The Philippines is rich in biological and genetic resources or biodiversity and is one of the 18 megadiverse countries in the world. The majority of plant and animal species in the country are unique and cannot be found anywhere else. The country's species are among the world's top 10 in terms of endemism. Given the land density and the density of both flora and fauna, the Philippines may even be considered to be the world's most megadiverse country.
The country's forests and coastal and marine ecosystems, inland water bodies, wetlands and caves are also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The wetlands are home to one of the largest assemblies of microorganisms, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and mammals that live within or near waters. Over 1,500 caves have been recorded in the country since 1994 with a significant number yet to be discovered and mapped. These caves are considered unique, natural and nonrenewable resources with important scientific, economic, educational, cultural, historical and aesthetic values.
Biodiversity in the Philippines, however, is also among the most endangered in the world. As of 2008, 221 species of fauna and 526 species of flora have been included in the list of threatened species. The continually increasing demands for food, energy, and other goods, coupled with the pressures exerted by rapid development and economic growth, have put much stress on the country's natural environment resulting in the destabilization of ecosystems, destruction of natural habitats and an alarming rate of biodiversity loss. The introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) has threatened biodiversity and destabilized ecosystems.