Two Extinct Butterfly Species Rediscovered in 2013 Pg 8 1 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014 Mar-Apr 2014

MCI (P) 027/08/2013 ISSN: 2010-4308

Talk: Stalking Singapore's Masked Fruit Bandits Mar 7 Activities 2 60th Annual General Meeting of Birdwatching at Greenleaf Forest Mar 9 NSS – First Notice 5 Birdwatching at Lorong Halus Mar 15 NSS Feedback on the Updated URA Master Plan 6 Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh Mar 16 Two Extinct Butterfly Species Butterfly Walk & Biodiversity Exhibition at Seletar Country Club Mar 22 Rediscovered in 2013 8 Buangkok to Jalan Kayu Ramble Mar 22 ADEX 2014: Dedicated to Coral Reefs (Free Entry for Members) 9 29th Annual Bird Census Mar 23 Ecological Interactions between 10 Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Mar 29 Birds & Figs in Singapore Proceedings of ‘NSS Conference Birdwatching at Bidadari Mar 30 on Nature Conservation for a 11 Sustainable Singapore’ NSS Kids’ Fun with Vertebrates at Upper Seletar Reservoir Apr 5 Preserve Jalan Kubor Malay Cemetery as a Green Lung 11 Kayaking to St John’s Island & Pulau Tekukor Apr 5 Our Singapore Conversation on 12 Green Spaces Butterfly & Dragonfly Walk at Pasir Ris Park Apr 6 NSS Kids’ Fun with Forest Wildlife at Venus Drive 14 AVA Urban Birds Survey Apr 12 Announcements 15 Bukit Timah Railway Station to Sunset Way Ramble Apr 26 All Purpose Form 16 Coastal Clean-Up at Mandai Mudflats Apr 26 Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh Apr 27 Green Corridor Run 2014 May 18 NSS Feedback on the Updated URA Master Plan Pg 6

Two Extinct Butterfly Species Rediscovered in 2013 Pg 8 1 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

Activities March

FridayFriday 7 7 these birds and more. Participants can register at the PUB or NSS websites before 3 March Talk: Stalking Singapore's Masked Fruit 2014. Maximum group size: 60 pax. Individual or Bandits Do you know that we have up to nine species of group registrations will be accepted on a first civets recorded in Singapore? The Common Palm come first served basis. Registration is subject to Civet is the most common species and is one confirmation. Contact Jimmy Lee (jmlee7890@ of our last wild native urban carnivores. It can gmail.com) or Lee Ee Ling ([email protected]. be found in both forested and urban areas. Join sg) for more information. Open to the public. Weiting as she transports you to the world of SundaySunday 16 16 this nocturnal masked fruit bandit. She will share Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh tales of its secretive lifestyle and the perils of To celebrate 2014 World Water Day, we will living alongside humans. This talk is a prelude to conduct a birdwatching walk at Kranji Marsh and an upcoming project promoting harmonious co- the nearby Kranji Reservoir Bund in collaboration existence between civets and humans. Time: 7 pm with PUB. Meet at 8 am in front of D’Kranji Resort to 8.30 pm. Venue: NSS Office. Open to the public. at Neo Tiew Lane 2. We begin with a pleasant stroll SundaySunday 9 9 along a countryside road to Kranji Marsh where we will continue walking along the PUB Bund. The Birdwatching at Greenleaf Forest Greenleaf Forest is a lovely patch of green along marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park and Sixth Avenue. It is very little explored for its is currently adopted by NSS under PUB’s ABC wildlife. A casual survey one morning yielded Waters Programme. Birding highlights here include 30 odd bird species, including endangered ones the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, like the Straw-headed Bulbul, Oriental Magpie Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Robin and Changeable Hawk-eagle. We should Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle be able to see even more species during the and more. Participants can register at the PUB current migratory season. This walk is ideal for or NSS websites before 3 March 2014. Maximum birdwatching beginners and for those who would group size: 60 pax. Individual or group registrations like to enjoy the scenic views in this quiet corner will be accepted on a first come first served of suburbia. Meet Dr Ho Hua Chew (HP: 8368- basis. A registration form will be emailed to you. 3044) at 7.30 am at the first junction of Ming Teck Registration is subject to confirmation. Contact Park (road) with Sixth Avenue if coming from Lee Ee Ling ([email protected]) for more Dunearn Road; or at the third junction of Ming information. Open to the public but children under Teck Park (road) if coming from Holland Road. 12 years old are not allowed for safety reasons. Members only. SaturdaySaturday 22 22 SaturdaySaturday 15 15 Butterfly Walk & Biodiversity Exhibition at Birdwatching at Lorong Halus Seletar Country Club To celebrate 2014 World Water Day, we will In recent years, Seletar Country Club has been conduct a birdwatching walk at Lorong Halus championing butterfly habitats, with 55 species Wetland in collaboration with PUB. Meet at 7.30 sighted so far within the club. Join veteran butterfly am beside the Popeye Restaurant at Tebing Lane watcher Simon Chan in touring its wonderful off Punggol East. You can take the MRT to Punggol gardens, full of feeding, mating and breeding station and transfer to the LRT. Alight at Riviera butterflies. Meet at the club’s entrance at 9.30 am. LRT station and walk towards the meeting point at There will also be a biodiversity exhibition on site. Punggol Promenade. For years, Little Grebes have Open to the public. made their home at Lorong Halus, an old rubbish SaturdaySaturday 22 22 dump site. Grassland birds like Yellow-bellied Buangkok to Jalan Kayu Ramble Prinias, Munias, Baya Weavers, Long-tailed Shrikes Led by Benjamin Ho, this 7-km ramble will take and more thrive here. In 2011, PUB completed us through the undulating forest and countryside works to create Lorong Halus Wetland to help around Buangkok on to Jalan Kayu. We will get to purify water that flows through the dump site. explore the last kampong (village) on mainland Jimmy Lee and other NSS guides will introduce Singapore. Then, we traverse the forested area

