NATURE NEWS SEP-OCT 2013 Sep-Oct 2013 MCI (P) 027/08/2013 ISSN: 2010-4308 10 th Fall Migratory Bird Census Sep 8 Butterfly & Dragonfly Walk at Pasir Ris Park Sep 8 Talk on Marine Conservation at Raja Ampat, Indonesia Sep 14 Birdwatching at Tampines Wood Sep 15 NSS Kids’ Watery Fun at Kallang River@Bishan-AMK Park Sep 21 Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong Sep 21 International Coastal Clean-up Singapore (ICCS) Sep 21 Birdwatching at Bidadari Sep 22 Official Integration of the Aseanarean Expedition Series Project into NSS' MCG Sep 27 Birdwatching at Lorong Halus with Jimmy Lee Sep 28 Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes Sep 29 Uncommon Tales of a Common Monkey Oct 4 Kayaking & Cycling @ Pulau Ubin Oct 5 Ramble from Kranji to The Rail Mall Oct 5 Birdwatching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Oct 6 Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong Oct 12 Butterfly Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong Oct 12 Birdwatching at Semakau Landfill Oct 12 30th Singapore Bird Race Oct 19 & 20 Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Oct 19 Birdwatching along the Railway Corridor Oct 26 Green Corridor Nocturnal Ramble Oct 26 Birdwatching at Bidadari Oct 27 Raptor ID Talk Nov 1 6 th Raptor Watch Nov 3 Activities 2 AGM Updates 7 Twilight Ramble from Jalan Kayu to Punggol Park 7 Cross-Island Line Discussion & Position Paper 8 Our First Kayaking Adventure at Mandai Mangroves 10 Invitation to Witness the Official Integration of AES into NSS’ MCG 11 Our SG Conversation for the Green Community 12 NSS Kids’ Fun with Beautiful Butterflies at Upper Seletar 14 Announcements 15 NSS Directory 15 All Purpose Form 16 Cross-Island Line Discussion & Position Paper Pg 8 Invitation to the Integration of AES into NSS’ MCG Pg 11 NSS Kids’ Guide NSS Kids’ Guide NSS Kids’ Guide NSS Kids’ Guide NSS Kids’ Guide
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NATURE NEWS SEP-OCT 2013
Sep-Oct 2013
MCI (P) 027/08/2013 ISSN: 2010-4308
10th Fall Migratory Bird Census Sep 8 Butterfly & Dragonfly Walk at Pasir Ris Park Sep 8 Talk on Marine Conservation at Raja Ampat, Indonesia Sep 14 Birdwatching at Tampines Wood Sep 15 NSS Kids’ Watery Fun at Kallang River@Bishan-AMK Park Sep 21Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong Sep 21 International Coastal Clean-up Singapore (ICCS) Sep 21Birdwatching at Bidadari Sep 22 Official Integration of the Aseanarean Expedition Series Project into NSS' MCG Sep 27
Birdwatching at Lorong Halus with Jimmy Lee Sep 28 Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes Sep 29 Uncommon Tales of a Common Monkey Oct 4 Kayaking & Cycling @ Pulau Ubin Oct 5Ramble from Kranji to The Rail Mall Oct 5Birdwatching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Oct 6 Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong Oct 12 Butterfly Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong Oct 12Birdwatching at Semakau Landfill Oct 12 30th Singapore Bird Race Oct 19 & 20Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Oct 19 Birdwatching along the Railway Corridor Oct 26 Green Corridor Nocturnal Ramble Oct 26 Birdwatching at Bidadari Oct 27 Raptor ID Talk Nov 1 6th Raptor Watch Nov 3
Activities 2AGM Updates 7
Twilight Ramble from Jalan Kayu to Punggol Park 7
Cross-Island Line Discussion & Position Paper 8
O u r F i r s t K a y a k i n g A d v e n t u r e a t M a n d a i Mangroves
10
Invitation to Witness the Official Integration of AES into NSS’ MCG
11
Our SG Conversation for the Green Community 12
NSS Kids’ Fun with Beautiful Butterflies at Upper Seletar 14
Announcements 15NSS Directory 15All Purpose Form 16
Cross-Island Line Discussion & Position
Paper Pg 8
Invitation to the Integration
of AES into NSS’ MCG
Pg 11
NSS Kids’ Guide
NSS Kids’ Guide
NSS Kids’ Guide
NSS Kids’ Guide
NSS Kids’ Guide
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Sunday 8
10th Fall Migratory Bird Census In September 2004, our first bird census covering the autumn migration period unveiled 8,035 birds from 135 species at 25 sites. Last year, we had 7,846 birds from 135 species at 30 sites. Will we see a decline or upswing in 2013? Join us to help determine the trends affecting our wild birds. All birdwatchers are welcome but some experience is required as we have a fixed census period. Time: 7.30 am to 10.30 am. If you can help, please email coordinator Wing Chong at [email protected] before 25 August 2013. He will inform you about available sites and site leaders. Only those who sign up before the closing date will be assigned to a site. Open to the public.
