The Truth Behind Animal Extinction « CLEVE.ARGUELLES dotcom

17Mar/090

The Truth Behind Animal Extinction

Natural Science 5

Ms. Marilen Parungao

TUKS Family Production

Group 4

Heavenly Animals: The Truth Behind Animal Extinction

FILM SUMMARY

Room 201, the waiting room or the purgatory for animals, has been the place of conversation for a group of endangered animals awaiting the judgment of Big Boss if they will be accepted to ascend in heaven. The group of animals is composed of two tamaraws, one pawikan, one tarsier, one eagle and a lynx. Acting as a secretary in the waiting room was a mermaid. The animals talked about how they had been killed in the past. And supposedly, their experiences will be taken as the experiences of the whole species as the cause of their extinction. The tamaraws had been killed and hunted for eventual exploitation in the laboratory. The pawikan was a victim of water pollution. The tarsier was also hunted for experimental purposes. The eagle was a victim of hunters and was killed by a gunshot. The lynx, very different from the group because of its country of origin, has also been killed in the laboratory after being de-skinned.

The film also includes presentation of gathered facts regarding the different endangered animal species, interviews from student leaders about their opinion on how to protect these endangered animal species and a concluding presentation regarding what can a student do to advocate the protection of animal species.

FACTS

TAMARAW (Bubalus Mindorensis)

Tamaraw is the only native bovid to the Philippines, and is the country’s native land largest animal. The tamaraw is an endemic land mammal found only on the island of Mindoro. Its current population is estimated around 30 to 200 living individuals.

Why is it endangered?

Habitat loss due to farming by resettled and local people, the risk of diseases spreading to the tamaraw from livestock and burning of pastures leading to the reduced number of palatable grass species, and illegal killing and capture of the animal.

PHILIPPINE EAGLE (Pithecophaga Jefferyi)

This one of the biggest and most powerful forest-dwelling birds in the world. The beauty of this bird is just beyond descripition. Unfortunately, it also among the rarest and most critically endangered vertebrate species. It is found only in the Philippines in the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. It is sometimes referred to as the Monkey-Eating Eagle. It is the Philippines’s largest eagle, with a wingspan of around 2 meters and length of 91 cm. It is the world’s largest eagle.

WIIE?

First, due to the destruction of habitat and wildlife trade. Second, due to the degradation of the country’s forest --- their natural habitat. Third, due to mining activities. Fourth, due to accumulation of pesticides that may be responsible for a reduction in the bird’s growth rate. And lastly, due to illegal hunting.

TARSIER (Tarsius Syrichta)

This species is endemic to the southeastern Philippines. It is restricted to the greater Mindano faunal region, where it is found on Bohol, Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao and Samar. It is locally common and widespread, largely because of its tolerance of second growth habitat. However, it clearly occurs at higher densities in less disturbed habitats. It is the world’s smallest primate. It feeds on small animals, lizards, frogs and insects. It survives only at less disturbed areas. It has a suicidal tendency once disturbed. Its eyes are the largest among mammals.

WIIE?

Its infant mortality rates are high, relatively limited geographical range, extensive habitat destruction and illegal marketing of the species.

PAWIKAN/OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE (Lepidochelys Olivacea)

The olive ridley is considered the most abundant sea turtle in the world, with an estimated 800,000 nesting females annually. The olive ridley gets its name from the grayish green coloration of its heart-shaped carapace (top shell). Olive ridley turtle is one of the smallest marine turtles, measuring only 60 to 75 cm long and weighing 35 to 50 kg. It is one of the two ridley turtle that exhibit mass, synchronized nesting ir “ARRIBADAS.” In the Philippines, olive ridley turtles are known to nest in the beaches of Zambales, Bataan and Batangas, Ilocos Sur, Malita in Davao del Sur and Kiamba and Maitum in Saranggani Province.

WIIE?

It is because of the several threats that includes impact of fisheries, coastal development, global warming, direct take of turtles and eggs, and water pollution.

IBERIAN LYNX (Lynx Pardinus)

The Iberian Lynx are some of the rarest species. It is found solely on the Iberian peninsula in Spain. There only two known breeding populations in Spain, and the latest survey results suggest of a minimum of 84 and a maximum of 143 adults surviving in two breeding populations (Coto Donana and Sierra Morena). It is the most endangered cat in the world.

WIIE?

First, due to the severe depletion of its primary prey, the European rabbit. Second, due to habitat destruction. Third, due to human activities such as careless road driving and commercial hunting.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

As students, we can advocate the protection of endangered animal species through several simple but sure measures such as educating ourselves, being aware and by promoting awareness, by cleaning our environment, and not just by joining environmental organizations but also being active in pursuing its advocacies and last but not the least, by reporting animal abuse.

Remember, think and feel, feel and emphatize, save the animals, ACT NOW!

TUKS.

Cleve Kevin Robert Arguelles

Lei Martheen Dela Cruz

Jeryl Jermaine Maniulit

Ma. Lourdes Santos

Mariel Quiogue

Nazelle Ashley Astibe

Ma. Chrisitina Fabito

Mohammad Muktadir Estrella

prepared by:

-CLEVE.