NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 Jul-Aug 2011

MICA (P) 073/07/2010 ISSN: 2010-4308

Railway Ramble from to Ten Mile Junction Jul 2 Activities 2 Plant Walk at Jul 9 Colugo Encounter near Village 5 Birdwatching at Nature Park Jul 10 Minutes of the NSS 57th Annual Talk on ’s Wild Marine Mammals Jul 15 General Meeting 6 Nature Walk at Marshes Jul 17 Loss of Sea Eagles' Nest 8 Butterfly Walk at the Jurong Railway Track Jul 23 AGM Statement of Income & 9 Birdwatching at Halus Wetland Jul 24 Expenditure AGM President’s Report 10 Discussion on The Seacil Artificial Reef Jul 27 Talk on Impact of Climate Change on Singapore's Fun at 12 Jul 29 Biodiversity AGM Special Interest Group & 13 NSS Kids’ Fun with Dragons and Damsels Aug 13 Committee Reports 26th Annual Bird Census 25 Butterfly Walk and Picnic from Rifle Range to Jelutong Aug 13 Tower Announcements 26 Birdwatching at Bukit Brown Aug 20 NSS Directory 27 Birdwatching at Botanic Gardens Aug 21 All Purpose Form 28 Birdwatching at Aug 27 Public Walk at Butterfly Trail @ Orchard Aug 28 International Coastal Cleanup at Mudflats Oct 29 LOCAL & OVERSEAS TRIPS LED BY NSS MEMBERS

1D Trek at Gunung Lambak in Kluang Jul 23 or (two departures) Aug 20 3D/3N The Lost Waterfalls of Pahang Jul 28 to 31 4D/3N Explore Endau Rompin with Raja Aug 7 to 10 Colugo 1D Explore Mata Kuching Forest Reserve Aug 13 in Batam Encounter Minutes of the NSS near 57th Annual General Changi Meeting Pg 6 Village Pg 5 As we were going to press, we were deeply sadden to learn of the passing of Dr Navjot Sodhi, eminent ornithologist and NUS professor in conservation ecology on 12 June 2011, and Dr Daryl Karns, herpetologist and professor of biology at Hanover College, Indiana on 9 June 2011. 1 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

Activities July Saturday 2 Marine Science Institute (TMSI) in NUS have Saturday 2 confirmed that several species of coastal dolphins Railway Ramble from Bukit Timah to Ten can be found in Singapore waters, even the rare Mile Junction Finless Porpoise and Dugong. TMSI has launched Marking the end of a railway era in Singapore, the the Singapore Wild Marine Mammal Survey Nature Ramblers will lead a trek from Bukit Timah (SWiMMS), a research project where it wants Railway Station to Ten Mile Junction, an estimated to establish a volunteer network and sighting distance of 6 km. This is an attempt to retrace the reporting system, as well as carry out field studies. northbound train journey. Expect to see interesting Reliable observations from South-east Asia are plants, birds and landmarks along the way. Meet also welcome, and will help TMSI study whether Benjamin Ho at Bukit Timah Railway Station near Singapore contributes to seasonal trans-national King Albert Park at 3.45 pm. The trip will end at migration routes. Meet at 8 pm at The Sunflower. Housing Estate. We will depart at 4 Open to the Public. pm sharp, and should finish by 7 pm. Wear good Sunday 17 walking shoes and have adequate sun protection. Sunday 17 For members only. Nature Walk at Kranji Marshes Meet Gerard Francis at 7.45 am at the Kranji SaturdaySaturday 9 9 Dam Carpark near the Tidal Gates of Kranji Plant Walk at Mount Faber Reservoir, off Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 In celebration of International Year of Forests, join from Kranji MRT Station. From here, a hired bus Yap Von Bing and the Plant Group at Mount Faber. will ferry us to our destination. This walk will Expect to see mature and juvenile specimens of cover the plant life of the marshland as well as native trees, cultivated trees (including fruit trees) provide good birdwatching opportunities. The and attractive ferns. There will be numerous marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park bird calls and the likely sighting of thermal-riding and is currently adopted by NSS under PUB’s raptors. Get acquainted with this regenerating ABC Waters Programme. Register with Gerard at forest and be inspired to think about promoting [email protected] by 8 July. Max: 20 pax. habitat restoration in other locations. Meet at 9 Open to the Public. am at the bus stop on Way opposite Saturday 23 Radin Mas Community Centre. The walk will take Saturday 23 about two hours. For members only. Butterfly Walk at the Jurong Railway Track This is a nice butterfly walk starting at King Albert SundaySunday 10 10 Park, passing through the Bukit Timah Railway Birdwatching at Station, and ending at Old Holland Road. Steven Situated in a densely populated corner of Singapore, Chong will lead us on a journey following the railway Bukit Batok Nature Park is a green gem. This patch track. He will take us through areas with plenty of of woods is no bigger than the Botanical Gardens, Pansy and Emigrant butterflies. Expect to also see a yet support a surprising variety of bird species. good mix of forest and open field butterflies and lots These include locally threatened birds like the of Bush Browns. This is also a Common Birdwing Violet Cuckoo and the Changeable Hawk Eagle. habitat. Bring along your binoculars, a cap and lots of It is also one of the best places in Singapore, and sunblock. Meet at 9:30 am outside McDonalds, at the perhaps even in South-east Asia, to see the highly- intersection of Bukit Timah Road and King Albert threatened Straw-headed Bulbul. Join Yong Ding Li Park. For members only.y as he leads us in exploring the Park. Meet at 7.30 SundayS 24 July 24 am at the main entrance. The walk should end at 12 unday noon. For members only. Birdwatching at Halus Wetland For years, Little Grebes and Common Moorhens FridayFriday 15 15 have made their home in , an old Talk on Singapore’s Wild Marine Mammals rubbish dump site. Grassland birds such as Yellow- Join Cyrena Lim to learn how you can help NUS bellied Prinias, Munias, Baya Weavers, Long-tailed researchers discover more about Singapore’s wild Shrikes and more thrive here. Under the ABC marine mammals. Pilot studies by the Tropical Waters Programme, PUB recently completed 2 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 works to create Halus Wetland, to help purify run- Friday 29 Friday 29 offs from the dump site. Join Wong Chung Cheong from 7.30 am to 12 noon, in an enjoyable morning Talk on Impact of Climate Change on of sights and sounds presented by these birds. Singapore's Biodiversity Send a completed All Purpose Form to the NSS Much information is now available on global office or register at the NSS website by 18 July climate change, including some frightening 2011. Max: 30 pax. Open to the Public. predictions. Temperatures and sea levels are WednesdayW 27 expected to rise worldwide, while many areas will Wednesday 27 receive less rain. What then will happen to the Discussion on The Seacil Artificial Reef biodiversity and natural vegetation in Singapore The Seacil Artificial Reef project was a source of and South-east Asia? Going by current predictions, controversy a few years back. It aimed to restore Yong Ding Li will explore the likely changes to and preserve corals at and Labrador Singapore's flora and fauna by the years 2030 and Park. Project leader Charles Rowe will give a 2050. Will our rainforests still remain as it is, given presentation on its merits. Detractors in this fragmentation and a different climate? Will our project will also be invited to air their views and forest birds still be around? What should we do concerns. Join us in this discussion, and judge for now? For more information, contact Ding Li at yourself if the project is more of a boon or a bane [email protected]. Talk from 8 pm to 9.30 pm to local coral conservation. Meet at 8 pm at The at The Sunflower. Open to the Public. Sunflower. Open to the Public. Activities August SaturdayS d 1133 Sailors. We intend to pause for a 30-minute picnic Saturday 13 at the scenic water edge. Bring along some snacks NSS Kids’ Fun with Dragons and Damsels and plenty of water. Thereafter, our butterfly trek If you were a little insect, a dragon that flies is a will continue to Jelutong Tower in MacRitchie terrifying thing. Find out more about dragonflies Reservoir. We target to return back to the starting and damselflies, how they hunt in our freshwater point between 1 pm to 1.30 pm. Members should streams, and learn how to recognise some of the arrange for their own car pool to get to the commoner species. Tang Hung Bun, author of the starting point. For any queries, kindly email KC at book “A photographic guide to the Dragonflies of [email protected]. For members only. Singapore”, will lead us in a fascinating walk along SaturdaySaturday 20 20 the Venus Drive stream. Dragonfly enthusiasts Dr Cheong Loong Fah, Robin Ngiam, Cheong Yu Jia Birdwatching at Bukit Brown and Cheong Yiwei will also be our guides. Time: 9 Meet Sutari Supari at 7.30 am at the junction am to 11.30 am. Please register your children (4 to of Sime Road and Kheam Hock Road, near the 12 years old) with Gloria Seow at gloria_seow@ entrance to Bukit Brown Chinese Cemetery. We yahoo.com, stating their names and ages, if they are will take a casual walk around this unique and NSS members or not, if you need us to loan you quiet corner of Singapore. The area is partially a pair of binoculars or not, and let us have your open and has many huge trees. Expect to see a mobile number. A fee of $5 per child (member) mix of parkland, open country as well as forest or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected birds such as babblers, bulbuls, doves, flower- on the spot. Parents / caregivers are encouraged peckers, parakeets, sunbirds and woodpeckers. For to join in at no charge. Details will be emailed to members only.y those who sign up. Open to the Public. SundaySunday 21 21 SaturdaySaturday 13 13 Birdwatching at Botanic Gardens Butterfly Walk and Picnic from Rifle Range Meet Wong Chung Cheong at 7.30 am at the Visitor to Jelutong Tower Centre. We will take an early morning stroll through Meet KC and Amy Tsang at 9 am at the end of one of the best botanical gardens in the region. Rifle Range Road. We will walk and butterfly watch Many species of birds call this park home. We have to the upper arm of Upper Pierce Reservoir. the chance of spotting colourful species like the Expect to see butterflies such as Cruisers, Fivebar Long-tailed Parakeet, Crimson Sunbird, Banded Swordtails, Blue Jays, Blue Bottles, Crows and Woodpecker, Common Iora, Pink-necked Green 3 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

