Philippines Freshwater - A Global Ecoregion
Home to the highly endangered Philippine crocodile
Snapshot: Ecoregion 189
Size:
88,000 sq. km (34,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Small Lakes
Geographic Location:
Philippines
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
88,000 sq. km (34,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Small Lakes
Geographic Location:
Philippines
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
Which is the largest lake in Philippines?
Answer:
Laguna de Bay - that is shallow and close to sea level and was probably part of the ocean a long time ago. The second largest, Lake Lanao, is 2,296 feet (700 m) high in the mountains.
About the Area
The streams and lakes of the Philippines freshwater ecoregion support high numbers of endemic species, particularly fish.
The seven thousand islands with more than 21,000 miles of shoreline, numerous rivers, swamps, and unique mountain lakes - harbour fish and freshwater crab species that evolved over thousands of years from marine ancestors to fill new habitats and conditions over time. For example, the Taal herring, found in Taal Lake, is a sardine that has adapted to live in a freshwater environment.Local Species
This ecoregion was home to 30 endemic fish species, including a radiation of 18 endemic cyprinid species in Lake Lanao - all thought to have evolved from the spotted barb.
The vast majority of the fish species that inhabit the fresh waters of the Philippines (234 out of a total of 330) return to the sea to spawn. Endemic species such as Puntius lindug, P. baoulan, and P. tumba have been driven to the brink of extinction by introduced species.
This ecoregion also supports disjunct populations of the highly endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) along with 41 endemic freshwater crab species.
Threats
The introduction of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Tank goby (Glossogobius giuris) have caused the near-extinction of the Lake Lanao species flock. Logging, mining, agriculture are serious threats to the water quality of the ecoregion's freshwater habitats.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
