Llana Irish T.
Maisa
General Ecology Activity
1. Common Exotic Species in the Philippines
These are species that are not originally from the Philippines but are now commonly found here:
Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.): A popular fish in markets and restaurants, originally from Africa.
Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata): Introduced for food but now a major pest in rice fields.
Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla): A widely planted tree for timber, originally from Central and
South America.
Gmelina (Gmelina arborea): Fast-growing tree used in reforestation, native to South Asia.
Mimosa or Makahiya (Mimosa pudica): Known for its sensitive leaves, originally from South and
Central America.
2. Common Exotic Species Worldwide
These are species that are considered exotic in many places around the world:
Burmese Python (Python bivittatus): Native to Southeast Asia but now found in Florida, USA, as an
invasive species.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris): Native to Europe, now widespread in North America and other
continents.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): Originally from Europe and Asia, now found almost everywhere
due to human introduction.
Cane Toad (Rhinella marina): Native to Central and South America, introduced to Australia and other
regions.
Red-eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans): Native to the southern United States, now a
common pet and invasive species worldwide.
Is there a need to save this type of species? Justify your answer.
Yes, I believe there is a need to save this type of species. Because every living thing on Earth has a
purpose. Just like people, animals, and even plants have a role to play in keeping balance in nature. When
one species disappears, it’s like removing something — the picture becomes incomplete.
Personally, I feel like these species have just as much right to live as we do. They can’t speak for
themselves, so I feel like we, as humans, should speak and act for them. We’re the ones who’ve caused
most of the harm — through pollution, cutting trees, and not thinking of the future. So it’s only fair that
we also take responsibility.
Sometimes I think about future generations — my younger cousins, or maybe one day, my own kids. I
don’t want them to grow up in a world where they can only read about these animals in books or see them
as toys. I want them to see these creatures alive, to learn how to respect and live with nature, not just use
it.