Pigeon and Stork-billed Kingfisher. We might also get start at the butterfly garden in Stamford Green, to see some early migrants. For members only. passing through SMU, Green, and ending at the open space in Penang Road. SaturdaySaturday 27 27 We hope to see butterflies such as the Plain Tiger, Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes Leopard, Tawny Coster, Autumn Leaf and more. Meet Dr Ho Hua Chew at 7.45 am at the Kranji Meet Anuj (HP: 8139-1564) at 9.30 am in front Dam Carpark near the Tidal Gates of Kranji of the National Museum at 93 Stamford Road. Reservoir, off Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 Stamford Green is accessible by the outdoor from Kranji MRT Station. From here, a hired escalator next to the museum. Duration: 2.5 hours. bus will ferry us to our destination. We will Open to the Public. begin at the NSS adoption pond, followed by a pleasant stroll along the PUB Bund. Birding OctoberOctober 29 29 highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, International Coastal Cleanup at Mandai Purple Swamphen, White-browed Crake, Osprey, Mudflats Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle The NSS-led participation at the annual International and more. If there is time, we will end the walk Coast Cleanup Singapore (ICCS) is set to take place along Neo Tiew Lane 2, up to the vehicle-barrier. at the Mandai Mudflats from 4 to 7 pm. Located at The marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park the extension of Kranji Rd where it intersects with and is currently adopted by NSS under the PUB’s Kranji Loop, these mudflats are a key habitat for ABC Waters Programme. Register with Dr Ho at horseshoe crabs. If you are keen to make a difference [email protected] by 12 August 2011. Max: 20 here, please register with Goh Ter Yang at teryang@ pax. Open to the Public. nss.org.sg. There are other ICCS events organised by RMBR where you can also help: SundaySunday 28 28 Saturday 9 Jul 2011 at 9 am (Site Buddies Workshop) Public Walk at Butterfly Trail @ Orchard Saturday 6 Aug 2011 at 9 am (National Day cleanup) Let’s take a leisurely stroll along the newly-created Saturday 17 Sep 2011at 8 am (ICCS event day) Butterfly Trail @ Orchard, to witness the sight of Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/iccs-volunteer. butterflies living in an urban environment. We will LOCAL & OVERSEAS TRIPS LED BY NSS MEMBERS 1D Trek at Gunung Lambak in Kluang (two departures) Dates: Choice of dates on 23 July or 20 Aug 2011 Cost: $85 per pax. Price includes van transport, insurance, trail snacks and dinner. Cheque payable to Sun-City Travel & Tours Pte Ltd. Min participants: 8 pax per trip Closing Date: 16 July 2011 unung Lambak is one of the most climbed above sea level, the summit will reward you with a G“neighbourhood” mountains in . It panoramic view of Kluang. It takes about an hour forms an imposing landmark overlooking the town and a half to reach the top. Even kids as young as of Kluang. The initial ascent is gradual, through four years old have summited. For details or to tropical rainforest. After the midway rest point, register, please contact Chew Leong Hai at chew. an almost vertical climb awaits trekkers. This is [email protected] or HP: 9689-3074. where the challenge and fun begins! At 510 m 1D Explore Mata Kuching Forest Reserve in Batam Date: 13 Aug 2011 Cost: $98 per pax. Price includes ferry tickets, land transport, insurance and resort lunch. Cheque payable to Sun-City Travel & Tours Pte Ltd. Min participants: 10 pax Closing Date: 6 August 2011 urprisingly, the nearby Indonesian island of Lunch at Sijori Resort with dinner and shopping at SBatam has a sizeable belt of intact forest in the Batam Centre. For details and registration, please form of the Mata Kuching Forest Reserve. Come contact Sutari Supari at [email protected], Tel: explore this relatively unknown part of Batam. 6283-5069 or HP: 9770-0432. 4 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 4D/3N Explore Endau Rompin with Raja Date: 7 to 10 August 2011 Cost: $250 per pax. Children staying with parents pay $210 each. Price includes return train journey and accommodation in chalets. Min Participants: 20 pax Closing Date: 16 July 2011

ctivities include jungle trekking, waterfall visit, night (Singapore)”. Mail these to S Rajamanickam at 61 Chestnut Awalk, birdwatching, Orang Asli visit and kayaking. Please Crescent, Singapore 679412. For enquiries, please email Raja complete the All Purpose Form, using one per person. at [email protected]. Do enclose your cheque made out to “Nature Society

3D/3N The Lost Waterfalls of Pahang

Dates: 28 to 31 July 2011. Leaving on 28 July at 11.30 pm. Cost: $330 per pax. Price includes leader services, limited edition Lost Waterfall tee, goodie bag, one training session, all trekking meals, permits and entrance fees, local guide fees, land transport, first aid and travel insurance. Cheque payable to Sun- City Travel & Tours Pte Ltd. Min Participants: 10 pax Closing Date: 15 Jul 2011

race yourself for an adrenaline rush with a 4WD falling water being swallowed back by the earth. Locals Bride through the deep forests of Pahang. You will be say that these jungles provided asylum to revered Malay pampered with a gastronomical galore of food served in warrior Mat Kilau. In colonial times, he used it as a training these forests. Photographers and hikers alike will be awed ground and hideaway during his frequent skirmishes with by the many scenic and pristine waterfalls found here. the British. The trip is suitable for all fitness levels. For Locals have affectionately named these obscure falls Lata details and registration, please contact Bernard Koh at Telur, Lata Selesa, Lata Manik and Lata Lebah. The Lost [email protected] or HP: 9199-1280. Waterfall has no pond beneath it, giving us a sense of Colugo Encounter near Changi Village By Gloria Seow hile admiring surprise and delight at this sighting. “This is a great record! Wheritage trees I have never seen colugos in Changi before, and did not at Cranwell Road expect them to be here. This is really good news,” exclaimed near Changi Village colugo expert Norman Lim who authored the book “Colugo: on 24 October The Flying Lemur of South-east Asia”. 2010, Clayton Lee The colugo is native to Singapore. It can be seen in forests in Chin Lye was very the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Bukit Timah Nature fortunate to set Reserve, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Swiss Club Road area, and eyes on the first in the forest north of Mandai Road. It has never been found record of a colugo in the fragmented forests in the eastern parts of Singapore, (Galeopterus nor in the Western Catchment Area. variegatus) in the Changi area in In the past, the forests around Changi used to yield a good recent memory. number of mammal specimens, some of which are preserved in the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research today. A It was the mammal’s huge fire in the last century is purported to have destroyed sudden gliding most of these woods. Thankfully, remnants of primary forest movement, from trees still stand, supporting remnant populations of wildlife. a tall Khaya senegalensis tree to an under storey Syzygium There are also two camps nearby, Hendon Camp and Changi tree far inside the forested vegetation, that alerted him to its Air Base, both of which have small belts of forest. Indeed, it presence. would be worth checking out the Cranwell site to confirm Members of NSS’ Vertebrate Study Group expressed the sighting and to survey it for other mammal species

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Minutes of the Nature Society (Singapore) 57th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Held on 21 May 2011 at MOE Dairy Farm Adventure Centre

By Margie Hall, Honorary Secretary

deficit in the following year (when money raised MEMBERS PRESENT is spent). He felt that the Society’s cash position Outgoing Exco Members: was of far greater relevance. Eng Hin directed Dr Shawn Lum Leong Kwok Peng Margie Hall members’ attention to the Statement of Financial Dr Ho Hua Chew Ong Eng Hin Dr Hsu Chia Chi Position on page 4. It reflected a cash position that Goh Si Guim Soo Choon Kiat Tan Hang Chong exceeded $900,000. He noted that the Society had Members: sufficient cash to cover several years of essential Eldwin Wong Gan Cheong Weei Steven Chong expenditure. He also noted, for governance Wong Yew Chuen Benjamin Ho Moira Khaw Dr Lesley Bernie Tan Ching Chabo purposes, that our staff all earn well below Cartwright-Taylor $100,000 per year. He then invited questions from Lee Lay Tin Charles Letts Alan Owyong the floor. Vinayagan Willie Foo Yin Kok Yap Von Bing Dharmarajah Bernie Tan asked for the details of donors that Chua Leng Sim Ilsa Sharp Ronald Lim had contributed a donation income of $286,287. Klyth Tan Rehan Yusoff Gerald Tay He also wondered why our website maintenance Apologies: costs had increased to $30,841 from $345 in PN Avadhani Tony O’Dempsey Gloria Seow the previous year. Eng Hin replied that $160,000 donated had been for the Butterfly Trail @ The Annual General Meeting did not have a quorum at 2 pm. It started at 2.30 pm with 14 ordinary members present. Orchard project. Far East Organization was Vice President Leong Kwok Peng took the Chair. He welcomed a major donor, while Ricoh and SingPost also members and noted that the President and some others were contributed substantial sums. Our website was delayed in traffic jams. completely upgraded this year, incurring a cost of 1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE $30,000. Therefore, this cost was overwhelmingly 2010 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING due to upgrading rather than maintenance. However, a government grant of $20,000, as stated The Minutes had previously been circulated. Alan in the third line of “Income”, helped defray about Owyong proposed that they be accepted and Dr two thirds of this cost. Ching Chabo asked if this Ho Hua Chew seconded this proposal. There were grant was a one time grant or a continuing one. no matters arising from the Minutes. Eng Hin replied that it was a one time grant. 2. TREASURER’S REPORT Wong Yew Chuen asked for the name and Treasurer Soo Choon Kiat and Assistant Treasurer background of the company performing the Ong Eng Hin had requested to present early as website upgrading, and if there was a warranty. Eng they both had other engagements. They presented Hin replied that the contractor was IWI. It was the Audited Accounts (Financial Statements) for selected out of three quotations. He recalled that the financial and calendar year 2010. This had the warranty period was one year. Gan Cheong previously been circulated to members at the Weei informed the meeting that the upgraded meeting. While taking the meeting through the website had enhanced features. These included Statement of Comprehensive Income, Eng Hin the capacity to pay for membership subscriptions expressed doubt on its relevance to a charity like and renewals online, links to the Society’s NSS. Charities rely on donations to fund their Facebook page, and shared administration so that activities rather than on regular trade income. activity organisers and the Secretariat can upload The Society would not have embarked on a information directly onto the site. Wong Yew project until it had raised the necessary funds. Chuen then enquired about the expected lifespan Therefore, its income could result in a surplus in of this software upgrade. Eng Hin felt that as long one year (when money raised is not spent) and a as the upgraded website can serve the Society’s 6 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 needs, there was no need to have another upgrade. seconded by Goh Si Guim As there were no more queries, Bernie Tan Honorary Assistant Secretary: proposed that the Audited Accounts for 2010 be Tan Hang Chong, proposed by Gloria Seow, adopted and Yap Von Bing seconded the proposal. seconded by Timothy Pwee Committee Members: President Shawn Lum arrived at 2.45 pm and took Dr Ho Hua Chew, proposed by Dr Shawn Lum, the Chair. He thanked outgoing Treasurer Soo seconded by Sutari Supari Choon Kiat and Assistant Treasuer Ong Eng Hin Goh Si Guim, proposed by Alan Owyong, seconded for doing a great job. Shawn also apologised for his by Chua Leng Sim late arrival because of traffic jams. Noting that this Dr Hsu Chia Chi, proposed by Vinayagan had affected a number of members, Margie Hall Dharmarajah, seconded by Margaret Hall suggested that the meeting could consider starting at 4 pm next year. In line with the requirements of the Code of Governance introduced by the MCYS 3. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Commissioner of Charities Office, Shawn Shawn Lum presented his report on behalf of the reminded members of the resolution passed Executive Committee. This report can be read on at AGM 2008: “That at the first Exco/Council page 10. Meeting after each AGM, all members of the 4. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP & incoming Exco and of the Council declare and COMMITTEE REPORTS have minuted any general conflict of interest which they consider they may have, and that before any Reports were made by Alan Owyong for the specific discussions and decisions at this or any Bird Group, Gan Cheong Weei for the Butterfly other meetings of the Exco and Council, members Interest Group, Leong Kwok Peng, Dr Ho Hua consider whether any conflicts of interest exist Chew, Dr Hsu Chia Chi and Dr Lesley Cartwright- for any members and, where they are considered Taylor for the Conservation Committee, Margie to exist, request that member to abstain from the Hall on behalf of Gloria Seow for the Education vote or decision-making process.” Group, Benjamin Ho for the Nature Ramblers, and Angie Ng for the Plant Group. These reports were 6. ELECTION OF ONE MEMBER FOR THE presented separately. Tony O’Dempsey had earlier FINANCE ADVISORY GROUP sent his apologies for the lack of a report from the Ching Chabo was stepping down from the Finance Vertebrate Study Group at the AGM, due to his Advisory Group. She proposed Dr Lee Lay Tin recent accident. as the new member for three years. This was 5. ELECTION OF THE 2011/12 EXECUTIVE seconded by Vinayagan Dharmarajah. Margie Hall COMMITTEE & FINANCE ADVISORY noted that as initiated last year, one member of GROUP MEMBERS this three member group would step down and be replaced each year. Next year, either Dr Robert We received a single nomination for each of Casteels or S Rajamanickam would step down and the Executive Committee (Exco) positions. The be replaced by another member for three years. following would make up the Exco: Shawn thanked Chabo for her service. He also President: thanked Robert, Rajamanickam and Lay Tin for Dr Shawn Kaihekulani Lum, proposed by Dr Ho their continued and future service Hua Chew, seconded by Khoo Kim Choo Vice President: 7. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS Leong Kwok Peng, proposed by Goh Si Guim, Leong Kwok Peng proposed that the Society seconded by Ong Eng Hin reappoint Helmi Talib as Auditors. This was Honorary Treasurer: seconded by Vinayagan Dhamarajah. Eldwin Wong, proposed by Margaret Hall, seconded by Ong Eng Hin 8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Honorary Secretary: The President introduced the following items for Margaret Hall, proposed by Dr Ho Hua Chew, discussion: seconded by Khoo Kim Choo 1.NSS Second Office at Honorary Assistant Treasurer: Leong Kwok Peng presented slides of the office Ong Eng Hin, proposed by Leong Kwok Peng, that Birdlife International (BL) would be leasing

