Natural Heritage

SonofaDude said:

Animals aren't the only endangered species.

Least we forget: The Hopea Sangal

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The recent case where an owner was fined for chopping down a tree might hopefully be a deterrent against such acts, especially with the media coverage given to it...but surely there can be ways to promote appreciation of these trees, like incorporating them into tours and stuff :yes:

SEAfan said:

Native animals can be preserved only through protection of their habitat. :yes:

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I agree and actually the best is to do nothing and just leave the forests as protected areas. Singapore is reputed to be only 1 of 2 cities in the world to have virgin rainforest enclosed by urban areas. And we;re sharing the same island with these other 'citizens'

Heres an encouraging article published earlier this year:

Greater Mouse Deer sighted in Ubin

26 Mar 09

Animal thought to be extinct in S'pore spotted for first time in 80 years



SEPARATE sightings of mouse deer here and on Pulau Ubin have brought hope that native wildlife is making a comeback in Singapore.
The Greater Mouse Deer - one of the smallest hoofed animals in the world - was seen on Pulau Ubin during a survey by the National University of Singapore and National Parks Board (NParks) from last September to this month.

This is the first official sighting of the wild Greater Mouse Deer in more than 80 years, confirmed NParks.

The Lesser Mouse Deer, which has a browner coat, against the Greater's more orange colouring, was seen around the Lower Peirce Reservoir boardwalk, near Upper Thomson Road, on March 7.

Book distributor Ron Chan, 62, said he spotted the mouse deer when he was taking a walk with his family.

He said: 'It's a very beautiful animal and its eyes are sparkling black.'

He alerted a nearby nature photography enthusiast, Mr Arthur Chng, in his 30s, to take a photo of the creature.

The hobby photographer said it was the first time he had seen a mouse deer, and that it was a good sign that Singapore wildlife has not disappeared due to encroaching urbanisation.

NParks said that over the past two years, there have been four sightings of mouse deer around the Lower Peirce Reservoir boardwalk.

Three were of the Lesser Mouse Deer and the other of the Greater Mouse Deer, which could be one of seven such animals that NParks introduced into the Central Catchment Nature Reserve in 1998.

For NUS life sciences undergraduate Marcus Chua, 25, sighting the Greater Mouse Deer on Pulau Ubin was an unexpected discovery.

He was working with NParks and its volunteers on a survey of medium-sized mammals for his final-year project.

He said: 'At first, there was doubt because it was recorded as extinct in Singapore; that was the first time we saw it. When we got a clearer picture (of the mouse deer), we were very excited.'

On Pulau Ubin, the group has chalked up 100 sightings of the Greater Mouse Deer in more than one area, so it was unlikely that these are abandoned or escaped pets. The species is also not known to swim, so the animals there are unlikely to have come from those released in the catchment area.

'We were quite happy that a population thought to be extinct could have recovered, like bouncing back to life,' Mr Chua said.

Ms Celine Low, co-founder of environmental education group Cicada Tree Eco-Place, said one reason the Greater Mouse Deer was seen again on Pulau Ubin could be the decreased human population and activity there.

She said: 'It could be because the last quarry closed in the 1990s and there are fewer workers there and because of relocation of villagers to the mainland.'

Nature Society of Singapore president Shawn Lum said the presence of mouse deer was a good sign for not just native wildlife but also the eco-system. 'They play an important role in the ecology of the forest...It's great news for the long- term stability and regeneration of the rainforest,' he said.

NParks said it is conducting surveys to ascertain the population of these creatures.

By Ang Yiying, Straits Times

RafflesCity said:

The recent case where an owner was fined for chopping down a tree might hopefully be a deterrent against such acts, especially with the media coverage given to it

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Apparently, prior to chopping down the tree, he was given a letter from a govt body (NEA, I think) instructing him NOT to fall and/or damage the tree. He still went ahead ... sigh hno:

RafflesCity said:

Heres an encouraging article published earlier this year:

Greater Mouse Deer sighted in Ubin

26 Mar 09

Animal thought to be extinct in S'pore spotted for first time in 80 years

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^^ This is indeed encouraging.

Also appreciate that govt is expanding/upgrading the botanical gardens. :banana:

Also the Southern Ridges and MacRitchie Treetop Walks are a good way to introduce nature subtly so they can be appreciated at a distance but not disturbed.

Students introduced to Singapore's rich biodiversity

5 Aug 09

SINGAPORE: The Nature Explorers' Programme is aimed at instilling students with a greater awareness of Singapore's rich biodiversity.

The programme is jointly organised by the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific and the West Zone Centre of Excellence for Science and Technology.

Its first batch of students from 23 primary and secondary schools received their certificates on Wednesday.

Every year, about 300 students from Primary 4 to the first year of junior college will be admitted into the programme, with the best 30 nature explorers given a chance to participate in a four-day field study camp at Pulau Tioman.

The camp allows students to interact with scientists and experienced naturalists, learn more about biodiversity, and conduct research projects and field studies within a pristine and biodiversity-rich habitat.


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/447056/1/.html

Pact to step up diversity

SINGAPOREANS can look forward to more diversity at zoos and parks here.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) - the parent company of Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo - on Friday signed an agreement to collaborate with the New York's Wildlife Conservation Society.

The pact will see both parties cooperating in field conservation projects and sharing best pratices and technical expertise.

'I think there will be a multiple effect of conserved animals here, as a result of the collaboration,' said WRS chairman Claire Chiang, who added that WRS was involved in six conservation projects last year.

She added that the agreement 'represents another important step forward in out ongoing commitment to preserve our ecosystems and precious wildlife species.'

President SR Nathan witnessed the signing at the Singapore Zoo on Friday.

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_483802.html