The Philippines, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, is facing alarming threats to its unique terrestrial wildlife. In a new Philippine-wide study from the Eco/Con Lab reveals that between 15% to 23% of the country’s extant terrestrial vertebrate species are at risk of extinction, with endemic amphibians and mammals being the most vulnerable.

Drawing on standardised data from the IUCN Red List and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), researchers assessed extinction risks, threats, and knowledge shortfalls for an estimated 1,294 extant terrestrial vertebrate species in the Philippines. The findings highlight that habitat loss, overexploitation, and multiple interacting threats are driving species declines.

The study also revealed critical knowledge gaps, particularly for reptiles, whose conservation status is likely underestimated due to underrepresentation in research. These biases contribute to conservation inequities, leaving many vulnerable and data-deficient species overlooked in policy and planning.

“Without urgent, evidence-based action, the Philippines risks losing much of its irreplaceable wildlife heritage,” the researchers warn.

To address these gaps, the study calls for:

• Balanced and strategic research investments to reduce biases and inequities.

• Expanded monitoring programs and improved data sharing to guide decision-making.

• Integrative tools, such as remote sensing and genetic research, are used to better assess biodiversity.

• Citizen science, collaborative surveys, and local engagement to strengthen conservation efforts.

By offering data-driven insights for guiding national conservation priorities, the study underscores the urgent need to align research and policy with the realities of biodiversity decline in the country.

“The Philippines is at a crossroads,” the authors emphasise. “Investing in targeted research, genuine collaboration, and inclusive conservation action today will determine whether the country’s remarkable biodiversity endures for future generations.”

This study was published in the Science of the Total Environment, and can be access for free thru this link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1lgTS_17GgJdEQ

Reference: Tanalgo, K. C., Dela Cruz, K. C., Agduma, A. R., Lidasan, A. K., Edradan, J., Dumayas, R. K. L., Alagdon, J. S., Villaruz, B. D., & Gatoc, G. K. P. (2025). Drivers of extinction risks and shortfalls across terrestrial vertebrates in the Philippine global biodiversity hotspot. Science of The Total Environment, 999, 180274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180274