Vanishing Treasures of the Philippine Rain Forest - Lawrence R. Heaney

Published to coincide with the centennial of Philippine independence (declared on June 12, 1898), this lavishly illustrated, full-color book celebrates the extraordinary diversity of life found in the Philippine rain forest. This forest is home to one of the greatest concentrations of unique species of terrestrial vertebrates of any place on earthmore than 510 unique species are found here. Unfortunately, nearly half of the mammals and birds are endangered; acre for acre, the Philippines may have the world's most seriously threatened flora and fauna.Vanishing Treasures of the Philippine Rain Forest relates how this profusion of life came to exist in the islands, and explains why the imminent destruction of this forest threatens not only its unique plants and animals but also the economic and social well-being of the Philippine nation. Profusely illustrated with full-color photographs, maps, and drawings, this book identifies crucial steps the Filipino people must take to protect both their magnificent natural heritage and their country's future.