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Beneath this bounty, however, lies the unfortunate fact of massive species loss. Drastic environmental changes coupled with irresponsible human practices are causing serious harm to plants, animals and their habitats all over the world.
Out of 64,800 species found in the region, 1,312 are endangered. Brunei’s Asian elephant, Lao PDR’s Eld’s deer, Malaysia’s Sumatran rhinoceros, the Philippine eagle, and Thailand’s ban-teng are only some of the animals that the region stands to lose due to deforestation, wildlife hunting, climate change, pollution, population growth, and other causes.
Seven of the world’s 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots are in the ASEAN region. Eighty percent of the region’s coral reefs are at risk.
There will be massive decline and extinction in Southeast Asia if governments and their citizens fail to protect and conserve the region’s biodiversity. Over 500 million people could be affected. The loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest threats to the people of ASEAN.
Today, biodiversity is fast becoming endangered by modern development and by the sheer pressures and demands of the growing human population. Our wasteful and inefficient consumption patterns also affect the environment that nourishes us. Eating too much meat, for one, requires more resources to raise animals. Consuming endangered animals to satisfy our cravings causes species decline. Using non-recyclable food containers affect the environment, as well. The choices we make in our daily consumption of food and other goods have an ecological footprint and often, larger ramifications that we are unaware of.
The big issue is supply versus demand. And despite its great wealth and biodiversity, and dependence upon the products and services it provides, the ASEAN region is losing its biodiversity at an unprecedented rate.
Massive deforestation is also a major concern. Forests are being cleared for timber and agricultural development.
Seas and coral reefs are being overfished, damaged and polluted. The valuable species are being collected unsustainably.
The introduction of invasive alien species into ecosystems affects indigenous species. A classic example is the case of the janitor fish which infested the Philippines’ Laguna Lake, and disrupted balance in its ecosystem.
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Biodiversity Southeast Asia