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In the Philippines, the number and proportion of introduced alien species are rising. Most of these species, especially tree species, are introduced for economic reasons and for forest rehabilitation purposes. Almost all of the ecosystems are affected. Invasive insect pests are associated with introduced tree species. Several activities have been undertaken, but much remains to be done. Research on the impact of these alien species on biodiversity, people and the economy is being undertaken. The most recent legislation passed in the country, Republic Act No. 9147 (The Wildlife Act) totally prohibits the introduction of alien species in protected and critical habitats.
Introduction
One of the major threats to biodiversity, not only in the Philippines but also in ASEAN countries, is the introduction of alien species. Over the last 40 years, the rate and risks associated with alien species have increased enormously. Alien species, as defined during the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), include any species that are introduced into new habitats by human intervention; usually they are invasive or aggressive. In most countries, the number and proportion of alien species are rising and their presence has a devastating effect on natural/endemic species. The threat to indigenous species posed by invasive alien species (IAS) is cited in Article 8h of the CBD: Prevent the introduction of, control, or eradicate those invasive alien species which threatens the ecosystem, habitat and species.
Biological pollution reduces the diversity of plants and animals and increases their vulnerability to both native and exotic pests. This often leads to increased use of pesticides and insecticides that may impact on ecosystems negatively. The specific effects of some alien species introduced in the Philippines on forest ecosystems are presented in Table 1. Table 1. Effects on forest ecosystems of some alien species introduced in the Philippines Alien species Tree species and insect pests Gmelina arborea Acacia mangium Eucalyptus camaldulensis Swietenia microphylla Leucaena leucocephala Toona ciliata Invertebrates Big headed ant (Pheidole megacephalus) Displaced most invertebrate faunas; pest to agriculture as it harbours phytophagous insects that reduce crop productivity Invaded native communities and affected many or all of the animals and plants in the community; has fiery and painful stings; nests in the soil Introduced by the typhoon in 1980. Has affected almost all standing L. leucocephala plantations Effects on the ecosystem Accidentally introduced with the importation of chrysanthemum: major pest of potato and ornamentals Affected vegetables and ornamentals. Accidentally introduced with the importation of ornamental kalanchoe in the 1970s Affects coconut in Northern Palawan. Accidentally introduced in 1990 with the importation of hybrid coconut planting materials Major problem for rice in Mindanao and Leyte. Introduced through vessels plying the route Host of Ozola minor, Attacus and Xyleutis spp. Host of Anoplophora luciphor Host of unidentified termite species Host of Zeuzera coffeae Host of Heteropsylla cubana Host of unidentified weevil Effects on the ecosystem
Jumping plant lice (Heterophylla cubana) Alien species Invertebrates Leafminer (Liriomyza sp.)
between the province of Palawan and countries south of the Philippines Potato cyst nematode Accidentally introduced in the importation of potato planting materials. Heavily infesting potato farms in Benguet in Northern Philippines
In 2002, the ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity (ARCBC) conducted a workshop on Biodiversity and Management of Alien Invasive Species in the Philippines. Management approaches and possible policies to regulate alien invasive species are listed hereunder.
Monitoring the effects of identified invasive alien species on indigenous and endemic species
This involves assessment of the extent of invasions by alien species and their economic implications.
* Assistant Director, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources College, Los Baos, Laguna, Philippines 4031. Telefax: 6349 536 7746; e-mail: m.uriarte@arcbc.org/erdbdast@laguna.net Association of Southeast Asian Nations