The 7,107 islands of the Philippines archipelago represent a wide range of habitats from tidal sand bars to mighty mountain ranges; from coral reefs through rainforests to summit grasslands. The country's isolation from mainland Asia also gives it a high number of endemic plant and animal species. Nigel Hicks' stunning photographs and vivid text explores each of the natural environments and habitats. He describes and illustrates species of the open seas, of the coral reefs and sandy shallows, and of the many different types of forests including the 37 species of mangrove tree found in the Philippines. He gives an overview of the protected areas that safeguard a cross-section of these vital environments and discusses the conservation issues past and present.