2 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014 around old Woodbridge Hospital. Expect to see Saturday 29 Saturday 29 Saturday 29 interesting birdlife and plant life. Please wear proper walking shoes and long pants. Meet at 7.45 Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research am at the Shell petrol station between Gerald Please register with Kerry Pereira (kerry@nss. Drive and Yio Chu Kang Road. Not suitable for org.sg) or at our website stating your name, if you children below 12 years old. Members only. a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school or company), experience if any, and contact details SundaySunday 23 23 for this mission to rescue and study the Mangrove 29th Annual Bird Census Horseshoe Crabs (HSC) at the Mandai mudflats. The first Annual Bird Census was started by Time: 3 pm to 6 pm. Meet at the extension of the Bird Group on 20 April 1986, where we Kranji Road near the junction with Kranji Loop. recorded nearly 6,000 birds of 129 species. In Take Bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and alight 2013, we had 7,478 birds of 152 species at 26 at the first bus stop as the bus turns from Kranji sites. This was a drop in both number and species Road into Kranji Loop. Cross the road and look of birds compared to 2012. So, are Singapore’s for the nameless track that starts beside Leong wild birds doing well? The general trend appears Soon Pte Ltd (251 Kranji Road). Bring along a cap, to be improving. In the last decade, we detected shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, cutter for HSC the presence of 220 species, 60% of Singapore’s rescue and a camera. Washing facilities available. known avifauna. Of these, 42% are on the rise, Details will be emailed upon registration. Open to 28% are declining, 5% show no change and the last the public. 25% could not be assessed due to a lack of data. Sunday 30 These 28 years of data collection have assisted the Society in piecing together conservation proposals, Birdwatching at Bidadari assessing the state of our natural habitats, and The former Bidadari Muslim Cemetery, bounded mapping out general population trends. We are by Bartley Road on one side and Upper Serangoon looking to further consolidate our knowledge Road on another, has proven to be an interesting by continuing the census at many important bird site for migrants and visitors in recent years. areas. Time: 7.30 am to 10.30 am. We are hoping Notable sightings here include the Hooded for a good response. All we need is your ability to Pitta, Ruddy Kingfisher, Crow-billed Drongo, as see and count. Help the leader at a site near your well as various Cuckoos and Flycatchers. HDB home or anywhere else. For more information development work may start soon, so join Albert or to volunteer, please email Lim Kim Seng at Low in exploring this spot while it is still a peaceful [email protected] by 14 March 2014. Open to bird haven. Meet at 7.30 am by Woodleigh MRT the public. Station at the junction of Upper Serangoon and Upper Aljunied Roads. Members only. Activities April

SaturdaySaturday 5 5 to the public. NSS Kids’ Fun with Vertebrates SaturdaySaturday 5 5 at Upper Seletar Reservoir Kayaking to St John’s Island & Pulau Tekukor Let your kids be inspired by 11-year old Mark This is a sea kayaking trip to two interesting Strange as he guides us in a fun romp through Southern Islands Pulau Tekukor and St John’s Upper Seletar Reservoir. Mark will point out the Island. Pulau Tekukor used to be a military island. area’s many nature gems including birds and other Although we cannot land, we will paddle past vertebrates. Time: 8 am to 10 am. Please register closely. St John’s Island was once the world's largest your children (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria Seow quarantine centre. It is now an oasis of mature at [email protected], stating their names trees, abandoned houses, holiday camps and sandy and ages, if they are NSS members or not, if you beaches. We will get to enjoy its fabulous sun, need us to loan you a pair of binoculars or not sand and sea. Time: 8 am to 11.30 am. The event is (FOC), and let us have your mobile number. A fee subject to cancellation if there is adverse weather of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non- and/or we cannot meet minimum numbers. A member) will be collected on the spot. Parents and replacement trip will be offered if cancellation caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge. is due to poor weather. Min/max: 18/28 pax. Details will be emailed to those who sign up. Open Participants must be at least 4 years old. Kids 12 3 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014 years old and below must be accompanied by 12 years old. Members only. at least one parent in the same kayak (guardians SaturdaySaturday 26 26 are not allowed). Closing date: 28 March 2014. Members will be given priority. Members’ price: Coastal Clean-Up at Mandai Mudflats $85 (cheque) / $90 (online payment). Non- Join us from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Mandai Mudflats members’ price: $110 (cheque) / $115 (online to make a difference by helping to clean up the payment). Cheques should be made out to ‘Nature coast. Located at the extension of Kranji Road Society (Singapore)’. Refunds will not be granted where it intersects with Kranji Loop, these for no shows or dropouts after the closing date. mudflats are a key habitat for horseshoe crabs Please register with Kerry Pereira (kerry@nss. and an important feeding ground for wading birds. org.sg) or at our website stating your name and Please register with Kerry Pereira at kerry@nss. if you are a NSS member or not. Details will be org.sg or at the NSS website stating your name, if emailed upon successful registration and payment. you a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school Open to the public. or company) and contact details. Bring along a cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, and a SundaySunday 6 6 camera. Washing facilities available. Open to the Butterfly & Dragonfly Walk at Pasir Ris public. Park

Pasir Ris Park is home to about 60 butterfly SundaySunday 27 27 species including rare Nymphalids such as the Birdwatching at Kranji Marsh Spotted Black Crow and Striped Black Crow. Meet Willie Foo ([email protected]) at 7.30 am The pond area next to the kitchen garden also at Kranji Dam Carpark B near the tidal gates of boasts many interesting dragonfly species. We will Kranji Reservoir, off Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus explore its mangrove and freshwater habitats for 925 from Kranji MRT Station. From here, a hired both butterflies and dragonflies. Meet Lena Chow bus will ferry us to our destination. We begin at Carpark C at 9.30 am. Members only. with a pleasant stroll along a countryside road to Kranji Marsh where we will continue our walk SundaySaturday 12 12 along the PUB Bund. The marsh is designated by AVA Urban Birds Survey URA as a Nature Park and is currently adopted The Bird Group and AVA will be conducting an by NSS under PUB’s ABC Waters Programme. Urban Birds Survey to gather population data on Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled urban birds such as the House Crow, Common Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted and Javan Mynas, Daurian and Asian Glossy Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Starlings, Common Pigeon and Asian Koel. This Eagle and Grey-headed Fish Eagle. Please register will help AVA identify problematic species for by 18 April 2014 on our website. A registration further studies and management. Time: 8.30 am form will then be emailed to you. Max: 20 pax. to 9 am, along a 500 m transact. We will need Open to the public but children under 12 years everyone's help as there are 50 transacts to cover. old are not allowed for safety reasons. We will assign a transact close to you after you confirm your participation with Alan Owyong at SSundayunday 18 May 18 May [email protected] by 22 March 2014. Open Green Corridor Run 2014 to the public. This will be the second edition of what promises SatudSaturday 12 12 y 26 26 to be an exciting race along the Rail Corridor. Last year’s inaugural event experienced sold- Bukit Timah Railway Station to Sunset Way out registrations. The 10.5 km run starts at Ramble the historic Tanjong Pagar Rail Station. It winds Let us explore this forgotten green area in the its way along the Rail Corridor and finishes at Bukit Timah environs. Nature is left undisturbed the old Bukit Timah Rail Station. The race aims along the former KTM railway line. Here, a wild to demonstrate a positive way in which the patch of forest harbours a rich array of birds, community can utilise the railway lands. NSS is its plants and insects. This 9-km ramble will end at official charity partner. Interested members can Sunset Way housing estate. Meet Soh Lay Bee at sign up at www.greencorridorrun.com.sg. Open the junction of Dunearn Road and Rifle Range to the public. Road at 7.45 am. Not suitable for children below

4 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

th 60 AnnualBy MargieGeneral Hall, Meeting Honorary of Secretary NSS – First Notice

ature Society (Singapore) warmly welcomes Office. Proposed amendments to the constitution Nall members to the 60th Annual General need the signatures of not less than 30 members Meeting (AGM) on 24 May 2014 (Saturday) at eligible to vote. All nominations, matters for 2.30 pm, venue to be announced later. The agenda discussion, proposed resolutions and amendments of the meeting will be announced in the May/ to the constitution should reach the NSS Office June 2014 issue of Nature News. We are hoping by post or fax by 11 April 2014 (Friday), 5 pm. If for a relatively short meeting as per last year. All faxed, the original should reach the NSS Office by reports will be prepared and made available to 15 April 2014 (Tuesday), 5 pm. members in advance. Nominations for NSS Executive Nominations for Office Bearers to stand for Committee 2014/2015 election at the AGM should be sent to the NSS 1. This form can be used to nominate one Office using the form below. Written notice of or more, or all of the following Executive any matters for discussion, any resolutions or any Committee positions. proposed amendment to the constitution should 2. Completed nominations for the positions be addressed to the Honorary Secretary at the must reach the NSS Office by post or fax by NSS Office. Resolutions need a proposer and a 11 April 2014, 5 pm. Fax no.: 6741-0871 seconder (who should both be members eligible 3. to vote). There is a specific form for proposing If faxed, the original form should be sent by the resolution that can be obtained from the NSS post to arrive at the NSS Office by 15 April 2014, 5 pm.

SIGNATURE OF NOMINEE POSITION NAME OF NOMINEE (Consent for Nomination and Nominee’s NSS membership no.)

President

Vice-President

Honorary Treasurer

Honorary Secretary

Committee Member

Honorary Asst Secretary

Honorary Asst Treasurer

Proposed by: ______Signature: ______Membership No. ______

Seconded by: ______Signature: ______Membership No. ______

5 Kranji Night Ramble

NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014 NSS Feedback on the Updated URA Master Plan

By Dr Ho Hua Chew, Conservation Committee Vice Chairperson URA updated its Master Plan in November 2013. NSS has submitted a 24-page feedback in response to this. Nature News brings you the key thrusts in this paper. he updated URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) more infrastructural development. The remaining 21% TMaster Plan is comprehensive and well-thought- were neutral. The term ‘green spaces’ may be broadly out in terms of Singapore’s defined. However, in the last 10 economic, recreational, social years, there has been a spate of and cultural agendas. The petitions by residents of housing future development of Keppel estates in Sg Ulu Pandan, Zehnder Harbour (container port) Road, Dairy Farm, Pasir Ris, is indeed exciting, opening Punggol, Tanah Merah and more. up a tremendous amount of They were against the planned land (about the size of Pulau development of the patches of Ubin) for housing and urban forest in their neighbourhood. amenities. The prospect of the long-term relocation This trend indicates a growing appreciation of natural of Paya Lebar Airbase (two-thirds the size of Ubin) greenery amongst Singapore’s general population. elsewhere will also significantly contribute space for These are the wishes of ordinary people and not die- future development. Likewise, the plan to phase out hard greenies. They appear to be unhappy with the several golf courses completely, as well as the taking relentless eradication of the natural greenery around over of KTM railway land at Tanjong Pagar Station and them. This dissatisfaction has even roused them from the Kranji-Woodlands area, has put even more icing their comfort zone to take action. on the cake. These moves should open up vistas for Singapore’s Greenery bold, creative and eco-sensitive development plans that would make Singapore a global eco-city. In 2011, NUS and CRISP (Centre for Remote Imaging, In this light, the issue of land-scarcity should not Sensing and Processing) collaborated on a satellite be regarded as a serious stumbling block to our study. It revealed that 29% of Singapore was covered imagination for a national development design that in ‘spontaneous greenery’ which included primary would serve the needs of Singapore in a more robust and secondary forests, fresh water swamp forest, and holistic direction. Such a design should take mangroves, marshes and scrubland. Excluded were into account our commitment towards sustainable ‘managed greenery’ such as public parks, golf courses, development, to achieve a loveable and liveable football fields etc. Translated, the study’s ‘spontaneous Singapore for all. greenery’ is equivalent to NSS’ ‘natural greenery’ in the sense of it being generally wild or unmanaged. It is A Positive Thrust Needed in Sustainable impressive for a global city such as Singapore to have Development 29% or almost one-third of its land area covered in In the updated Master Plan, the thrust towards natural greenery. This fact should be lauded instead of sustainability appears to be rather one-sided. Its focus being ignored or forgotten, lest this natural greenery is leans towards curtailing the impact of our relentless wiped out for development. drive for urbanisation and industrialisation, to ease transport problems, reduce air pollution, compensate Singapore’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity in artificial planting for natural greenery etc. It What is grossly deficient in the Master Plan is that only salvages more than it conserves. NSS believes that the 4.4% (3,350 ha) out of 29% of our natural greenery sustainability thrust should instead be more positive. is permanently protected as Nature Reserves (ie. It should involve the contribution of every nation to Labrador, Sungei Buloh, Bukit Timah and Central ameliorate the surge in natural disasters, eco-system Catchment) till 2030. This figure does not include the breakdown and biodiversity loss due to global warming four Central Catchment reservoirs comprising 700 ha. and human-induced environmental deterioration. As a reference, Singapore’s total land area will reach What is most important is the preservation of our 76,600 ha in 2030. Natural greenery within the military valuable natural greenery and remaining biodiversity. These zone will be left for military use or reserved for long- provide a host of eco-system services including carbon term development beyond 2030. Most of the remaining sequestration, flood control, free air-conditioning, pleasant natural greenery outside the military zone is slated landscaping etc. Our natural assets are also popular for for housing development or conversion to manicured outdoor recreation including jogging, cycling, nature public parks by 2030. appreciation and more. Almost one-third of Singapore is URA plans to increase both the number and sizes of covered in natural greenery. Land-use planners should public parks, eventually taking up 5% of Singapore’s bear this in mind. land area. Public parks (eg. East Coast Park) are In a 2013 Institute of Policy Studies’ survey, 60% of mainly created for human recreation and use. They Singaporeans indicated their preference for more should not be seen as being in the same category as green spaces against the minority 19% who preferred nature reserves which are set aside for biodiversity

6 Kranji Night Ramble

NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

Mt Imbiah in Sentosa), or within military zones (eg. Western Catchment, Pulau Tekong). What are their areas, sizes and boundaries within the context of public parks? Is there a clear-cut demarcation in terms of usage or management between the conventional public park portion and their co-located ‘nature areas’? What is their total land area? We have no clue here. In URA, a ‘nature area’ is officially recognised for its rich biodiversity, but is to be left alone only as long as there is no need for its development. Given this definition, ‘nature areas’ cannot be regarded as a serious commitment to biodiversity conservation. It is instructive to look at what happened to Mandai Mangroves, Khatib Bongsu, Pulau Semakau and the four Coral Zones. They were designated as ‘nature areas’ in the original 1993 SGP, but were no longer so in the 2012 SGP. There are now plans to reclaim Chek Jawa in Ubin, another former ‘nature area’. All these changes took place without proper consultation with SGP stakeholders. Given this situation, ‘nature areas’ should be completely left out of Singapore’s total area committed seriously to biodiversity conservation, unless their status is upgraded to ‘nature reserve’ or ‘nature park’. More accurately, with the exclusion of public parks and ‘nature areas’, only 4.4% of Singapore’s total land area is seriously committed to biodiversity conservation. This figure is embarassingly negligible for a nation that has declared itself to the world to be thrusting vigorously towards sustainable development. UN Convention on Biological Diversity Singapore had ratified the UN Convention on Biodiversity in 1995. As follows, the country should use the Convention’s benchmarks to do its utmost in sustainable development and the amelioration of the global environmental crisis. Singapore should not fall far behind or be niggardly in its strategic plan for biodiversity. The latest 2011-2020 Convention’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity states that ‘by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water areas, and 10% of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation. Some parks are called ‘nature parks’ (eg. conservation measures, and integrated into the wider Bt Batok, Kranji Marshes and Dairy Farm). To what landscapes and seascapes.’ extent these nature parks are permanent (ie. not By this yardstick, Singapore’s 4.4% falls short by about subject to future development) is not guaranteed or 12.6% for terrestrial areas, vis-à-vis the benchmark of clear in the Master Plan. What is most puzzling is that 17%. This is just 26% of the benchmark, a shockingly Pulau Ubin is designated as ‘Open Space’ land, on par niggardly contribution. Even if we include the 20 with military areas and nature reserves, although it is designated ‘nature areas’, estimated to add another 1.5% managed like a public park by NParks. We recommend of land, we will hardly make it to the half-way mark. that the area managed by NParks should be declared We are not asking for Singapore to hit the 17% target a nature reserve or nature park to conserve its rich proposed by the Convention. However, much more biodiversity. Also, land reclamation plans at Chek Jawa can be done, given the extent of the remaining natural should be completely abandoned. greenery in Singapore. For coastal and marine areas, Singapore falls short by more than 9% vis-à-vis the Most of the Singapore Green Plan’s (SGP) ‘nature benchmark of 10%. areas’ are not standalone places like Kranji Marshes Park or the new Gemala nature area in Kranji. Some Moving Forward are co-located within public parks (eg. Mt Faber), The NSS Feedback paper goes on to outline what within areas designated for ‘sports and recreation’ (eg. needs to be done in the areas of marine conservation, 7 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014 freshwater swamps, primary and secondary forests, the creation of a new land classification of ‘Natural Areas mangroves, as well as park connectors / wildlife of Scenic Beauty’. corridors. The paper then presents the general thrust Finally, the paper concludes by alluding to URA’s recent forward. One of the thrusts involves mandatory EIA announcement of plans for 20 new parks within the next (Environmental Impact Assessment) for any development five years. Of these, one site has already being selected, of any naturally green area of 10 ha and above. Another that of Coney Island. The paper then proposes new areas thrust covers the functions of roof-top greenery and that could be designated as nature parks. These include public parks. Instead of having more public parks, the Sg Khatib Bongsu’s mangrove and secondary forest; Sg NSS feedback calls for more nature parks where there Mandai’s mangrove and mudflat; Bukit Brown’s secondary is both preservation of biodiversity as well as public forest; Lorong Halus’ ponds, marshland and scrubland; accessibility and usage. It cites a recent NUS study which Clementi’s secondary forest; Bidadari’s secondary showed that in terms of birds and butterflies, nature forest; Tengah/Brickland/Bt Batok West’s secondary parks and areas have a more variegated array of wildlife. forest; Simpang’s mangrove and This indicates that cultivated greenery is not a good scrubland; Springleaf’s substitute for natural greenery. Other issues discussed secondary forest; Maju Camp’s secondary forest; included property developments next to nature reserves, Sungei Ulu Pandan’s secondary forest; as well as parks and areas; golf courses; brownfield areas; as well as Alexandra’s secondary forest. Two Extinct Butterfly Species Rediscovered in 2013 By Anuj Jain, Butterfly Interest Group Chairperson Photos by Richard Ong & Lena Chow Two previously thought locally-extinct butterflies were Yeoman, seeing it thrice. As such, we can confidently rediscovered in 2013 by the Butterfly Interest Group announce its welcome presence in Singapore, (BIG). Both are in apparently restricted to the BTNR. fact conspicuous The Purple species in terms of Spotted Flitter beauty and size, and ( Zographetus hence form very ogyzia) is possibly exciting records. the third new The Clipper species for (Parthenos sylvia Singapore seen lilacinus) was last year. A picture rediscovered by Tea was taken by Yi Kai at Selarang Lena Chow camp on 19 September 2013. This seasonal sighting at Upper Seletar forest on 19 May 2013. Up until might have been due to a spillover effect from Johor, recently, its cousin Z doxus was the only member of where there was a population outbreak during the the Zographetus genus found locally. Recent surveys same period. Coincidentally, Butterfly Circle members around the Central Catchment area have yielded the also reported this sighting from Singapore at around tentatively-identified Z ogygia. This species can be found the same time, making that two records for this in lowland primary and secondary forests and is well species. The Clipper is a known strong flyer. We are distributed across Peninsular Malaysia. While sightings watching and waiting to see if this constitutes a vagrant of this butterfly have been reported in the past, it sighting or if the Clipper would somehow manage to has never been reliably documented possibly due to re-establish a self-sustaining population in Singapore. similarities between both Zographetus species, as well as its small and cryptic nature. More photographs Equally thrilling was and hopefully specimens will need to be collected to the observation positively identify and confirm its status. of a Malay Yeoman (Cirrochroa emalea Since 2012, BIG has been compiling a yearly butterfly emalea) by Simon Chan sightings list. We recorded 262 butterflies out of a in the mature forest total of 310 species that year. In 2013, we had 258 of Bukit Timah Nature species. This list is not exhaustive but is an attempt Reserve (BTNR) on 19 at systematic recording. It can be found on the November 2013. Since NSS website. Do share with us any sightings that the beginning of 2014, we might have missed. See link: http://www.nss. several BIG members org.sg/documents/ButterflySightingList_2013_for_ have reconfirmed the NSSwebsite.pdf presence of the Malay 8 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

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9 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014 Ecological Interactions between Birds & Figs in Singapore Text and Photo by Ng Wen Qing

mong the many plant species, figs (Ficus spp) JAMU Javan Munia WTKI White-throated are an important food resource for numerous Kingfisher A JASP Japanese WVMY White-vented Myna animals in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. My Sparrowhawk study aimed to determine the relative importance of LIBA Lineated Barbet YRFL Yellow-rumped figs as a food source for birds in urban Singapore. Flycatcher OBSU Olive-backed YVBU Yellow-vented Bulbul I sampled native and overall bird species richness Sunbird within two contexts. The first context involved species OMRO Oriental Magpie richness between the edible (FIGF) and non-edible Robin (FIGNF) phases of five fig species: Ficus benjamina, F Figure 1: indica, F microcarpa, F religiosa and F superba. The second Respective proportions of bird species observed for different survey types. Percentages in brackets represent the relative proportion to context saw me charting species richness difference total bird species recorded. Refer to Table 1 for acronymns and their between FIGNF and non-fig species (NONFIG) such corresponding bird species. as the Rain Tree (Albizzia saman). In addition, I also quantified overall bird assemblages as well as the abundance of exotic birds such as the House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) across survey sites for the five fig species. All fig trees selected were in an urban setting. Table 1: Bird Species Recorded during the Surveys Acronym Common Name Acronym Common Name ABFL Asian Brown OPHO Oriental Pied Hornbill Flycatcher AGST Asian Glossy Starling OWEY Oriental White-eye ARWA Arctic Warbler PBST Purple-backed Starling ASKO Asian Koel PEDO Peaceful Dove BCHP Blue-crowned PIPI Pied Imperial Pigeons Hanging Parrot BNOR Black-naped Oriole PITR Pied Triller BTSU Brown-throated PNGP Pink-necked Green Sunbird Pigeon CHBU Crested Honey RBPA Red-breasted Parakeet Buzzard Bird surveys were conducted at 30 NONFIG, 29 CHSP Chinese REJU Red Junglefowl FIGNF and 23 FIGF sampling sites across Singapore. Sparrowhawk COBA Coppersmith Barbet ROPI Rock Pigeon I found that bird richness for all species as well as COFL Common Flameback RRPA Rose-ringed Parakeet native species differed significantly between FIGF and COIO Common Iora RWBU Red-whiskered Bulbul FIGNF sites. Conversely, there was no difference in COKI Collared Kingfisher SBFL Scarlet-backed species richness between FIGNF and NONFIG sites. Flowerpecker COMY Common Myna SPDO Spotted Dove See Figure 1 and Table 1. COTA Common Tailorbird SPWO Sunda Pygmy The abundance of exotic bird species significantly Woodpecker differed between FIGF and NONFIG sites. Bird ETSP Eurasian Tree STHE Striated Heron Sparrow assemblages also differed between survey sites, GBGE Golden-bellied TISH Tiger Shrike especially between FIGF and FIGNF sites, between Gerygone FIGNF and NONFIG sites, as well as among HOCR House Crow WBWA White-breasted the five fig species. Overall, FIGF sites proved Waterhen largely attractive to native frugivores such as the 10 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) as trees (especially native species), or simply retaining well as omnivores like the Oriental Pied Hornbill trees that are already extant. (Anthracoceros coronatus). On the other hand, Acknowledgements NONFIG sites tended to favor exotic bird species. My year-long study was partially funded by In the urban landscape, food resources are often the Bird Group’s Small Grant Scheme and the scarce. Figs provide food and shelter for many National University of Singapore. I thank Professor species, particularly frugivorous and omnivorous Richard Corlett and Dr Chong Kwek Yan for their birds. My study suggests that the planting of fig trees constructive advice during the course of my research. could be actively pursued in landscaping Singapore. If you would like to know more, please contact me at This in turn makes them attractive to biodiversity. [email protected]. This goal can be achieved by either planting more fig Preserve Jalan Kubor Malay Cemetery as a Green Lung By Sutari Supari This letter, in its shortened form, was published in The Straits Times Forum Page on 9 January 2014. The full version is reproduced below. ingapore’s oldest Malay cemetery in Jalan Kubor We encountered many interesting insects, plants, Swarrants preservation given its historical and ferns and epiphytes. Of particular interest was a huge ecological significance. ("NHB project to document Waringin (fig tree). Its figs attracted many birds such Malay cemetery", 4 January 2014). as the Black-naped Oriole, Asian Glossy Starling, This 33,000 sqm cemetery dates back to the 1800s. Common Iora, Golden-bellied Gerygone, Yellow- It is the resting place of notable personalities and vented Bulbul, Rock Pigeon, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, community leaders such as Haji Ambok Sooloh and Common Tailorbird, White-vented Myna and more. Syed Alwi Ali Aljunied. There is even a walled-up At nightfall, we could hear the nocturnal Large-tailed compound housing the Old Malay Royal Graveyard. Nightjar calling. The most interesting sighting was the uncommon Oriental Magpie Robin. In 2012, NSS conducted a bird and plant survey at Jalan Kubor with NMP Faizah Jamal, NSS Vice- The presence of various insects, birds, plants and trees President Leong Kwok Peng, NUS Assistant Professor indicates that Jalan Kubor Malay cemetery is rich in of Architecture Imran Tajudeen, members of the Plant urban biodiversity. It forms a green lung and oasis Group as well as members of the Malay Heritage amidst the urban sprawl of Rochor and Kampong Glam. Group. We found the site to be rich in historical, I urge the government to preserve the site as a green natural and avian discoveries. legacy for Singapore.

Proceedings of the ‘NSS Conference on Nature Conservation for a Sustainable Singapore’ is Now Available

he proceedings on 'Nature Conservation for 4. Review of Wild Animals and Birds Act (WABA): Ta Sustainable Singapore' symposium, organised Proposals for Its Improvement presented by by the Society, is now downloadable from the Vinayagan Dharmarajah NSS website. The symposium took place on 16 5. Recent Trends of Nationally Threatened Birds in October 2011 at the Swissotel Merchant Court. Singapore presented by Lim Kim Seng and Yong Out of 17 presentations made, eight papers have Ding Li been edited and put together by Dr Leong Tzi 6. Alien Invasive Species in Singapore: An Ming and Dr Ho Hua Chew in PDF format: Introduction, with Suggestions for Next Steps 1. Biotic Extinctions in Singapore: Past Lessons presented by Tan Bian and Future Threats presented by Yong Ding Li 7. The Current Status of Mangroves Forests in 2. Insect Conservation in Singapore by Cheong Singapore presented by Yang Shufen, Lim Rachel, Loong Fah Sheue Chiou-Rong and Jean Yong 3. Bats in Singapore – Ecological Roles and 8. The Freshwater Swamp Forests of Sungei Conservation Needs presented by Leong Tzi Seletar Catchment presented by Tony Ming and Chan Kwok Wai O'Dempsey and Chew Ping Ting 11 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014 Our Singapore Conversation on Green Spaces

NSS and Young NTUC collaborated to organise ‘Our Singapore Conversation on Green Spaces’ on 30 November 2013. Moderated by Nominated Member of Parliament Faizah Jamal, the event attracted 45 participants from all walks of life, 6 NSS and Young NTUC observers, as well as 3 journalists. Nature News brings you into the heart of the conversation.

he notion of ‘green spaces’ is complicated green areas such as balcony gardens and trees Tand generalised. Not all ‘green spaces’ are along roadsides, while dark green refers to wild the same. There is a need for a more detailed greenery such as nature reserves and forests. The definition of ‘green entire spectrum should be spaces’ and a discussion considered.” on its importance. “It is a place that allows for Undoubtedly, Singapore community activities such as is a City in a Garden. sports and recreation.” While the government “Green spaces also include tries to increase our blue spaces of our marine accessibility to green territory and sea life.” spaces, the fundamental question of ‘What are “There is a need to considered as ‘green differentiate natural green spaces’?’ remains. There spaces (eg. primary rainforest) is a need to redefine from manicured green spaces ‘green spaces’, because (eg. parks). Furthermore, not all of them have the same value. It is only natural green spaces can be categorised into two when we have understood the different values of types: 1. A place that is absolutely reserved for different ‘green spaces’ can we prioritise which wildlife and is not open to the public and 2. Part of areas are suitable for (re)development and which a reserve that allows for controlled public visits.” are to be preserved or conserved. 2. Why are ‘green spaces’ important? The event’s 45 participants included members There was a strong focus on the importance of of the public, student-initiative groups, teachers, ‘darker green spaces’ (eg. forest). The reasons professors, civil servants, members of nature given for their importance ranged from personal interest groups etc. They discussed four major ones (eg. a place to relax) to global ones (eg. questions. mitigate the effects of climate change). In general, 1. What are ‘green spaces’? participants showed their utmost concern about the global effects of the reduction of ‘dark There was a general consensus that all areas green spaces’. Other reasons cited included with greenery were considered ‘green spaces’. ‘green spaces’ serving as heritage centres and However, most participants defined ‘green spaces’ recreational areas. A sampling of the responses to as places that were ‘wild’, ‘natural’, ‘unpolluted’ Question 2: and ‘reserved for wildlife’. They emphasised that there were different values to different ‘green “Nature equals to happiness and relaxation. spaces’, due mainly to their functions. These Nature is beneficial to mental health and overall included ‘green spaces’ for recreational use or well-being.” wildlife habitats. Spontaneous ‘green spaces’, “There has been a decrease in natural areas but especially those that functioned as homes for an increase in parks in Singapore. This has led to a wildlife, scored the highest in value. The main drop in forest wildlife. Manicured parks do not aid reason was that such places were impossible to in wildlife conservation. There is a value difference re-create with human means. A sampling of the between different green spaces. Primary and responses to Question 1: pristine parts should be the most valued as they “There is a broad spectrum when the term contain full biodiversity. We also need to treasure ‘green spaces’ come to mind. The entire gradient spontaneous growth of secondary forests, swamps of green from light green to dark green should and marshlands as different animals thrive there. be considered. Light green refers to the sparser There is a need to educate the masses about the

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different shades of green.” should realise that ecology and economics were “It is important to let our children open up to not binary units. It was meaningless to strive for nature as it ignites creativity. Learning in nature monetary gains without conserving the means to life. A sampling of the responses to Question 4: beats learning in the zoo.” “Civil servants and government leaders tasked with “Conservation of green spaces, especially nature the responsibility of urban planning should have areas, is important as they are part of our natural onsite visits, especially in areas that are home to heritage. These places have hidden treasures yet wildlife and native plants, in order to understand the to be discovered. Urbanisation in Singapore has long-term effects of their plans. They should also resulted in a loss of many native species. Thus, incorporate scientific studies and facts into their there is an urgent need to preserve what is left. decision making.” Singapore should seek to balance biodiversity conservation with urban development.” “The government may be sending out mixed messages to the public about their stand on “Nature teaches humility. Outdoor activities such as greening the environment. On one hand, they are Outward Bound allow students to be more aware of building parks and park connectors throughout the surrounding environment and organisms. This Singapore. On the other hand, they have plans immersion in nature can be a humbling experience to sacrifice nature areas for urban development. as students realise that there is so much more to However, manicured parks cannot replace book knowledge.’ spontaneous nature areas. For example, there is a 3. What types of ‘green spaces’ would you balanced ecosystem at the Green Corridor. LTA and like to see more of? URA should engage with others before formulating their plans. Government bodies should collaborate Although the government has been constructing and communicate more often to avoid a disconnect more manmade ‘green spaces’, it was more in their plans and priorities.” important to conserve and preserve existing ones, especially spontaneous natural areas. A sampling “We see a lack of outdoor activities for children. of the responses to Question 3: Proposed solution: 1. Schools should organise outdoors activities (eg. Pulau Ubin Adventure “We want them all, as long as they are natural and School); 2. Schools should organise trips to forests existing vegetation, especially native ones.” to learn about local flora and fauna and to inculcate “Mangroves and marshlands, because these are the an appreciation of nature; 3. Schools’ cross-country rarer types that occupy less than 1% of Singapore. runs could be held at Green Corridors rather than They should be treasured and saved.” park connectors.” “More attention should be placed on the coastal “NParks is doing a good job in managing the crowds environment, especially mangroves. These are in nature areas by channelling noisy and insensitive essential feeding grounds for migratory birds whose people from Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the numbers have been decreasing due to coastal Southern Ridges or Dairy Farm. They have also erosion and land reclamation. A suggestion that closed off parts of Sungei Buloh for conservation, might mitigate the conflict between birds and while opening Kranji Nature Park for public use.” humans is to create a quasi reservoir that supports Conclusion both mangrove and human use.” Our discussion came to the fruitful conclusion “More attention should be given to native forests that there were different shades of green in to preserve the remaining native species living Singapore’s ‘green spaces’. Some areas were for there. Exotic or imported species may be more recreational usage, while others were wildlife aesthetically appealing and resilient to poor soil habitats. ‘Green spaces’ were important, as nature conditions in urbanised settings. However, we should was a source for relaxation and for sustaining be mindful as their careless release in the forest life. Participants were concerned about the may cause unwanted competition to native species.” detrimental, irreversible effects of the reduction in nature areas. They would like to request the 4. How can we balance preservation/ government to pay more attention to these areas. conservation and development? While it was important for Singapore to sustain In general, education in schools and to the public economic growth, the conservation of ecology should be done to spread the awareness of the was also very important, as invaluable assets that different shades of green and the importance of their preservation/conservation. Different we cannot risk losing. government bodies should communicate frequently Please download the full PDF report from the NSS website. to minimise clashes in policies. The government 13 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

NSS Kids’ Fun with Forest Wildlife at Venus Drive

By Alastair Liew, age 10 & Ryan Liew, age 8

t was a (hydrofuge hairpiles) Ib r e e z y that repel water, S u n d a y helping them stay morning on afloat. Although 1 December the waters ran 2013. We came armed with binoculars, insect clear, there were repellent and umbrellas. Right at the entrance plastic bags and to the Venus Drive trail stood a cool bamboo cans littering the grove inlaid with a wasp nest no less! Next to banks. We hope this were conspicuously bright orange flowers that people will stop polluting and start taking high above in a tree. Auntie Gloria identified care of our natural the tree as the African Tulip (Spathodea resources. campanulata), named for its orange tulip-like Ornamental plants such flowers. It was introduced to Singapore around as Dumbcane, Money the 1910s. This was the first inkling that we Plant, wild Pandan and were in for more interesting sights. the Heliconia flower Down below, in a little hidey hole on the flourished in abundance ground, my youngest brother Jake discovered along the trail. The towering trees were a a colony of Velvet Ants. Beware, looks can be perfect umbrella against the light morning deceiving – the Velvet ‘Ants’ are actually wasps! drizzle. However at times, we had mischievous The wingless female has a stinger that delivers monkeys cavorting above our heads, showering a painful jab. Despite its reputation as a cow us with huge drops of accumulated rain water. killer, it is not venomous and less aggressive We hurried along as the rain grew stronger, but than the honey bee. our spirits were not dampened. We observed As we kept our eyes trained on the ground, bracket fungi in beautiful geometric patterns. we found tiny figs scattered underfoot. These As nature’s recycler, they break down fallen are an important food source for many animals trees into precious nutrients, renewing the including monkeys, squirrels and birds. The cycle of life. Our highlight was seeing rubber nooks and crevices of the majestic fig tree seeds for the first time! These are housed in provide a sanctuary for jumping spiders, tri-compartmental chambers. The design of amongst other wildlife. the triple lobe allows cracks to develop as the Next, we saw delicious-looking Rambutans, outer husk dries in sunlight. Eventually, the fruit Starfruits and Durians. Little green lumps on splits open with explosive force, scattering the the ground turned out to be Betel Nut from rubber seeds in all directions. Uncle Si Guim the Areca Palm (Areca catechu). The Betel Nut explained how latex was tapped by cutting a ‘V’ is actually a seed. Historically, it is chewed with groove in the bark of the rubber tree. betel leaf, mineral lime, tobacco and spices We will definitely be for its mild narcotic effect, popular amongst back to revisit this Peranakans, Indians, Malays, Taiwanese and in beautiful trail. Next time many parts of Asia. It stains the lips and teeth round, we intend to red. hike all the way to the Clear freshwater streams ran through the Treetop Walk! This empty triple-lobed reserve. In them were Pond Skaters swimming shell formerly housed determinedly against the current. Typically, rubber seeds that had their bodies are coated with microhair scattered by explosion. 14 NATURE NEWS MAR-APR 2014

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