2,000 Philippine species critically endangered – DENR

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 2,000 of 56,000 species of the country’s flora and fauna remain critically endangered and vulnerable to extinction, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said that destruction of habitats is a major threat to the existence of these species.

“These (species) lose their homes. They are also affected by climate change, human activity and disasters,” Loyzaga said.

She said the agency is currently focusing on conserving five species – the Philippine Eagle, marine turtles, sea cow or dugong, cockatoo and tamaraw.

She said the DENR has added the pangolin, the most trafficked animal, to the agency’s conservation efforts.

“We were able to secure funding in 2024 and we matched an amount in our budget for conservation  with that of our partners, which included the WWF, Forest Foundation of the Philippines and Katala Foundation,” Loyzaga said, referring to the World Wide Fund.

She said the DENR is working with the private sector to help conserve the country’s six most endangered species.