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Biological pollution threatens RP flora and fauna
June 10, 1998 - Philippine Daily Inquirer

Air and water pollution are not the only threats to the environment. There is such a thing as biological pollution, which has become a major concern for the government in its biodiversity conservation program.

Biological pollution refers to the introduction of alien species to the Philippines' natural environment, thereby threatening the existence of local endemic and indigenous species, particularly in the marine and agricultural ecosystems. It is identified in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as a concern that needs immediate attention.

In assessing the current biodiversity status in the country, the DENR cited exotic species that were introduced at various times in Philippine waters: the giant catfish, black bass, white goby, marine toad, American bullfrog, leopard frog, golden apple snail, water hyacinth and water fern.

Environment secretary Victor Ramos said that except for the white goby, whose introduction was accidental, all of these species were intentionally introduced into the country.

The effects have radically changed the local fishery scene, and have led to the extinction of some of the indigenous species. The introduction of the giant catfish could lead to the displacement of the native hito. The black bass has caused the disappearance of the original fish population oof Caliraya lake.

The white goby, inadvertently included in the milkfish Chanos chanos in the seeding of Lake Lanao in Mindanao is now the dominant fish species in the lake. It has caused the extinction of most of the 15 species of cyprinids from Lake Lanao.

The marine toad has caused the depletion of several species of native frogs from Dumaguete City. The American bullfrog and the leopard frog could displace native frogs, while the golden apple snail could displace the native kuhol. The water hyacinth and water fern could modify the native ecosystem.

Ramos likewise cited the intentional and accidental introduction of many plant speicies, 475 of which are found in Metro Manila and 225 are found in cultivation. These include species yielding food, cereals, most fruit trees, condiments, medicinal plants and most of the commonly cultivated ornamentals.

The environment secretary said many of these plants were introduced in pre-historic times primarily from the Malayan region. A high percentage entered the country in the past 400 years, including those of American origin.

"The exotic species have been successfully introduced at the expense of the native wildlife," he added. "The species were directly introduced through predation, competition and hybridization. They were indirectly introduced through parasites and habitat alteration." Environment News Network

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