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for three years. Its location is on the ground 3. Membership Numbers floor of the Tanglin Block at the International Benjamin Ho enquired about our membership Centre in the former MOE buildings at Tanglin trends for the last few years. He asked for Road. BL had offered a share of this office space ideas to boost membership numbers. He was to NSS at cost. The Exco hopes to move some informed that there are about 1,500 subscribing functions there. In particular, it wants to use the members and 150 Life Members to date. conference and meetings rooms for meetings Our highest number of subscribing members and talks. The proposed office has ample parking happened some 10 years ago, when we had 2,000 space. Since NSS is still keeping its members. The President noted that next year Office, the arrangement with BL would be on a was the 20th Anniversary of NSS as a separate trial basis. It is also on a strict cost sharing basis, Singapore organization. This could be a good however much space is used. The meeting had basis for a membership drive. no questions. 4. Nature News Delivery by Email 2. Ubin House Margie Hall proposed to find out if more The Ubin House is rented from SLA. Currently, members would like to receive “Nature News” it is not being used enough. Shawn said that by email. At present, only 10% of members have he would call for a President’s Chat to discuss opted to do so. possible options, and to decide whether to continue with renting it or not. The decision also 9.CLOSING OF MEETING BY PRESIDENT relates to present discussions on reshaping our The Meeting ended at 5.40 pm with Shawn outreach programme. thanking everyone for attending the meeting and helping to create a vibrant Society. Loss of Sea Eagles' Nest We reproduce below an extract of the letter that appeared in the online forum page of The Straits Times on 23 May 2011, penned by Dr Shawn Lum and Bird Group Chairperson Alan Owyong

he Nature Society (Singapore) and its number tallies with monthly population size TBird Group wish to state that we do not counts of the species taken from September to concur with the views attributed to one of our March every year for the past four years, where members ("Eagles nest on executive condo site"; the highest number was 35. 28 April) on the loss of the sea eagles' nest. Past studies on nesting records over a one- We care deeply about protecting and preserving year period yielded only nine sea eagles' nests Singapore's wildlife and its natural habitats. We across all of Singapore, confirming the relative will certainly regret the loss of any nest of any scarcity of this apex predator. The loss of even native species. But this passion must also be one active nest of this resident sea eagle may anchored in sound conservation science to have have implications for the long-term status of the traction and credibility. species. The White-bellied Sea Eagle is listed as We are fortunate that City Developments, "common" by the international birdwatching being an environmentally conscious developer definition of the term - any bird that is as well as a longstanding supporter of our encountered with at least 90% probability in its society, had indicated that it will be conducting preferred habitats. "Common" in this sense does an environmental study for the site as well as not mean "abundant", it just means that if one consulting the relevant experts to explore the visits a coastal area, the White-bellied Sea Eagle, best possible alternative for the nesting eagles. a large bird with a considerable soaring range, Nature lovers, birdwatchers, conservation can be encountered most of the time. scientists and all who call Singapore home In fact, the sea eagle is anything but common in should be relieved with the outcome. We terms of population size in Singapore. During feel that a broader feeling of concern and the Nature Society's Annual Bird Census on stewardship for our natural heritage will make 20 March, only 22 eagles were recorded, This Singapore a better place. 8 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE) Statement of Income & Expenditure for the financial year ended 31 December 2010 2010 $ 2009 $ INCOME Membership subscriptions 50,574 54,301 Donation income 286,827 40,366 Grant 20,020 ----- Special Interest Group & Committee activities 37,495 31,906 Event and activities income 63,436 14,589 Interest income 474 818 Other income 5,647 11,266 TOTAL INCOME 464,473 153,246

EXPENSES Audit fee 1,765 1,766 Bank charges 805 806 Depreciation 16,035 17,047 Event and activities expenses 137,454 ---- General expenses 8,447 4,275 Insurance 932 797 Maintenance 3,974 3,726 Nature Watch 29,050 22,620 Nature News 12,937 13,523 Postage 7,630 7,030 Printing and stationery 2,435 1,793 Property tax 2,070 1,242 Rental and Maintenance for House 4,474 12,084 Skill Development Levy 304 143 Special Interest Group & Committee expenses 53,638 60,694 Staff salaries 124,183 62,523 Staff CPF 14,848 7,195 Telephone 1,944 1,868 Transportation 1,192 811 Trip and talks expense (local and overseas) 10,414 5,524 Utilities 2,157 1,389 Website maintenance 30,841 345 TOTAL EXPENSES 467,529 227,201 Net deficit for the financial year (3,056) (73,955) Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2010 ASSETS 2010 $ 2009 $ Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 515,631 531,666 Current assets Receivables 30,699 3,733 Cash and cash equivalents 936,867 887,522 Total current assets 967,566 891,255 TOTAL ASSETS 1,483,197 1,422,921 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Payables 93,176 29,997 Liability arising from fund held in trust 31,204 31,051 TOTAL LIABILITIES 124,380 61,048 FUNDS General fund 1,322,282 1,330,140 Project Painted Wings Fund 29,401 31,733 Butterfly Trail @ Orchard 7,134 ---- TOTAL FUNDS 1,358,817 1,361,873 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUNDS 1,483,197 1,422,921

9 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 AGM President’s Report By Dr Shawn Lum, President Introduction a)Proposal for The Green Corridor, brainchild of Vice President Leong Kwok Peng. He has My report will commence by considering the ably headed a working group comprising goals of the Executive Committee this time both members and non-members. They hail last year. I will then highlight our specific from various fields such as architecture and achievements in the year under review, as well planning. Publicity liaison is coordinated by as outline goals and areas to work on for the Tan Hang Chong. coming year. Thirdly, I would like to provide some important viewpoints for us to think b) The fine-tuning of the Code of Ethics for about as a Society in Singapore. I will end with Nature Appreciation and Photography. This is acknowledgments for our main sponsors and all the work of Vinayagan Dharmarajah, Gloria those with whom we have worked with during Seow and Timothy Pwee. the year. 3.Conservation & Restoration Activities Goals of the Executive Committee a) Lorong Halus Artificial Wetland has been in 2010/2011 adopted by the Bird Group. Proposals have been made in relation to the Grebe Pond. Our goals were four fold: b) Horseshoe Crab Research and Rescue - To keep doing what we do well, namely Dr Hsu Chia Chi continues to oversee this our regular activities for members, our project. A scientific paper on horseshoe lobby work, our conservation projects, our crabs, written by Dr Lesley Cartwright-Taylor partnerships and so on. and Dr Yap Von Bing, has been accepted for To work on a comprehensive outreach publication in the Journal of Aquatic Biology. programme. c) New bird census activity in the form of To develop medium and long-term plans. the Parrot Count. The Bird Group has also To devise membership and fund raising supported two research initiatives on two of strategies. our local eagle species. We have started work on the first three goals. 4. Outreach Work But we have not started on the fourth goal, a) The Webpage revamp was spearheaded by which we hope to work on this year. Gan Cheong Weei and administered by Justin Highlights of 2010/2011 Wong. b) The Little Green Dot Research Grants to be 1. Major projects funded by WWF and IKEA. This project is a)The launch of the Butterfly Trail @ Orchard, administered by Justin Wong and our newly- due to the hard work of Gan Cheong Weei, appointed Outreach Officer Goh Ter Yang. Simon Chan, Justin Wong, Anuj Jain and 5. Work with the Public Sector Christy Davis. This was highlighted by our Patron, Professor Tommy Koh in Nagoya, a) Such work has continued to increase. We Japan in December 2010. have worked with PUB, NParks, Sentosa Development Corporation, STB, MND and b)The continued achievements at Kranji Marsh, NLB. There has also been a transition in underpinned by Dr Ho Hua Chew’s sustained terms of types of link-ups. From working endeavours. We are now liaising with URA through personal links with specific and NParks in relation to the future of these individuals on both sides, we have begun marshes. to create institutional links. For instance, 2. Major Policies & Proposals with the then potential reclamation of Chek Jawa, NSS relied on personal links that 10 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

our Immediate Past President Dr Geh Min compliance with the rising requirements of had, as a person and as an NMP. We used charity governance. her connections to reach out to relevant d) Bringing the production of Nature Watch government positions. Of late, the linkages back on schedule, culminating with Nature are increasingly with the Society as a body, Watch’s January to March 2011 issue. This and not just with our Presidents or other feat was due to the persistence of Editor individuals. This transition has taken a Morten Strange and Assistant Editor Margie number of years. Hall. 6. Work with other NGOs Areas to Work On in 2011/2012 a) The development of the Little Green Dot 1. Reaching out to a wider audience, such as research project with WWF Singapore. Generation Y. We intend to step up our b) Work on the International Year of the public engagement using Facebook and other Forest. social media. Our hope is to reach out to all c) Work with Birdlife International on the segments of the population. Harapan Rainforest Project. Dr Geh and 2. Developing and nurturing a wider member- Vinayagan Dharmarajah have worked for volunteer pool. We hope to set up training several years behind the scenes. They have and management programmes for volunteers. brought in financial support from our 3. A comprehensive survey of the conservation national airline SIA. SIA has announced its landscape. This will help Singapore develop an $3 million donation. We are also engaged appropriate conservation discussion platform. in the extension of the Harapan Rainforest Over the years, there has been a re- Project, in the form of the Forests of Hope energised governmental effort spearheaded programme. To this end, we hosted an event by NParks and RMBR. These bodies are at graced by His Serene Highness Prince Albert present engaged in a mega marine survey. II of Monaco. The event was sponsored by In light of this, we have to determine Hour Glass and coordinated by Justin Wong. where NSS should direct its energies. One d) Work with other NGOs on The Green important role for us is to continue to speak Roundtable. Tan Hang Chong and Vinayagan up for areas not under protection. Another Dharmarajah have both played active roles in role is to widen the conservation discussion. this initiative. 4. Strengthening partnerships by developing and 7.Work within NSS finalising our outreach programme, as well as a) Recent discussions with Birdlife International outlining and developing both membership were on setting up a second office location and fundraising campaigns. in the Tanglin area. Developing Singapore’s Conservation b) A history project, led by Leong Kwok Discussion Peng, Lee Lay Tin, Moira Khaw and Ching As a Singaporean NGO, should we expand Chabo. They visited the MNS Office in KL with Prof Avadhani. They searched out and brought back old papers related to the MNS Singapore Branch history. They are now actively collecting the reminiscences of older members. NSS will be 60 years old in three years time. We might commission a book to give us a sense of our past. This is planned so that we can stay grounded in our historical aspirations and achievements, even while taking on new challenges. c) Accounts process review by Ong Eng Hin. This has been completed to ensure full 11 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 the scope of our efforts to highlight conservation issues that do not take place in Singapore, but which involve Singapore directly or indirectly? For example, we live in the tropics, one of the richest and most biodiverse areas in the world. But in my own adult lifetime, indeed in my 20 years living in Singapore, the forests of neighbouring Sumatra and Borneo have shrunk massively. Their habitat loss, especially to create oil palm plantations, has been disastrous. And the worst thing is that much of this deforestation is directly or indirectly linked to certain companies operating out of Singapore. NSS members should be aware that Singapore’s economic interests continue to contribute to habitat loss in these Indonesian islands. We need to raise such issues with guilty companies whose headquarters are located on our very shores. Singaporeans should become responsible consumers and investors, especially in supporting NGOs in Indonesia and Malaysia. Acknowledgements & Thanks Major Sponsors: CDL, Far East Organization, Ricoh Asia, Hour Glass and IKEA. Public Sector: NGOs: PUB – Mr Ng Yew Teck and Ms Linda DeMello; WWF – Ms Amy Ho; JGIS – Ms Tan Beng Chiak; NEA; EDB – Ms Seah Yuen Chin; MND – Mr SPCA – Ms Deirdre Moss; WCS – Mr Colin Mah Bow Tan; NCCS – Mr Alvin Goh; NParks – Poole, Ms Madha Rao; CI – Mr Landy Eng; SEC – Mr Ng Lang, Mr Simon Longman, Mr J Seah, Mr Mr Howard Shaw, Ms Uma Sachidanandham. YK Chua, Mr James Gan; SBWR – Ms Sharon NSS Members: Chan; STB; Sentosa Development Corporation Immediate Past President – Dr Geh Min; Patron – Mr Tan Kok Yeang, Mr Chan Mun Wei; NLB – Prof Tommy Koh; Exco and Council members; – Ms Adeline Neo; URA; MEWR – Dr Yaacob Outgoing Treasurer – Mr CK Soo; NSS staff and Ibrahim, Mr Tan Yong Soon, Mr Derek Ho. members; and the late Mr Stephen Lau.

12 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 AGM Special Interest Group & Committee Reports Bird Group how raptors migrate in autumn and spring, from Thailand to Indonesia. By Alan Owyong, Chairperson & Willie Foo, Secretary 4) Sentosa Development Coporation Early this year, BG members went for a recce he Bird Group of the , in T(BG) had another preparation for the second eventful year with at phase of surveys for SDC. least four activities Aside from monitoring happening each St John’s island, we also month. Birdwatching surveyed the birdlife at trips to the usual Lazarus, Sisters, Hantu and hotspots in Singapore Kusu islands. and Malaysia were 5) IUCN World Parrot Count conducted. We In January this year, we joined also held intensive in the World Parrot Count field sessions and organised by IUCN. This workshops. During is our first parrot count. It the year, the BG attracted the attention of the collaborated with press. Counters staked out these organisations: known roosting sites at dusk, to record parrot 1) PUB – Kranji Marshes numbers as they returned to roost. A total of NSS has adopted the Kranji Marshes under 389 parrots from 8 species were tallied. When PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters the results were published, we were surprised Programme. This is the first time that a nature that Singapore was the only country with area is under the management of the Society. counts of the Long-tailed Parakeet and Blue- This is largely thanks to the relentless efforts crowned Hanging Parrot. of Dr Ho Hua Chew. We have been conducting 6) NParks Ecolink Survey walks to these marshes on a monthly basis, The BG started bird surveys for NParks in open to members as well as the Public. February 2011. This was done along three 2) PUB – Lorong Halus Wetland transects during the pre-construction phase PUB opened the Halus Wetland in March this of the Ecolink. This survey is expected to take year. The BG was asked to monitor its birdlife, four years to complete. conduct walks, and recommend ways to attract The WildBird Club of the Philippines hosted more birds to the wetlands. Prior to its launch, the 1st Asian Bird Festival (ABF) in Davao in Alan Owyong, Lim Kim Keang and Willie Foo September 2010. The whole city was covered gave a birdwatching crash course to about 30 in banners proclaiming the event, which had students from Secondary School. The the support of the Mayor. The BG sent a large school has adopted the wetland. delegation 3) Asian Raptor Research and Conservation led by Network Willie Foo. Alan Owyong,Yong Ding Li and Goh Yue The 2nd Yun attended the 6th International Raptor ABF will Symposium in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, held in late be held June 2010. Ding Li and Alan presented papers in Taiwan on the status of migrating raptors in Singapore. this year. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia Singapore have been documenting raptor migration for will host many years now. Our own three-year study the 5th was important as it helped close the gap on ABF in 13 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 2014. September 2011, to monitor the spring migration. Various bird census were carried out throughout During our April 2011 trip, we spotted the rare the year, with help from members, BG committee vagrant Red-necked Phalarope off Changi coast. members and other volunteers. These included This is our second record after 17 years. The the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), Annual Bird last one was in November 1994 in . In May Census, Mid-Year Bird Census and Fall Migration 2011, we recorded two Short-tailed Shearwaters Bird Census. This year’s AWC created a stir with off north Batam, a new bird for the Singapore the appearance of a rare Caspian Tern at the Checklist. Mandai Mudflats, our second record after 35 Kenneth Kee of Aardwolf Pestkare donated 400 years. The bird was first spotted by Kim Keang copies of its 2011 calendar to the BG for its fund and David Li. We will be having our 4th Raptor raising drive. This is the second series of calendars Watch later in November. featuring photographs from Jimmy Chew. The Tan Kok Hui is undertaking a year-long study of theme was “Wildlife at your Doorsteps”. the Changeable Hawk-Eagle in Singapore. This is Last year, Yong Ding Li successfully conducted done with the help of a Small Research Grant a Raptors Workshop, while Kenneth Kee ran a from the BG. He intends to map the eagle’s local Waders Workshop for Beginners. We will organise distribution, habitats and breeding activities. This our second Advanced Waders Workshop in is our first research grant given out. The grant is October 2011, as requested by members. meant to encourage more study and research into The grand event for our calendar year was none our endangered bird species. It is open to both other than Bird Race 2010. This was held on members and the Public. 24 October 2010 at Pulau Ubin, as part of our We have been documenting the birdlife along the Green Bird Race series. This is the first time we soon-to-be-defunct KTM railway line. We have completed the event in a day, instead of over two surveyed the stretch from Kranji to Portsdown days. We recorded a total of 108 species. Two of Road, as well as from Clementi to Pandan. Survey these were new to the Ubin checklist, namely, results went into the Society’s proposal for the Grey-headed Fish Eagle and the Thick-billed The Green Corridor. We hope to establish this Green Pigeon. We would like to thank Swarovski Corridor after the return of the Malaysian-owned Optik for once again sponsoring our Bird Races, railway land to Singapore. a sponsorship that goes back more than 15 years. The Bird Records Committee has been very We presented Ms Koh Chiew Eng of Precision active. It has accepted six new species to the Optics with a painting of a pair of Straw-headed Singapore Checklist. NParks has agreed to refer Bulbuls done by Andrew Chow. all rare and new bird sightings to the Bird Records Our most exciting project this year is the Committee, for acceptance into the Singapore development of an Electronic Bird Guide App for Checklist as well as listing in NParks’ National iPhones. This application will feature photographs Biodiversity Database. Our recognition as the of the Birds of Singapore, including description, national committee for rare and new birds will calls, habitats, status and abundance. Built-in be further strengthened with the formation of an search engines will allow users to find birds from expanded committee. This will include members thumbnails, compare similar species, create life from outside the Society and from NParks. lists and survey records. We would like to thank the editorial team of The BG Committee would like to thank all trip the Singapore Avifauna for regularly updating leaders, event organisers, helpers and volunteers its bulletin. Since it went online, its overall for their hard work and support in our various presentation has been greatly enhanced. It now activities. Response from NSS members and the features many coloured photographs of important Public has been inspiring. We would continue to birds recorded. strive towards providing activities and events that Together with NParks, the BG embarked on a are both enjoyable and educational. Seabirds Survey early this year, along the Straits Butterfly Interest Group of Singapore. We just completed our 3rd Pelagic Survey in May 2011, which documented the By Gan Cheong Weei, autumn migration. We will continue our surveys in Chairperson

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Pacific were installed. Nov 2010 Planting of 2,900 plants of 32 species at Istana Park, sponsored by Ricoh Asia Pacific. More than 250 Ricoh staff participated. Two butterfly trail signages were installed. Planting at by NParks Streetscape team and Community In Bloom (CIB) team. Jan 2011 B T O Butterfly Trail Map: A free self- guided walking map of the BTO was produced. Copies were circulated to BTO partners, sponsors and organisations he past 12 months have been busy and interested in the Trail. Some Texciting, with the Butterfly Interest Group of these included Fort Canning Park, (BIG) participating and leading in many significant Botanic Gardens, Singapore Visitors and engaging initiatives. On top of conducting Centre and Tourism Court. butterfly-related events and walks for NSS The BTO was highlighted in a speech by Prof members, BIG also made significant progress Tommy Koh at the 2010 UN Biodiversity Summit. in the Butterfly Trail @ Orchard project, and Prof Koh said, “NSS, NParks and the private sector completed several butterfly surveys including the decided to do something which has never been Sentosa biodiversity survey, the Green Corridor done elsewhere in the world. Singapore's main survey, as well as the Kranji Reservoir survey. shopping street, , is like the Champs- At present, BIG is leading the NSS Website Elysees in Paris. In a four kilometre stretch linking and Forum upgrade. We are also working on the Singapore Botanic Gardens on one end, a Butterfly and Bird Field Guide and Survey and Fort Canning on the other, volunteers have application for iPhone. planted trees Butterfly Trail @ Orchard (BTO) and shrubs along Orchard The BTO project started in 2009. In the last 12 Road which months, much progress has been made in terms are either of securing sponsorships, planting of butterfly host plants for attracting plants, and increasing butterfly diversity butterflies or along the Trail. I would like to acknowledge plants which BTO officer Anuj Jain, and the NSS Secretariat, provide them in playing pivotal roles to drive this challenging with nectar. project closer to completion. Significant events Soon, when that have received media coverage included: the plants Jun 2010 Pilot launch of the Butterfly Trail @ mature and Orchard, held at Nassim Green and the butterflies attended by Prof Tommy Koh, Dr Geh arrive, Min and 95 guests. NIE volunteers shoppers and and NSS members planted some 900 pedestrians butterfly attracting plants at this site. along Orchard Oct 2010 Planting of 2,600 plants of 30 varieties Road will have at the Penang Road Open Space, the unique sponsored by Far East Organization. experience Four benches sponsored by Ricoh Asia of being 15 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 accompanied by butterflies. I hope that shoppers Activities & Events on Orchard Road be so inspired by the The following activities and events were organised experience that they will develop a love of nature in the year under review: 1. May 2010 - Butterfly and a sense of stewardship towards biodiversity walk at Mount Faber; 2. June 2010 - Butterfly walk and the ecosystems which sustain them.” at BTO; 3. February 2011 - Butterfly walk at BTO; The project also received mention when Mr Ng 4. March 2011 - Screening of the Blue Butterfly Lang, former NParks CEO, gave a presentation Movie; 5. April 2011 - Butterfly walk at Dairy at the World Cities Summit 2010. This summit Farm Nature Park; and 6. May 2011 - Butterfly took place on 30 June 2010 and was hosted photography workshop. by Singapore with the theme “Liveable and In the coming year, BIG will be working on these Sustainable Cities for the Future”. The Singapore projects and initiatives: 1. Continue planting and Tourism Board highlighted the BTO in their 2010 leading butterfly walks at the BTO; 2. Upgrading Christmas Guide. of the NSS Website and Forum; 3. Survey of the A baseline survey at the BTO in 2009 recorded Southern Islands; 4. Development of a Butterfly 28 butterfly species. As of May 2011, the BTO Field Guide and Survey application on iPhone. In checklist has risen 67% to 47 species, with closing, BIG would like to thank all our volunteers butterflies such as the Common Rose, Chocolate for their passion, dedication and time, without Albatross, Black-veined Tiger, Green Baron and which the above initiatives would not have been Blue Nawab. BIG has conducted two butterfly made possible. walks and a photography class at the Trail. At present, the project is about 40% complete. Five Conservation Committee sites are ready: Stamford Green, SMU, Dhoby By Dr Ho Hua Chew, Ghaut Green, Istana Park and Penang Road Open Space. We aim to complete plantings at all Vice Chairperson remaining sites between Q4 2011 and Q1 2012. The Green (Railway) Corridor Butterfly Surveys A proposal for the conservation of the Green Steven Chong led the six-month long Sentosa (Railway) Corridor was sent out to relevant survey from January to June 2010. It involved nine ministers and government bodies on 10 Oct 2010. trips and 12 volunteers. Of the known 280 odd This proposal was also delivered to all Members species found in Singapore, 77 species (28%) were of Parliament and Permanent Secretaries in April recorded. I would like to thank Steven Chong, 2011. We Simon Chan, Amy Tsang, Tsang Kwok Choong, believe that Lena Chow, Richard Ong, Tan Wang Peck, Rachel the Green Teo Shi Hui, Norbert Lehming, Tang Peck Chan Corridor and Moira Khaw for their participation in the should be Sentosa survey. In addition, BIG conducted seven conserved surveys along The Green Corridor railway track, for its recording 40 species between November 2010 biodiversity, and April 2011. recreational, cultural, and NSS Nature Forum historical The NSS Nature Forum, an initiative led by BIG, value. was announced in the March/April 2010 issue Biodiversity of Nature News. The Forum has since received surveys have 4,500 posts. The greatest number of posts has been carried occurred in the butterfly sub-forum. When the out at the new NSS website upgrade is completed, the Corridor Forum will be fully integrated with our website. and adjacent All members will automatically have an account woodlands. on the Forum. Visitors to our website will be able These to see the latest Forum postings and photos on ongoing surveys are along the railway’s North- our homepage. South line as well as the defunct Jurong line.

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A series of walks and talks have been conducted. bird species have been recorded at the Marsh A Facebook group ‘We Support the Green Pond to date. The Red-wattled Lapwing and Corridor’ as well as a website ‘The Green Common Moorhen have made a come-back Corridor’ have also been set up. A public forum after an absence of several years. The Lesser was held at the National Library on 14 May 2011. Whistling Duck has yet to return. Six species These initiatives have all aroused a great deal of of wetland birds, not previously recorded interest and support from the Public. before the pond-restoration took place Lorong Halus Wetland Adoption (September-October 2009), have made an appearance. These include the Stock-billed Our adoption of PUB’s Lorong Halus Wetland Kingfisher, Yellow-billed (Intermediate) Egret, took effect on 25 March 2011. This adoption Slaty-breasted Rail, Von Schrenck’s Bittern, does not cover the wetland at the Grebe Pond, Cotton Pygmy Goose and Chinese Pond which comes under the National Environment Heron. The Cotton Pygmy Goose is a critically Agency (NEA). The adoption programme is as endangered species. Lim Kim Seng saw two follows: female geese on 29 January 2010, but this a) NSS is to conduct a quarterly birdwatching species has not been seen since. The Purple walk for our members and the public. The Swamphen and the Common Moorhen now first birdwatching event was held on 2 April have breeding records in the Pond area. 2011, with 30 participants including several A meeting was held with the authorities on 6 PUB officers. April 2011, followed by a joint recce to the b) The Bird Group has conducted a birdwatching Marsh. URA presented its plan to make the training session for 30 students from Punggol Marsh more accessible to the public. In turn, NSS Secondary School. They will in turn become presented its Kranji Reservoir (Marsh) Adoption bird guides, conducting birdwatching trips for Programme, together with an explication of other students at Halus. the birdlife found here. We also stated our conservation stand on the Marsh and the Bund. c) NSS is to monitor Halus’ birdlife every We were informed that there will be further quarter. The first monitoring session was dialogue and consultation with us before their carried out on 3 April 2011. plan is finalised. A proposal for the adoption of the Halus Grebe Kranji Bund Birdlife Survey Pond and surrounding area was submitted on 4 April 2011 to NEA through PUB. We had a A report on the birdlife of Kranji Bund, based meeting with NEA and PUB on 8 April 2011 to on surveys conducted in 2010, was submitted to discuss NSS’ rationale for this adoption, which URA, NParks and PUB. Only birds seen at the is a natural extension of the adjoining Halus edge of the marsh and along the Bund itself were Wetland adoption. taken into account. In all, we counted 212 birds Kranji Reservoir (Marsh) Adoption Programme The adoption was renewed for another 2 years from January 2011 to December 2012. We are conducting the following activities on a continuous basis: a) Marsh Pond Maintenance: Four half day sessions, comprising a total of 66 volunteers from Bloomberg, NEC Asia Pacific, Victoria Junior College and NSS, have taken place. b) Nature Walks: Eighteen nature walks for members, the public and corporate bodies have been conducted, with a total of 380 participants. Corporate bodies involved included PUB and Keppel Club. c) Monitoring of Birdlife: A total of 24 wetland 17 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 from 43 species. Of these, 23 species (108 birds) seen in the past. Findings in the last four years were in the wetland/grassland habitat category. Six show a high proportion of tiny juveniles seen of these were listed in the “Singapore Red Data each January, with a correspondingly low Book (2008)”. These included the Grey Heron proportion of adults. This population structure (17 birds), Purple Heron (8 birds), Black-crowned changes as the year progresses. Juveniles Night Heron (20 birds) and Red-wattled Lapwing become larger by March, and more adults are (1 bird). seen. By June/July, juveniles occupy a very small Based on the results of our birdlife survey, proportion, with the majority being full adults our report advocated that the Bund should and some sub-adults. After mid year, the adult not be made into a park connector. We also population drops. More juveniles appear until recommended that free and easy public access January, when they predominate again. The data should not be allowed. Too many birds, some of is particularly consistent every January. which are found in the “Red Data Book”, will Over the years, the sex ratio shows an increase experience disruption to their feeding and/or in males, from approximately 1:1 to a peak of resting activities if the Bund becomes a public 2:1 in June and July. These may be the months area. Controlled access, limited to organised when most spawning occurs. We still do not nature walks, was proposed instead. know where or when spawning occurs, as Conservation Committee Acknowledgements this has never been seen in Singapore. These findings will be presented at the June 2011 The Conservation Committee would like to horseshoe crab conference in Hong Kong. A thank the following individuals for their support paper for publication will follow. and assistance in the above projects and activities: Alan Owyong, Alfred Chia, Azmi Mohamed, Yong A paper on the density studies of 2008/2009 Ding Li, Gerard Francis, Goh Ter Yang, Dr Ho Hua as well as the 2009 islandwide survey and Chew, Joe Lim, Ian and Freda Rickword, Jimmy fishermen’s questionnaire findings, has been Chew, Kenneth Kee, Lee Ee Ling, Leong Kwok accepted for publication in Aquatic Biology. It is Peng, Lesley Fung, Lim Kim Chuah, Lim Kim Seng, time for density studies to be done again. These Lim Kim Keang, Michelle Sim, Tan Hang Chong, were last conducted in June 2009. Then, we Willie Foo, Wing Cheong and Wong Chung used random belt transects from high to low Cheong. We are also grateful to the Bird Group, tide zones, with at least two teams searching Butterfly Interest Group, Plant Group and Nick along the transects for buried and surface Baker for conducting surveys in support of the crabs. Green Corridor proposal. 3. Tracking Studies Horseshoe Crabs Research & Rescue (HSC R&R) Tracking studies of HSCs in the Straits of Project is underway, conducted by J Vanitha, By Dr Lesley Cartwright-Taylor, Project Leader Ng Harn Hua, Felicia Wee and Goh Ter Yang. Three submersible receivers (SURs) were 1. Rescue of Horseshoe Crabs at Kranji purchased by NSS and another three were Site visits found fewer nets this year. We loaned from Sonotronics. These SURs were rescued a total of 78 males and 51 females attached to floating fish farms in the Straits of trapped in abandoned nets in March 2011. We Johor. Thirteen electronic acoustic transmitters will continue our rescue efforts this year, as were likewise attached to male and female well as monitor the problem’s extent. Of the Mangrove HSC and one to a T gigas found in crabs rescued, 60% to 75% were males. In one the same area. Four crabs were released 6 km net at Kranji, a T gigas (Coastal Horseshoe from the site of capture to monitor for any Crab) was found. This may indicate that T homing instinct. Another four were caught and gigas co-habits the Straits of Johor with C released at Kranji, while six HSCs were caught rotundicauda (Mangrove Horseshoe Crab), a and released at . significant finding indeed. Data indicate that the crabs show no homing 2. Population Structure Data Collection instincts. This information is useful as it means Data collection at the Kranji site continues on, that HSCs can be relocated to populate in order to confirm the population structure suitable sites without any risk of them trying to

