While recent news of giant clams (Tridacna gigas) being harvested in the disputed Scarborough Shoal drew massive outrage online, it was only the latest low point in the dark history of wildlife exploitation in the region. A poignant series of cases also happened here in 2013 and 2014, this time involving pangolins or “scaly anteaters,” which have been described as the most trafficked animals in the world.
Gisela P. Concepcion, PhD
PhD in Chemistry, University of the Philippines
Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines System
Areas of Current Research: marine biodiversity, marine natural products, biomedical research
Arturo O. Lluisma, PhD
PhD Biology, Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada)
Research Professor, Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
Research Areas: Marine genomics, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics; phylogenetics and genetic diversity; algal and microbial biotechnology
Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla, PhD
Ph.D. Genetics, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, 2010
Research Areas: Molecular phylogenetics; Malacology
Go to Dr. Fontanilla’s webpage at the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman.