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Five new species of fauna recorded for at - Pulau Ubin is a possible stop for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway - Improved facilities at the Ubin Living Lab for new educational initiatives

24 June 2018 — The (NParks) has recorded five new species of fauna for Singapore at Pulau Ubin. The new records are the Little Stint (Calidris minuta), the Long-winged Tomb Bat (Taphozous longimanus), the Big-eared Pipistrelle (Hypsugo macrotis), the Arrow Emperor (Anax panybeus) dragonfly, and the Raccoon Pseudo-orb Weaver (Fecenia ochracea) spider. These add to the diverse at Pulau Ubin and underscore the importance of conserving its rich natural heritage.

Of special significance is the sighting of the Little Stint, which is a new record of this migratory bird species in Singapore for the first time. NParks staff observed two Little Stints at in September last year when migratory shorebirds flew in for feeding when the receded.

Bird monitoring data collected in the past year at Pulau Ubin has shown that certain species of migratory birds like the Grey Plover, Red-necked Stint and Bar-tailed Godwit are regularly found at Chek Jawa, but do not frequent Sungei Buloh Reserve. Certain other species are found at Chek Jawa and Sungei Buloh, but the populations appear to be different. For example, the Whimbrels that were caught at Chek Jawa were fitted with leg rings, flags, and satellite trackers, and the same individuals have not been recorded at Sungei Buloh. These are significant observations as they suggest that Pulau Ubin complements Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as another possible stopover for migratory birds along the East Asian- Australasian Flyway.

Page 1 of 5 For more information, please contact Kimberley Wang at 94368939. Information accurate as of 24 June 2018.

The two new species of bats observed at Pulau Ubin are the first such records for Singapore. The insectivorous bats were identified during a field survey at Chek Jawa in December last year. There are at least 28 species of bats in Singapore, and the two newly recorded bats can only be found on Pulau Ubin.

The other newly recorded species at Pulau Ubin – the Arrow Emperor dragonfly and the Raccoon Pseudo-orb Weaver spider – were discovered by NParks and the research community.

Improved facilities at Ubin Living Lab At today’s Ubin Day, Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing, who was the guest-of-honour, and Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee unveiled the improved facilities at the Ubin Living Lab, including a working space, water treatment systems, and amenities such as toilets and showers. Opened in 2016, the Ubin Living Lab is an integrated facility for field studies, environmental education and community outreach. It serves as an outdoor classroom for school groups to conduct educational programmes while providing a platform for students to learn about the ’s history, heritage, and biodiversity.

NParks has created a new working space at the Ubin Living Lab equipped with a work bench and wood-working equipment so the community can do restoration work onsite, rather than having to bring completed pieces from the mainland.

Since the Ubin Living Lab was opened, it has been used by more than 5,000 participants from over 100 groups including researchers and students. With the completion of the water treatment systems, toilet and shower facilities are now available at Ubin Living Lab, which will make it more conducive for students and researchers to stay over at Ubin for research and educational activities.

Page 2 of 5 For more information, please contact Kimberley Wang at 94368939. Information accurate as of 24 June 2018.

New educational initiative for students In tandem with the improved facilities, a new educational initiative for students to learn about Pulau Ubin is being piloted. The initiative, developed together with members of Friends of Ubin Network (FUN) and educators, is designed for students to experience Pulau Ubin’s rich natural and cultural heritage. It will be the first time that such a dedicated multi-disciplinary and experiential learning journeys will be curated for students on the island.

Beyond students, new outreach activities for the public will be held at the Ubin Living Lab such as the “Leave No Trace” workshop by Trexx, an international programme that aims to protect the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly.

NParks has also completed the arboretum and nursery at the Ubin Living Lab for education and research. A collection of 34 extant true mangrove species of Singapore have been planted in the arboretum to supplement restoration efforts across the island. Students from the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School helped to design and fabricate the interpretive signs which provide information on the mangrove species.

As central managing agency of Pulau Ubin, NParks has made several enhancements to the island, including improving the earth tracks and drains, and providing each household with fire extinguishers and litter bins. NParks has also set up Compact Water Treatment Units on the island to treat the water in the taps and sinks of public toilets and improve the experience of visitors who come to the island. The units will be installed by the end of the year to serve all public toilet facilities around the island.

Chinese book on Pulau Ubin published As part of the Ubin Day celebrations, the community wrote and published a Chinese book on Pulau Ubin titled 情牵石岛，心系敏江 (translated as “Bin Kiang – Our Heart and Soul”). A compilation of photographs and stories from families who have lived on the island, the book celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Pulau Ubin and preserves

Page 3 of 5 For more information, please contact Kimberley Wang at 94368939. Information accurate as of 24 June 2018.

memories for future generations of Singaporeans. The idea for the publication was mooted by Mr Seow Soon Hee at a gathering among former residents in 2016.

More community groups participating in Ubin Day 2018 At this year’s Ubin Day, a myriad of activities such as kampong games, art workshops, visits to kampong houses, and a talk on an archaeological dig on Pulau Ubin were organised by the community in collaboration with NParks. Visitors can also view a series of photos capturing the unique aspects of Ubin at an exhibition titled “The Island in Focus” at the Assembly Area, which will be on display until 9 July. The photography exhibition is a collaboration between the Photographic Society of Singapore and NParks.

Educational booths by community groups, including 9 groups participating for the first time, were set up to promote biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage as well as various ground-up initiatives. First held in 2002, this is the seventh time Ubin Day is being organised to celebrate the different facets of the island. Minister Chan and Minister Lee joined the community in planting over 100 coastal trees at the Ubin Living Lab.

Ubin Day is part of Pesta Ubin, a festival organised by FUN members and the community. During the month-long festival this year, more than 3,500 participants took part in over 50 activities on Pulau Ubin. For more information on Pesta Ubin, please visit http://pestaubin2018.blogspot.sg.

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For more information, please contact: Kimberley Wang (Ms) Senior Communications Manager National Parks Board DID: 6471 7265 Mobile: 9436 8939 Email: [email protected]

Page 4 of 5 For more information, please contact Kimberley Wang at 94368939. Information accurate as of 24 June 2018.

Tracy Won (Ms) Director (Communications) National Parks Board DID: 6471 7352 Mobile: 9099 3760 Email: [email protected]

About The Ubin Project The Ubin Project seeks ideas from members of the public on how the island’s rustic charm, natural environment, biodiversity and heritage can continue to be enjoyed by Singaporeans for generations to come.

The Friends of Ubin Network (FUN) was formed in 2014, and comprises youths, residents, volunteers, researchers and members from the heritage and nature communities. FUN members have developed a code of conduct for environmentally and socially responsible behaviour on Pulau Ubin known as the “Ubin Way”. The code of conduct was inspired by the kampung spirit that Pulau Ubin residents embody and is centred on the innate motivation to care for the environment.

More than 2,000 ideas have been received. These ideas are varied, ranging from conservation of biodiversity and heritage, to support for education and opportunities for nature-based recreation and trials of sustainable technologies.

About National Parks Board (NParks) National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for providing and enhancing the greenery of our City in a Garden. Beyond building green infrastructure, NParks is actively engaging the community to enhance the quality of our living environment.

NParks manages 350 parks and 300 km of park connectors, 3,347 hectares of nature reserves and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. We also manage Pulau Ubin and the Sisters' Marine Park. Adding to this is the extensive streetscape, or roadside greenery, that forms the backbone of our City in a Garden. The island-wide Park Connector Network is also being developed to link major parks, nature areas and residential estates.

As the lead agency on biodiversity conservation, NParks has developed an urban biodiversity conservation model, which aims to conserve representative eco-systems in land-scarce Singapore. NParks also monitors and coordinates measures to enhance the presence of biodiversity in our urban landscape.

NParks is working closely with partners in the landscape and horticulture industry to increase productivity, and provide training for all levels of the workforce. Enhancing competencies of the industry will support Singapore’s vision of being a biophilic City in a Garden.

For more information, visit www.nparks.gov.sg and www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz

Page 5 of 5 For more information, please contact Kimberley Wang at 94368939. Information accurate as of 24 June 2018.