My Paper. Tuesday. 2nd Nov 2010. Pg B4-B5
Let Biodiversity Continue to be Diverse
By Danxu YANG (email: yangdx@sph.com.sg)
Despite land constraints and the rapid pace of urbanisation, Singapore has lived up to her name as a
“Garden City” by encouraging planting of trees, setting aside nature reserves, and constructing park
connector networks etc.
In the past 20 years, Singapore has handed in a beautiful report card when it comes to protecting
biodiversity. Mr Wong Tuan Wah, director for conservation in NParks, said in an interview that
Singapore is home to more than 2000 species of native plants, 52 species of mammals, 98 species of
reptiles, and 25 species of amphibians. There are as many as 360 species of birds and 90 species of
butterflies.
Although Singapore has one of the busiest ports in the world, many marine organisms are willing to seek
refuge in our busy waters. Examples are the 23 species of Indo-Pacific seagrass and more than 250
species of hard corals.
In recent years, a few animals and plants which have vanished from our sight have begun to re-establish
themselves in Singapore.
Species that returned home
Oriental Pied Hornbill
A few years ago, NParks collaborated with Wildlife Reserves Singapore, National University of Singapore,
and French naturalist Marc Cremades, on a mission to save the Oriental Pied Hornbill.
They constructed artificial nests for the hornbills, which have disappeared from local sight for hundreds
of years, and helped them find new homes here. (Photograph provided by NParks).
Cong (Pseudagrion rubriceps)
After not being sighted for more than 20 years, this dragonfly reappeared in Toa Payoh Park. Previously,
this dragonfly is only found in nature reserves.
There are 117 species of dragonflies locally, comparable to the total number of dragonfly species in the
whole of Europe (Photograph taken by Robin Ngiam, provided by NParks).
Malayan Porcupine
In 2005, an NUS researcher discovered the Malayan Porcupine in Pulau Tekong. Prior to this, the
porcupine was last seen in Singapore more than 50 years ago (Photograph taken by Norman Lim,
provided by NParks).
Thottea dependens
Recently, NParks researchers discovered Thottea dependens, which was presumed to be extinct. Prior to
this, the last sighting and record of this plant was in 1893 (Photograph provided by NParks).
Banded Leaf Monkey
In the 1980s, the native Banded Leaf Monkey was on the verge of extinction. Appropriate conservation
of forest vegetation has allowed the population of this native primate species to increase from around
10 individuals more than 20 years ago, to the current population of more than 40 individuals
(Photograph taken by Andie Ang, provided by NParks).
What’s the value of biodiversity?
A green environment teeming with life can lift human spirits. But biodiversity does not just enhance our
living environment, it also has many other benefits.
For instance, trees purify the air, lower ambient temperature, and reduce soil erosion. Insects are
pollinators, allowing plants to bear fruits. Birds help to disperse seeds, while corals are habitats for fish
and shellfish.
Biodiversity also carries potential for use in pharmaceutical and scientific research, and for ecotourism,
hence creating economic value.
NUS Professor Hugh Tan Tiang Wah gave the example that plants grown along reservoir can help to filter
out sediments in the water, thus enhancing water management and reducing costs.
Biodiversity also carries medical benefits. For instance, willow contains constituents for aspirin, while
the Pacific Yew can be used in the manufacture of medications for breast cancer.
Professor Tan is also the deputy director of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR). He
says, “A lot of potential uses for many species remain undiscovered. Because of this, preventing species
extinction is very important. Once they are gone, their potential use would be lost to us.”
What are some factors that affect biodiversity?
There are three main factors that affect biodiversity in Singapore:
Factor 1: Destruction of habitats
Habitat destruction or fragmentation will result in loss of living spaces for flora and fauna, destroying
biodiversity.
According to Prof Tan, in the process of land reclamation might lead to the destruction of marine
habitats. Even though land reclamation can form new habitats, some organisms may not return to the
marine areas surrounding the newly reclaimed land.
Factor 2: Invasive species
“Migrant” species that enter Singapore through trading, may at times affect the local biodiversity.
The water hyacinth from South America was introduced into Singapore in the 19th century. In the 1970s,
it propagated rapidly, completely covering some reservoirs.
Prof Tan says, “The natural enemies of these exotic species are not found in Singapore, so they can
reproduce rapidly. They may even threaten native species in Singapore. We should always pay attention
to their growth, and ensure that they do not damage native biodiversity.
Factor 3: Environmental pollution
Pollution in the environment will also damage biodiversity. Singapore may have strict regulations for
managing pollution, but there are many instances beyond our control.
Prof Tan says, “Pollution in other neighbouring countries can affect our nation. The recent haze from
Indonesia is a very good example.”
“In addition, pollution in Sungei Johor is substantial and its river mouth faces Pulau Tekong. This would
inevitably affect marine biodiversity in the area.”
How can biodiversity co-exist with economic development?
The greatest challenge in the future of Singapore is balancing economic development and biodiversity.
Prof Tan says, “Singapore already has a population of 5 million, and it is increasing. People need space,
will cause pollution, will use up natural resources, and will disturb nature. As we develop the economy,
we also need to be mindful to protect biodiversity.”
He points out that people can share spaces with other organisms. For instance, road side and gardens
can be planted with native plants, allowing these living spaces to play the role of nature reserves.
Singapore has also begun emulating Chicago to develop sky gardens and learning from Curitiba to
construct gardens in the city center, incorporating these into the city’s possibilities.
Do you know?

There are 4 gazetted nature reserves in Singapore: the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central
Catchment Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and Labrador Nature Reserve.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the first Asean Heritage Park in Singapore. During the bird
migration season, up to 220 species of birds can be seen there.

Under the Heritage Tree Scheme, more than 170 trees are conserved.

Johara singaporensis, Irmengardia johnsoni and Parathelphusa reticulata can only be found in
Singapore.
What can I do?
Every Singaporean can start with something small, and contribute to biodiversity.
Dos:

Visit parks and nature reserves, and participate in guided walks to understand native
biodiversity.

Join NParks as a volunteer to promote biodiversity.

Participate in the Plant-a-Tree Programme and contribute to greening our environment.
Don’ts

Protect the environment, don’t litter.

Don’t feed the animals in the nature reserves. Doing so may affect their natural behaviour.

Don’t release pets into natural areas.