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return “home”. Findings suggest that released Cleanup Singapore (ICCS) took place at the HSCs remain along the Straits of Johor. They Mandai Mudflats on 25 September 2010 from 4 were detected near the site of release for pm to 7 pm. Volunteers from NSS, Bloomberg, some weeks. After that, they could be detected Commonwealth Secondary School, Kranji intermittently along the Straits. So far, there Secondary School and the public were involved is no evidence that HSCs make their way out in this cleanup. We also held an exhibition of to sea. These findings will be presented at the hazards posed by manmade litter, as well as of Hong Kong conference. entrapped Horseshoe Crabs in nets. The Plant The transmitter batteries for the first cohort Group conducted a Nature Hunt to highlight the of HSCs are dying out. It would be interesting types of mangrove trees found in these mudflats. to tag another cohort of 12 crabs, to We cleared away 80 trash bags of litter as well determine if their movement pattern changes as assorted large building materials and car parts later in the year. from a 150 meter stretch of mangroves. Total Future studies should include tagging both litter collected weighed in at 648.5 kg. The event the male and female of mating HSC pairs concluded with an eco-friendly makan kechil cum to determine how long they stay together. sing along session. Our sincere thanks to Tan This may indicate when spawning takes place Hang Chong, Cheryl Lao, Dr Lesley Cartwright- if they stay apart after spawning. Since NSS Taylor, Goh Si Guim, Lim Poh Bee, Marian Tay, owns the receivers, other tracking studies can Phua Lee Meng, Leong Kwok Peng, Allan Teo, Anuj be undertaken on different marine animals. Jain, Goh Ter Yang, Angie Ng, Yap Von Bing as well It would also be interesting to track the as all other volunteers for participating in this movements of T gigas. meaningful endeavour. 4. HSC R&R Site Visitors Education Group We had a good turn out of volunteers for HSC R&R site visits throughout the year. Repeat By Gloria Seow, Chairperson volunteers came from Henderson School and Fun with Nature Sessions for NSS Kids & the Xingnan Primary School. Our loyal volunteers Public from Bukit View Secondary School continue o keep fresh and relevant, the Education to attend most sessions. Volunteers from Group introduces a different aspect of Bloomberg also helped out in November 2010. T nature in each of our outings, offering a wildlife This is an excellent opportunity to expose cocktail of sorts. Our Fun with Nature sessions volunteers to accessible wildlife in Singapore. are tailored for kids between 4 to 12 years old, 5. Change in Project Leader but the whole family (parents and caregivers) is Dr Lesley Cartwright-Taylor will be leaving invited along for the show. Apart from excursions Singapore at the end of June 2011 to return to England. As such, the project needs another leader to continue her work. Dr Hsu Chia Chi, as the Exco member overseeing HSC R&R, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Lesley for her dedication and capable leadership. Lesley has contributed tremendously to the research of C rotundicauda, by enhancing data collection, introducing bold initiatives in tracking, and succeeding in getting two papers published by Aquatic Biology. ICCS 2010 at Mandai Mudflats By Dr Hsu Chia Chi, Project Leader SS’ annual participation in the Nislandwide International Coastal 19 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 to fascinating places, in the past year, we also held members. two new skills workshops, teaching kids basic Code of Ethics for Nature Appreciation & techniques in nature photography and nature Photography sketching. We have a small collection of Opticron binoculars that we regularly loan out without A comprehensive draft Code of Ethics has been charge to participants, enabling them to get the put together by Vinayagan Dharmarajah and most out of their nature trip. Kids always go edited by Gloria Seow. It has been available on ‘wow’ whenever they peer down the barrel of the NSS website since May 2011. Its length is due our wildlife scope, as it magnifies the distant ‘black to consultations with a wide range of people, and dot’ by up to 60 times. the inclusion of all points made. A shortened one page version of the Code was done by Timothy For the year under review, we did the following: Pwee and Gloria Seow. This appeared in the 1. Fun at ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre with Amy May/Jun 2011 issue of Nature News. The Code Corrigan and Charlene Tan on 5 June 2010; 2. Fun covers all aspects of ethical nature watching and at Green Circle Eco-Farm with Evelyn Eng-Lim photography, including birds, butterflies, plants, on 29 August 2010; 3. Skills Workshop: Fun with marine life, mammals, insects etc. Nature Sketching and Origami at Bukit Batok Nature Park with Yong Ding Li, Goh Yue Yun and We hope that this Code will help nature lovers Cicada-Tree Eco Place on 3 October 2010; 4. and photographers understand what constitutes Skills Workshop: Fun with Nature Photography at ethical behaviour in the field, and apply it to MacRitchie Reservoir with Gloria Seow, Timothy their own areas of interest. We also wish to Pwee, Tan Hang Chong, Lena Chow and Mabel see a greater level of community vigilance by Seow on 18 December 2010; 5. Fun in the Forest enlightened nature lovers and photographers as at MacRitchie Reservoir with Goh Si Guim on 19 they roam our nature areas. This means that if you February 2011; 6. Fun with Marine Life at Chek see any unethical behaviour, you should tactfully Jawa with Tan Hang Chong, Boon Peiya and Edzra approach the guilty parties (without obvious Iskandar on 10 April 2011. Our heartfelt thanks to danger to yourself) to share with them what they all guides named above, as well as to our regular could be doing or not doing instead. helpers: Timothy Pwee, Lena Chow, Tan Hang We do not wish to appear overly moralistic. Chong, Mabel Seow and Benjamin Ho. However, we should understand that each Fun with Nature Blog time we step outdoors, we inevitably leave a detrimental environmental footprint. For example, Every teeny weeny event that took place in we unwittingly step on tiny plants, brush pass our Fun with Nature sessions is blogged about, ‘invisible’ insects that could die as a result of such accompanied by lots of photos. This gives our contact, or even contribute to the tragic deaths readers a good idea of the plentiful natural of baby birds by a group’s continual presence at offerings that can be had in the remote places a nesting site. This happens when the parents of Singapore. At present, practically all postings become stressed out by the constant stream of are penned by Gloria Seow, even though kids are observers and photographers and abandon their encouraged to write in about their experiences. young. The blog is at http://funwithnature.blogspot. com/. All blog entries are automatically picked We aim to collect feedback from the larger up via RSS feed to reappear as teaser links in the nature community to improve this draft Code. popular wildsingapore blog and newsletter. This We will meet up with leaders from various nature greatly increases public awareness. In fact, when appreciation and photography groups in Singapore you google ‘fun with nature’, our blog appears to refine the Code and get their buy-in. They had on page one. A spin-off of this publicity is that previously indicated support for such a Code. NSS about half of our participants are non-members, members and the Public can also provide feedback who are charged $10 per child, instead of $5 via the NSS Secretariat or by email to contact@ per child for members. We even had one session nss.org.sg. We hope to push out a finalised Code where our activity appeared in The Straits Times to all local green groups by October 2011. as a school holiday event, resulting in a deluge of emails. Naturally, some of those who joined in The Nature Ramblers our activities as non-members have since become By Benjamin Ho, Chairperson 20 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

he Nature Ramblers had an eventful past Tyear, especially in exploring several new routes. Our highlights included the various Railway Rambles, Mandai Night Ramble and the Last Kampong Ramble. We experienced a record turnout of 90 participants for the Jurong Line Ramble in January 2011. Another big highlight was our annual get-together at founding Chairman Sutari Supari’s kampong house in Batu Pahat, Malaysia. These are the walks and events we held in the year under review: 1. 1 August 2010 - Railway Ramble from Ulu Pandan to Bukit Timah, 10 pax; 2. 18 September 2010 - Night Ramble from Mandai Lake Road to Dairy Farm, 30 pax; 3. 18 to 19 December 2010 - Annual Rambler’s Get- together in Johor, 25 pax; 4. 22 January 2011 - Park led by Gerard Francis who contrasted Ramble along the Old Jurong Line, 90 pax; 5. 13 the species mix with an earlier Sungei Buloh March 2011 - Last Kampong Ramble; 25 pax; 6. 8 mangrove walk. May 2011 - Jurong Line Extension Ramble; 25 pax. 2. 15 to 21 July 2010 - Singapore Garden Festival Benjamin Ho took over as committee chairperson at Suntec City where Plant Group members at the start of the year under review. This is sold NSS merchandise and potted plants the current committee line-up: 1. Chairperson donated by friends. - Benjamin Ho; 2. Honorary Secretary - Rehan 3. 31 July 2010 - Plant walk at Kranji Marsh led by Yusuf; 3. Member - Ali Jafaar; 4. Member - Ho Wah Gerard Francis, in support of the adoption of Loong; 5. Member - Sutari Supari; 6. Member - the Marsh by NSS. Allan Teo; 7. Member - P Pandian; 8. Advisor - Dr Ho Hua Chew. 4. 28 & 29 August 2010 - Two-day trip to Gunung Arung in Johore led by Dr Shawn Lum, to observe the infrequent masting of Dipterocarps. An earlier trip was held in April 2010 to witness the flowering of Dipterocarps. 5. 4 September 2010 - Plant walk at Lower Pierce led by Dr Yap Von Bing, to observe secondary forest trees and invasive species. 6. 22 October 2010 - Plant walk at MacRitchie’s Petai Trail led by Dr Shawn Lum, to observe regenerating primary forest trees and remnant patches of primary forest. 7. 10 & 21 November 2010 - Slide talk on the Dipterocarps of Singapore by Dr Shawn Lum, followed by a field trip to MacRitchie Reservoir. The Lornie and Prunus Trails yielded a good representation of these trees. 8. 11 December 2010 - Plant walk along MacRitchie’s Lornie Trail led by Dr Yap Von Bing. He identified Jiring, Chemperai and other less Plant Group common native trees. By Angie Ng, Chairperson 9. 18 & 20 January 2011 - Two-day course on Botanical Nomenclature based on the ICBN- 1. 20 June 2010 - Mangrove walk at Vienna Code of 1994, conducted by Dr Benito 21 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