Sunday 8
Butterfly & Dragonfly Walk at Pasir Ris Park Pasir Ris Park is home to about 60 butterfly species including rare Nymphalids like the Spotted Black Crow and Striped Black Crow. The pond area next to the kitchen garden also boasts of many interesting dragonfly species. Let us explore this mangrove cum freshwater habitat for butterflies and dragonflies. Meet Lena Chow at Pasir Ris Park Carpark C at 9.30 am. Members only.
Saturday 14
Talk on Marine Conservation at Raja Ampat, IndonesiaJoin Simon Day, co-founder of Sea Sanctuaries Trust, at the Chartroom of Raffles Marina from 4 to 6 pm. He will share about the establishing of two marine conservation areas totaling 700 sqkm comprising islands, atolls, reefs and mangroves in the centre of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Aside from its location in the bull’s-eye of the Coral Triangle, Sea Sanctuaries conservation areas also contain a wide range of habitats, from steep walls and fringing reefs to mangroves and lagoons. Come marvel at the exceptionally high biodiversity found in the area and its ongoing conservation work. Raffles Marina is at 10 Tuas West Drive, S638404 and its restaurants are open to the public. Members only.
Sunday 15
Birdwatching at Tampines Wood Meet Willie Foo (HP: 9675-1089) at 7.30 am at the junction of Tampines Road and Jalan Sam Kongsi. To get there, please use http://gothere.sg. This area
is located behind Tampines Industrial area, along Tampines Ave 10. There was once a Grebe Pond here but it has since been drained and has given way to development. Visit this wooded area before it is gone. We will be looking out for Sooty-headed Bulbuls that call this place home. Other interesting species include the Red-whiskered Bulbuls, Bee-eaters, Black-shouldered Kites, Pied Trillers, Pied Fantails and more. If we are lucky, we might catch mixed flocks of munias – Black-headed, White-headed and Scaly-breasted – feeding together! NSS Kids attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids guide. Members only.
Saturday 21
NSS Kids’ Watery Fun at Kallang River@Bishan-AMK Park Formerly a canal but now a naturalised waterway, the Kallang River wends languidly through Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. It brings life to the area in the form of lush greenery, birds, butterflies and insects. Apart from wildlife spotting, and with the support of PUB’s ABC Waters Learning Trails community resource package, we will learn about Singapore’s water management and sustainability, gain insights into innovative bioengineering techniques, and get hands-on experience in water quality testing using simple test kits to measure properties such as pH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen levels. Time: 8 am to 10 am. Please register your children (4 to 12 years old) with Gloria Seow at [email protected], stating their names and ages, if they are NSS members or not, if you need us to loan you a pair of binoculars or not, and let us have your mobile number. A fee of $5 per child (member) or $10 per child (non-member) will be collected on the spot. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in at no charge. Details will be emailed to those who sign up. Open to the public.
Saturday 21
Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong If you have been wondering where the Cross Island (MRT) Line might cross the Nature Reserves and what might be impacted, join NSS President Dr Shawn Lum and the Plant Group on this walk. We will see primary forest as well as some of the oldest secondary forest on the island. Our route along the Jelutong Tower track will run roughly parallel to the proposed alignment of the Cross Island Line. Meet at Venus Drive car park at 9 am.
Activities SEPTEMBERSunday 8
Saturday 14
NSS Kids’ Guide
Saturday 21
Sunday 8
Sunday 15 NSS Kids’ Guide
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Members only.
Saturday 21
International Coastal Clean-up Singapore (ICCS)Come make a difference with NSS as we combine our efforts with the rest of the world in the annual ICCS at Mandai Mudflats from 4 pm to 7 pm. Located at the extension of Kranji Road where it intersects with Kranji Loop, these mudflats are a key habitat for horseshoe crabs. Please register with Kerry Pereira ([email protected]) or at the NSS website stating your name, email address, contact number, if you a NSS member or not and affiliation (eg. school or company). Details will be emailed upon registration. Dinner will be provided for all participants. Open to the public.
Sunday 22
Birdwatching at Bidadari The former Bidadari Muslim Cemetery, bounded by Bartley Road on one side and Upper Serangoon Road on another, has proven to be an interesting site for migrants and visitors in recent years. Notable sightings have included the Hooded Pitta, Ruddy Kingfisher, Crow-billed Drongo, various cuckoos and flycatchers. Development work may start soon at Bidadari so join Tan Ju Lin in exploring this spot while it is still a peaceful haven for birds. Meet at 7.30 am by the Woodleigh MRT Station Exit C, at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Upper Aljunied Road. NSS Kids attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids guide. Members only.
Friday 27
Official Integration of the Aseanarean Expedition Series Project into NSS' MCGMembers are invited to witness and celebrate with us the official integration of the Aseanarean Expedition Series Project into NSS’ Marine Conservation Group, as well as the official launch of the ‘Marine Parks of Indonesia’ book. Guest-of-Honour: Prof Tommy Koh. Venue: Raffles Marina, 10 Tuas West Drive, S638404. Time: 4pm to 6 pm.
Please RSVP with Kerry by 15 September 2013 at [email protected] or Tel: 6741-2036. Project and book details can be found on page 11.Members only.
Saturday 28
Birdwatching at Lorong Halus with Jimmy LeeMeet Jimmy Lee ([email protected]) at 7.30 am beside Popeye Restaurant at Tebing Lane off Punggol East. Take the MRT to Punggol station and transfer to the LRT. Alight at Riviera LRT station and walk towards the meeting point. This walk starts at the Punggol Promenade. For years, Little Grebes have made their home at Lorong Halus, an old rubbish dump site. Grassland species like the Yellow-bellied Prinia, Baya Weaver, Long-tailed Shrike, munias and more thrive here. In 2011, PUB completed works to create Lorong Halus Wetland to help purify water that flows through the former dump site. Join us for an enjoyable morning of sights and sounds presented by these birds. Please register by 18 September 2013 on our website. Max: 30 pax. Open to the public.
Sunday 29
Birdwatching at Kranji Marshes Meet Lee Ee Ling ([email protected]) at 7.30 am at Kranji Dam Car park B near the tidal gates of Kranji Reservoir, off Kranji Way. Reachable by Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station. From the meeting point, a hired bus will ferry us to our destination. We begin with a pleasant stroll along a countryside road to the Kranji Marshes where we will continue our walk along the PUB Bund. The marsh is designated by URA as a Nature Park and is currently adopted by NSS under PUB’s ABC Waters Programme. Birding highlights here include the Red-wattled Lapwing, Purple Swamphen, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, White-browed Crake, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and more. Please register by 19 September 2013 on our website. A registration form will then be emailed to you. Max: 20 pax. Open to the public but children below 12 years of age are not allowed for safety reasons.
Sunday 22 NSS Kids’ Guide
Saturday 21
Friday 27
Saturday 28
Sunday 29
Friday 4
Uncommon Tales of a Common MonkeyThe Long-tailed Macaque is Southeast Asia's most common monkey. It is also Singapore's most prominent native mammal, perhaps for all the wrong reasons. Those who have yet to see these iconic
animals in our parks and reserves would have read about them in the local papers – snatching food, scaring off children and raiding homes. But how much do we really know about this highly adaptable and intelligent primate? In this talk, primatologist-in-training at NTU Amanda Tan will share some lesser known
Activities OCTOBERFriday 4
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facts, from what makes Singapore's macaques unique, to the recent rediscovery of stone tool use by wild macaques in Thailand. Time: 7.30 pm to 9 pm. Venue to be confirmed, likely at either Bukit Timah Visitor Centre or Tanglin International Centre. Please check our website for venue updates, or register with Kerry Pereira ([email protected]) stating your name, email address and contact number to be kept updated. Open to the public.
Saturday 5
Kayaking & Cycling @ Pulau UbinAs one of the most beautiful mangrove rivers in Singapore, Sungei Jelutong is a gem in the heart of rustic Pulau Ubin. Expect to see old growth mangroves, eagles, otters, monitor lizards and other small creatures. Starting on the southern shores of Ubin, we will paddle to the northern end. Then, we will hop onto bicycles (specially-arranged) and cycle back to the village for lunch. Kayaks are comfortable double seaters suited for beginners. Time: 7.30 am to 12 pm. The event is subject to cancellation if there is adverse weather and/or we cannot meet the minimum numbers. A replacement trip will be offered if cancellation is due to poor weather. Min/max: 16/24 pax. Participants must be at least 4 years old. Those 12 years old and below must be accompanied by at least one parent in the same kayak (guardians are not allowed). Closing date: 27 Sep 2013. Members will be given priority. Members’ price: $70 (cheque) / $74 (online payment). Non-members’ price: $85 (cheque) / $89 (online payment). Cheques should be made out to ‘Nature Society (Singapore)’. Please register with Kerry Pereira ([email protected]) or at the NSS website stating your name and if you are a NSS member or not. Details will be emailed upon successful registration and payment. Open to the public.
Saturday 5
Ramble from Kranji to The Rail MallLed by P Pandian, this ramble will start from Kranji MRT station at 3 pm and end at around 9 pm at The Rail Mall in Bukit Timah. We will be rambling through the Green (Rail) Corridor. Along the way, we will visit the old site of Lorong Fatimah Village. Not suitable for children below 12 years old. Members only.
Sunday 6
Birdwatching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a good place to learn how to identify the many migratory birds that winter
in Singapore. For novice birdwatchers, come and let the experts show you how to separate a plover from a sandpiper, or a Marsh Sandpiper from a Greenshank. Differences between the birds may be subtle but once they are pointed out, you would be surprised to see that bird identification is not so difficult after all. Meet Lim Kim Chuah at 7.30 am by the ticket counter of the park located off Neo Tiew Crescent. Members only.
Saturday 12
Plant Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong If you have been wondering where the Cross Island (MRT) Line might cross the Nature Reserves and what might be impacted, join the Plant Group on this walk. We will see primary forest as well as some of the oldest secondary forest on the island. Our route along the Jelutong Tower track will run roughly parallel to the proposed alignment of the Cross Island Line. Meet at Venus Drive car park at 9 am. NSS Kids attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids guide. Open to the public.
Saturday 12
Butterfly Walk from Venus Drive to Jelutong We will take a walk from Venus Drive car park to Jelutong Tower to explore some of the best habitats for forest butterflies, dragonflies and moths in Singapore. The area, including MacRitchie and Sime forests, is home to over 200 butterfly species. Let us understand and see for ourselves what potential impacts the proposed Cross Island Line might have on insect diversity. Meet Anuj Jain (Hp: 8139-1564) at Venus Drive car park at 9.30 am. Open to the public.
