon boobook, is a brown and white mottled bird endemic to the Philippines?

Luzon Hawk-Owl ($Ninox\,philippensis$).

What are the local Tagalog names for the Philippine Duck?

Papan or patong gubat.

What is the primary ecological contribution of the Golden-bellied Gerygone ($Gerygone\,sulphurea$)?

Natural pest control by feeding on insects and small arthropods.

Which critically endangered marine mammal forages on seagrass beds near mangrove channels?

Dugong ($Dugong\,dugon$), also called the Sea Cow.

Why are hornbills described as "Forest Engineers"?

As specialized frugivores, they swallow and excrete seeds over vast areas, acting as primary agents for forest seed dispersal and plant diversity.

Why is the presence of certain endemic species considered an indicator of ecosystem health?

They require large, uninterrupted tracts of closed-canopy forest; their presence or absence reflects the health of the entire island's mountain ecosystem.

How do endemic species contribute to "Evolutionary Uniqueness"?

Isolated over millions of years, they possess exclusive genetic information that can lead to scientific breakthroughs, such as new medicines.

What define global "biodiversity hotspots" and megadiverse countries?

High concentrations of endemic species.

What are the four primary environmental threats to endemic species listed in the notes?

1. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, 2. Invasive Species, 3. Climate Change, 4. Overexploitation.

Why are endemic species uniquely vulnerable to habitat destruction?

They are found in only one specific geographic location and cannot simply relocate when their environment degrades.

How do invasive species impact endemic species?

They outcompete them for resources, prey directly upon them, or introduce deadly diseases.