Tan. We discussed the validity and legitimacy of slide shows. plant names, how to cite authority, and how to Acknowledgement publish plant names. Our grateful thanks to all volunteers: Shawn, 10. 6 March 2011 - Plant walk at Singapore Botanic Von Bing, Gerard, Anne, Anuj, Bian, Benito, Evelyn, Gardens led by Janice Oh, to locate medicinal Foong Heng, Juat Beh, Cheryl, Moira, Joey, Sui plants and trees. Ching, Catherine, Janice, Jacob, Seetha, Mabel, Kim 11. 5, 7, 9 & 16 April 2011 - Four-day course on Tee, Yoon Li, Wai Peng, Barbara, Gan and Steven. the Identification of Pteridophytes in Singapore, We also thank all members who have encouraged conducted by Dr Benito Tan. The course us by attending our walks, talks, courses and trips. discussed the biology, ecology and evolution The following Special Interest Group Reports were of ferns, and included field trips that addressed submitted after the AGM fern habitat requirements and conservation. 12. 24 April 2011 - Eco Green Soft Bird Ecology Study Group Launch where we collaborated with NParks to interact with park visitors and school children. By Subaraj Rajathurai, Dr Wee Yeow Chin & Richard E Hale 13. 14 May 2011 - Plant walks on St John’s & Lazarus Islands, during a 2D/1N camp, led he Bird Ecology Study Group, through its by Dr Yap Von Bing for members of NSS and Twebsite at http://besgroup.com/, continues to Singapore Adventure Club. encourage birdwatchers to study birds. For the year under review, we had 390 new posts. This 14. 21 May 2011 - Plant Walk at Bukit Brown increases the total number of articles to over Cemetery led by Dr Shawn Lum, Dr Yap Von 2,000. Since the inauguration of the website in Bing and myself. 2005, we have received more than two million hits Research and Conservation: from all over the world. The Plant Group participated in the Sentosa Our contributors were mainly locals, not biodiversity survey which ran from January to organised birdwatchers but independent birders. June 2010. Our findings were reported in August Serious birdwatching requires patience in the 2010. In all, 120 plant species were recorded from field, to stalk and observe species, regardless of Sentosa, out of which 46 species were on the whether they are common or rare. Cameras and threatened list. videocams have helped record behaviour for later The Southern Islands recce was carried interpretation by more experienced birders and/ out in November 2010, in preparation for a or biologists. comprehensive study to be commissioned by We have also seen a substantial increase in Sentosa Development Council. We found that contributions from Malaysian birders. Of particular the small Sisters Island and Kusu Island had tiny mention is Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HHS from Ipoh, patches of remnant forests. Lazarus and St John’s Perak. Since our last report, Amar has posted Island were more impressive, with mature stands more than a hundred articles, with many more of rare Figs, Pink-throated Pong Pong, Tristaniopsis waiting on the sidelines. This has led prominent and patches of rare mangroves. ornithologist Dr D R Wells to comment that We also held several plant surveys along The Amar is one rare birdwatcher who returns from Green Corridor railway track. We covered parts almost every trip with interesting accounts of of the Corridor, from Bukit Timah Railway station behaviour. Many of these observations have never to Alexandra Rd, along part of Jurong Link, and been reported before. Amar even has photos, along Bukit Timah and . sound recordings and video footages to back his observations. Plans for the Coming Year The general profile of our contributors has seen Our upcoming plans include participating in a significant change. Photographers were at the the Southern Island survey, conducting a series forefront initially. Then came independent birders of plants walks, holding more workshops and who document behaviour with digital cameras. courses on topics such as plant identification, The latest contributors include videographers. palms and ferns, as well as conducting talks and Such a shift is understandable. With only a few 22 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 hundred bird species around, the behaviour of solidarity with World Sparrow Day at http://www. common ones soon become well documented. besgroup.org/2011/03/20/attracting-eurasian-tree- Video clips with sound recordings then provide sparrows-to-my-garden/. novel posts that cannot be matched by still Our involvement with the international images. Obviously, there is a need to work harder blogging community has seen us link up to document newer behaviour or behaviour of with GreenAnswers http://www.besgroup. rare species. This is why we must upgrade our org/2010/10/10/bird-ecology-study-group- birdwatching activities to maintain the interest of links-up-with-greenanswers/#more, a site that members. promotes environmental education through Of late, members of the public are writing in open debates and discussions. With our wide to contribute. Without doubt, they have been experience in bird ecology and behaviour, we enthused by our website to take an interest in are answering questions posed by readers on birds. This is a development we have been waiting this topic. Our participation as guest writer saw for, where the public comes forward as citizen articles such as “Bird Ecology Study Group Brings scientists to share their experience. Scientific Approach to Birdwatching in Singapore” We would like to thank Jacqueline Lau, who at http://greenanswers.com/blog/197392/bird- continues to generously host our website, even ecology-study-group-brings-scientific-approach- upgrading it to its present attractive format with birdwatching-singapore and “From Watching its own dedicated domain. We are using the latest Birdwatchers to Watching Birds” at http:// version of WordPress, with a new theme to make lampinfoo.com/?s=wee+yeow+chin. it more compatible with newer browser versions In our modest way, we continued to contribute to and mobile platforms. ornithology with two scientific publications: In line with our efforts to improve activities, we 1. Choy, W M & Wee, Y C (2010). Observations have added a sister site “The Birds of Singapore” at a Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) nest in at http://www.besgroup.org/2010/09/17/the-birds- Peninsular Malaysia. BirdingAsia 14: 30-33. of-singapore-an-online-book/. This is the initiative 2. Wee, Y C (2011). Citizen science and the of Malaysian ornithologist Slim Sreedharan, who monitoring of hornbills in Singapore. The is hosting the site. This ambitious project aims Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 24: 23-25. to list, for a start, 100 of the commoner species. This is essentially an online book, which includes Finally, BESG will continue to remain dynamic and checklists, species descriptions, information on not stagnate, in both the layout aesthetics of our behaviour, large images, updated references, audio website and in the quality of our content. Only by recordings of vocalisations and eventually, video doing so will we meet the challenges of the new clips. It aims to be very much more than what decade. BESG wishes to thank all contributors conventional guidebooks can offer. The site is who have generously allowed us to make use of still growing. Viewers will find it useful to visit their images and observations, as well as those occasionally, to look up the checklists and growing who submitted articles for posting. number of bird species with updated information added. We thank Slim for his tremendous efforts. Marine Conservation Group BESG has linked up with a host of internet By Edzra Iskandar, Chairperson activities. Our involvement with the fortnightly dzra Iskandar has returned from his bird carnival “I and the Bird” has been ongoing Estudies in Australia and will be resuming for some years now. In June 2010, we hosted the chairmanship of the Marine Conservation the carnival at http://besgroup.talfrynature. Group (MCG). Kua Kay Yaw has been covering com/2010/06/24/the-many-faces-of-birding-i- as chairperson for 2010. The MCG would like to and-the-bird-128/, which provided us further thank Kay Yaw for his service. He will continue to international exposure. In October 2010, we serve in the MCG committee. participated in “Blog Action Day” with a post on the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve at http:// In March 2011, MCG attended a briefing on the www.besgroup.org/2010/10/15/blog-action-day- reclamation progress of the new %E2%80%93-the-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve- Container Terminal at Labrador Park. According to 2/#more. In May 2011, we had a post to show PSA, progress is on track, with minimal effects on 23 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 the surrounding marine life. MCG members were In the final quarter of 2010, VSG was directly in agreement with the findings. We accepted the engaged by NParks. We are assisting with fauna fact that the area’s recent coral bleaching episode surveys associated with the proposed Ecolink. was a global phenomenon due to elevated sea This is a structure that is being constructed over water temperatures. In April 2011, MCG members went on a kayaking expedition at the Sungei mangroves. During this trip, plans were made to conduct kayaking at the Semakau Mangroves too. MCG has since met up with NParks and representatives to discuss the feasibility of having mangrove kayaking sessions on a regular basis. Discussions are still ongoing. MCG has agreed to mentor students from several junior colleges on their marine environment group projects. We are exploring other venues for members to experience the marine environment other than via diving or snorkelling. We are also looking at newer and more interesting marine habitats to take our members to. Our hope is the BKE (Bukit Timah Expressway). It aims to not only to attract divers but also non divers to promote fauna interaction on both sides of the become active in this special interest group. BKE, between the Bukit Timah and the Central Catchment Nature Reserves. Vertebrate Study Group The Ecolink survey will be done in three phases: By Tony O’Dempsey, pre-construction, construction and post- Chairperson construction. It is targeted for completion in 2014. Currently, we are in the pre-construction phase. n early 2010, VSG members completed the These surveys aim to monitor the effectiveness ICentral Nature Reserves fauna survey for of the Ecolink in promoting the exchange of fauna NParks, in the capacity of NParks volunteers. between the two reserves. We have the capacity to include adventurous NSS members on these surveys. Those interested can contact Tony O’Dempsey at [email protected]. Some VSG members are assisting a NUS post graduate student in his field survey. This is done in their own personal capacities. VSG has accumulated significant funds resulting from the sale of the book “Wild Animals of Singapore”. We have plans to use these funds, in the current financial year, to purchase more survey equipment.

Bats survey using a harp trap. Photo by Kelvin Lim 24 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 26th Annual Bird Census By Lim Kim Seng, Coordinator

he Bird Group conducted its 26th Annual Bird Table 1: Top 20 Most Numerous Birds Counted in TCensus (ABC) on 20 March 2011 in excellent 2011 weather. A record 76 observers at 30 sites were No. SPECIES ABC 2011 ABC 2010 involved, a tremendous improvement from 60 people at 1 WHITE-VENTED MYNA 1243 1001 (1) 26 sites at the last census (Lim 2010). In all, we counted 2 ASIAN GLOSSY STARLING 1004 884 (2) 9,073 birds from 156 species, compared to 8,665 birds 3 PINK-NECKED GREEN 556 386 (5) from 161 species in 2010. PIGEON Of the 30 sites counted, Neo Tiew Lane 2 was the 4 YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL 489 385 (6) most diverse with 59 species, followed by 5 PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER* 387 711 (3) (54 species), and Bukit Batok West (48 species). The 6 WHIMBREL* 373 387 (4) least diverse sites were Eng Neo Avenue (21 species), 7 LESSER SAND PLOVER* 331 258 (7) followed by (22 species) and Telok Blangah 8 BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE 277 199 (10) Hill Park (25 species). 9 SPOTTED DOVE 172 191 (11) While Tuas Grassland was skipped this year, we had an 10 COLLARED KINGFISHER 164 146 (14) almost full complement of the usual census sites and 11 PACIFIC SWALLOW 159 141 (15) also added a new one at Eng Neo Avenue. The top three 12 COMMON PIGEON 158 179 (12) most bird populous sites were the same as last year. The 13 COMMON IORA 151 159 (13) pole position went to Sungei Mandai with 1,393 birds, 14 LITTLE EGRET* 149 211 (9) up slightly from 1,335 birds in 2010. In second place was 15 COMMON GREENSHANK* 148 117 (20) Neo Tiew Lane 2 with 585 birds, a drop from last year’s 16 GREY HERON 133 132 (16) 17 OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD 131 117 (21) 696 birds. Sungei Buloh Route 1 came in third with 521 18 COMMON REDSHANK* 129 124 (19) birds, down from 648 birds in 2010. The least populous 19 HOUSE CROW 114 130 (18) sites were Eng Neo (106 birds), Sime Road (118 birds) 20 STRIPED TIT-BABBLER 102 91 (22) and Lower Peirce (120 birds). Singapore’s most numerous bird was no surprise. The Note: Asterix marks indicate migrants. Number in brackets White-vented Myna proved its dominance once again indicates year’s ranking. with 1,243 birds, up from 1,001 birds in 2010. Next was Of the 56 nationally threatened species, 25 species the Asian Glossy Starling with 1,004 birds, up from 884 or 45% were recorded. The most abundant nationally birds recorded last year. In third position was the Pink- threatened species was the Grey Heron, at 133 birds necked Green Pigeon with 556 birds, a massive increase and 16th position. The only globally threatened species from last year’s 386 birds. Fourth place went to the counted was the Straw-headed Bulbul at 69 birds, up Yellow-vented Bulbul at 489 birds versus 385 birds last from 48 birds in 2010, putting it in 29th position. It was year. In fifth place was our best performing migrant, the also the second most numerous nationally threatened Pacific Golden Plover at 387 birds, a drastic decline from species recorded this year. Our third most numerous 711 birds in 2010. The other top ten birds were the nationally threatened species was the Oriental Magpie Whimbrel (373 birds), Lesser Sand Plover (331), Black- Robin, at 38 birds and 48th position. Tied at fourth naped Oriole (277), Spotted Dove (172) and Collared position were the Red Junglefowl and Lesser Whistling Kingfisher (164). Duck, both with 37 birds, although some were probably There were no major surprises in the 11th to 20th escapees, ornamentals or hybrids. positions, although both Striped Tit-babbler and Olive- Thirteen species of raptors were recorded. This included backed Sunbird returned at the expense of the Long- the nationally threatened Grey-headed Fish Eagle (4 tailed Parakeet and Barn Swallow. It was interesting to birds), Crested Serpent-eagle (1 bird), Crested Goshawk note that two introduced species, the Common Pigeon (1 bird) and Changeable Hawk Eagle (6 birds). The top and House Crow, have persisted and made it to the top three most numerous raptors were the White-bellied 20 list despite active persecution. Sea Eagle (22 birds), Brahminy Kite (21 birds), and Black Baza (21). This year’s top twenty positions were occupied by 14 There were some unexpected results. The Common residents and 6 migrants. The top ten species in 2011 Myna was placed at 53rd position, with just 30 birds accounted for 55% of the total count. The top 20 species counted nationwide, compared to over a thousand in 2011 comprised 70% of the total. In contrast, 19 birds counted for its Javan relative. Another erstwhile species were represented by single counts. Forty migrant common species, the House Swift, came in at 73rd species were recorded, making up 25% of the total of overall with a paltry 14 birds. The introduced Lineated 156 species. The remaining 115 species were resident Barbet scored 23 birds at 61st place, but it did better birds, while one was a non-breeding visitor. than the other two barbet species. Also on the ascent 25 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011 was the White-crested Laughingthrush, at 49 birds and Heppell, Ho Hua Chew, Kenneth Kee, Nessie Khoo, 38th position. Susan Knight, Danny Lau, Lee Ee Ling, Jimmy Lee, David As so often happens during a nationwide census, some Li, Lim Hai Bi, Lim Kim Keang, Lim Kim Seng, Tony Lim, gripping rarities were also seen. These included two Low Wai Hoe, Joan Low, Ng Chay Tuan, Ng Jie Qi, Nga Blue-eared Kingfishers at Lower Peirce Reservoir, Min En, Randall Ong, Alan Owyong, Peck Chan, Peng Ah Hogdson’s Hawk Cuckoo at Poyan, Javan Pond Heron Huay, Phang Seng Khai, Poh Lee Eng, Mick Price, Rehan at Buloh 2, Malayan Night Heron at Nee Soon, a female Yusoff, Freda Rickword, Ian Rickword, Jane Rogers, Gloria White-throated Rock-thrush at Bukit Timah and Siberian Seow, John Spencer, Tai Ping Ling, Tan Bee Lan, Tan Hang Blue Robin at Nee Soon. Chong, Tan Jee Loo, Tan Ju Ling, Klyth SH Tan, Tan Kok Our thanks to the following folks who led or assisted in Hui, Tan Soon Im, Tan Thuan Boon, KP Teh, Yuko Tokita, ABC 2011: Ali Jaafar, Doreen Ang, Samantha Ang, Azmi Wee Sau Cheng, Wing Chong, Wong Chung Cheong, Mohamed, Justine Burley, MY Chan, Angela Cheng, Alfred Wong Kum Seng, Robert Yan, Yang Pah Liang, John Yeo, Chia, Anthony Chia, Avian Chia, Brandon Chia, Chiam Yong Ding Li and Yong Yik Shih. Chye Hock, Alan Colman, Andrew Chow, Geoffrey References Davison, Fang Sher Chyet, Estella Flotow, Horst Flotow, Lim, K.C. & Lim, K.S. (2009). State of Singapore’s Wild Birds and Bird Habitats: Results of the Annual Bird Census: 1996-2005. Nature Society (Singapore) Willie Foo, Foong Hin Cheong, Gerard Francis, Goh Bird Group, Singapore. Pei Hao, Margie Hall, James Heng, Jane Heppell, Terry Lim, K.S. (2010). Report on the 25th Annual Bird census. Singapore Avifauna 24:3, 17-20 NSS Kids’ Fun at Chek Jawa By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson here was a major stampede huge Rock Oysters. A stately Tto see the splendid marine Great-billed Heron, Singapore’s life of Chek Jawa on Pulau Ubin largest bird, was seen striding the when it was first ‘discovered’, distant mudflats, accompanied which ironically killed off a good by a Little Heron and Whimbrel. portion of the ‘discovery’. In order Fiddler Crabs went about their to protect this fragile inter-tidal daily business eating the coating treasure from further damage, of detritus on sand grains. Males NParks implemented restricted cheerily waved their enlarged access. It built an elevated coastal bright orange pincers in the hope and mangrove boardwalk as compensation. The of attracting the ladies. Education Group visited the area during the spring Kids found out that mangrove trees can thrive low tide of 10 April 2011, guided by Tan Hang in low oxygen mudflats because they have air Chong, Edzra Iskandar, Boon Peiya, Timothy Pwee breathing as well as buried roots. Depending on and myself. the species, the air breathing roots can be pencil As chief guide, Uncle Hang Chong was superb shaped or prop like. We were introduced to the with the kids. He peppered our walk with lots of Nipah Palm, source of the Ice Kachang must-have stimulating edutainment. Kids learnt that the giant ‘attap chee’. Uncle Hang Chong even brought Orb Web Spider that we usually see is actually along a stash of these sugared treats, which were the female. The males are the tiny ‘babies’ that eagerly gobbled up. We rounded off the tour with hang around the periphery of the web, essentially a stop at the NSS Green Hub @ Ubin. Everybody leeching off the female’s catches. They have to be was wowed by the careful not to get chomped on by their ‘wife’ after surprisingly bright mating, which unfortunately happens sometimes. lighting system Auntie Gloria then spotted a Water Monitor that uses diffused Lizard climbing up a coconut tree, an arresting daylight. A big tube sight to say the least. punched through At the start of the coastal boardwalk, we the roof channels came across the inedible Sea Nutmeg and Sea sunlight through Mangosteen. We then spied several Carpet a diffuser which Anemones with tentacles swaying in the incoming also functions to tide. Purple Climber Crabs scrambled on sea remove the sun’s boulders, which themselves were plastered with heat. 26 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

Announcements NSS DIRECTORY Patron NSS Welcomes Tax-Exempt Donations PROF TOMMY KOH If you believe in the importance of nature President DR SHAWN LUM – Office: 6790-3835 appreciation and conservation in Singapore, help Vice President us keep our work going with a donation to NSS. MR LEONG KWOK PENG – Mobile: 9766-7047 All donations are tax-exempt. Please make out Honorary Treasurer MR ELDWIN WONG your cheques to “Nature Society (Singapore)”. Honorary Assistant Treasurer For individual donors, do write your full name, MR ONG ENG HIN Honorary Secretary contact number and NRIC/FIN number at the MS MARGIE HALL – Mobile: 9730-5562 back of your cheque. Giving us your NRIC/FIN Honorary Assistant Secretary MR TAN HANG CHONG means that tax deduction claims are automatically Executive Committee Members reflected in your tax assessment. We look MR GOH SI GUIM, DR HO HUA CHEW, DR HSU CHIA CHI forward to your financial support! Finance Advisory Group Members DR ROBERT CASTEELS, DR LEE LAY TIN, MR S RAJAMANICKAM NSS Nature Forum Immediate Past President The NSS Nature Forum is at http://www.nss.org. DR GEH MIN Co-opted Council Member sg/forum/. This virtual gathering place serves to PROF PN AVADHANI facilitate discussions on a whole range of nature- Advisory Council Members MR IAIN EWING, MR WARREN KHOO, PROF KOH KHENG related topics. You can share photos and ideas, ask LIAN, MR KWEK LENG JOO, MR LIM JIM KHOON, MR LIU THAI questions and forge friendships with fellow nature KER, PROF NG SOON CHYE, MR SIM WONG HOO, lovers. The forum is open to both members and MR MASON TAN, MR RICHARD HALE Birdlife International Coordinator non-members. Register now for a free account! MR LIM KIM SENG Paperless Nature News Environmental Law & Policy Coordinator MR VINAYAGAN DHARMARAJAH If you wish to opt-out from receiving hard copies of Nature News to save trees, please inform Joe COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Conservation Committee at [email protected]. Please state if you prefer: A) Acting Chairperson MR LEONG KWOK PENG get your copy of Nature News via an emailed Vice Chairperson DR HO HUA CHEW Education Group PDF file (less than 5MB), or B) download the Chairperson MS GLORIA SEOW same PDF file from the NSS website. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP CHAIRPERSONS New Members: Join Us in Our Subgroup Bird Ecology Study Group Activities Chairperson MR SUBARAJ RAJATHURAI All new and old members are welcome to Bird Group Chairperson MR ALAN OWYONG participate in any of our listed activities. Most Secretary MR WILLIE FOO events do not require prior registration. Simply Butterfly Interest Group Chairperson MR GAN CHEONG WEEI turn up at the appointed time and place, and Vice Chairperson MR SIMON CHAN you will be off to discover Singapore’s natural Marine Conservation Group offerings. Do not be nervous about your lack Chairperson MR EDZRA ISKANDAR Plant Group of nature knowledge. Just let your trip leader(s) Chairperson MS CHUA LENG SIM (ANGIE NG) know that you are new and he/they will gladly The Nature Ramblers guide you. Some subgroups have their own Chairperson MR BENJAMIN HO e-forums, websites or blogs, where sharing of up- Vertebrate Study Group Chairperson MR TONY O’DEMPSEY – [email protected] to-date sightings and postings take place. For a Secretary MS CELINE LOW collation of these subgroup links, check out the NSS website. Nature News Editorial Committee MS GLORIA SEOW – [email protected] Contributions for Nature News MR TIMOTHY PWEE – Mobile: 9791-8300 Please send in your contributions for the Sep/ MR GOH SI GUIM – Mobile: 9758-9125 Secretariat Oct 2011 issue by 1 August 2011. Email them MR JUSTIN WONG, Executive Officer to [email protected]. All original photos MR JOSEPH LIM, Accounts & Membership Officer MR ANUJ JAIN, Butterfly Trail Project Officer should be in JPEG format with a minimum size of MR GOH TER YANG, Outreach Officer 1 MB. The Editorial Committee reserves the right Secretariat Contact Details to select and edit appropriate contributions for 510 Geylang Road, #02-05 The Sunflower, Singapore 389466 Tel: 6741-2036 Fax: 6741-0871 Email: [email protected] use. 27 NATURE NEWS JUL-AUG 2011

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