More Than Half Of Philippines' Native Animal Species Either Threatened Or Facing Extinction - AFP

More than half the birds, amphibians and mammals found only in the Philippines are either threatened or nearly extinct, the environment and natural resources department said Monday. The tropical southeast Asian archipelago is the sole host to 1,137 animal species and 14,000 species of plants, the government agency said in a statement.

"Worldwide, we rank fifth in the number of plant species. We also rank fourth in bird endemism, which means that these birds are found only in the Philippines," Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Joselito Atienza said.

However, the Philippines is also one of the top biodiversity hot spots, with 592 endemic species of amphibians, birds and mammals considered "threatened or endangered," Atienza said.

In addition 227 endemic species of flowering plants are listed in the "Red List" of "critically endangered" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2007/080721061009.gvip2319.html

:(

I wonder when humans will start to realize what one species driving so many others to extinction is really really wrong, like horribly bad and shameful.. I get the impression from some people, some of my inlaws even, that they think animals don't matter much to our comfort and safety and stuff.. these are steak munchers of course.. probably can't figure out what bees and bats have to do with their groceries. I wish there was a Hell.

...we can make one. :(