Saturday 12
Birdwatching at Semakau Landfill October is a good time to visit Semakau for its varied birdlife. In addition to the resident attractions like the Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret and Malaysian Plover, it is possible to see rare migrants such as the Chinese Egret and Ashy Drongo. Meet Wing Chong (HP: 9227-2020/ [email protected]) at 7.30 am at the West Coast Pier near the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Parking is available in front of West Coast Pier or at the car park of nearby West Coast Park. Return to the mainland by 2 pm. Register at the NSS website. A non-refundable fee of $30 per pax for boat and administration is required. Please make payment online via PayPal (an additional $2 for bank charges is needed for online payment) or send your cheque together with the All Purpose Form by 2 October
Sunday 6
Saturday 5
Saturday 5
Saturday 12NSS Kids’ Guide
Saturday 12
Saturday 12
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Activities NOVEMBER
2013. Number of persons per trip: 11 or 22 or 33 pax. Identify card for Singaporeans/PRs or passport is mandatory for boarding. Children under age 12 are not allowed by NEA regulation. Please note that your registration is not confirmed until you hear from your trip leader after the closing date. Members only.
Weekend 19 & 20
30th Singapore Bird RacePlease see the Singapore Bird Race flyer on page 6. Participation is by teams of three persons including the driver. Registration fees: $30 per participant / $90 per team, payable in cash on Race Day. All participants will receive an exclusive Bird Race t-shirt designed by Alan Pearson, illustrator of “A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore”, a packed lunch on 19 October (Saturday), as well as a buffet lunch on 20 October (Sunday). Guests who wish to only attend the Bird Race buffet lunch and prize-giving ceremony on 20 October can register for the same fee ($30 per head). The prize-giving lunch will be held at the Café at Quality Hotel Marlow in Balestier Road. It serves Asian and Peranakan food without pork or lard. Chinese vegetarian lunch can be provided for those who indicate so during registration. Please register by sending an email to Lee Ee Ling ([email protected] or HP: 9693-5870) before 1 pm on 12 October 2013. Leica Camera Asia Pacific is sponsoring this year’s Bird Race. Please check the NSS website for further details. Open to the public.
Saturday 19
Horseshoe Crab Rescue & Research Please register with Kerry Pereira ([email protected]) or at the NSS website stating your name, if you a NSS member or not, affiliations (eg. school or company), experience if any, and contact details for this mission to rescue and study the Mangrove Horseshoe Crabs (HSC) at the Mandai mudflats. Time: 3 to 6 pm. Meet at the extension of Kranji Road near the junction with Kranji Loop. Take Bus 925 from Kranji MRT station and alight at the first bus stop as the bus turns from Kranji Road into Kranji Loop. Cross the road and look for the nameless track that starts
beside Leong Soon Pte Ltd (251 Kranji Road). Bring along a cap, shoes/booties, sunblock, repellent, cutter for HSC rescue and a camera. Washing facilities available. Details will be emailed upon registration. NSS Kids attending the walk with their parents will have a dedicated kids guide. Open to the public.
Saturday 26
Birdwatching along the Railway Corridor Meet Dr Ho Hua Chew at 7.45 am at Clementi Neighbourhood Park near Blk 116 Sunset Way off Clementi Road. This walk will explore Maju Camp Forest, a dense forest hugging the Jurong Line after Clementi Road. As this is a little-explored area for birds and other wildlife, it should be an exciting excursion. Please note that this will be a rough walk, not along the old Jurong railway, but over hilly ground along a track that is very little used. Possible sightings include the Rufous Woodpecker, Straw-headed Bulbul, Oriental Magpie Robin, Greater Coucal and Grey-rumped Treeswift. Members only.
Saturday 26
Green Corridor Nocturnal Ramble Led by Pandian and Sutari, this ramble will start from the old KTM Bukit Timah Station at 4 pm and end before the Causeway at about 9 pm. This is a great chance to see what the Green Corridor has to offer at dusk and in the night. Not suitable for children below 12 years old. Members only.
Sunday 27
Birdwatching at Bidadari The former Bidadari Muslim Cemetery, bounded by Bartley Road on one side and Upper Serangoon Road on another, has proven to be an interesting site for migrants and visitors in recent years. Notable sightings have included the Hooded Pitta, Ruddy Kingfisher, Crow-billed Drongo, various cuckoos and flycatchers. Development work may start soon at Bidadari so join Sutari Supari in exploring this spot while it is still a peaceful haven for birds. Meet at 7.30 am by the Woodleigh MRT Station Exit C, at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Upper Aljunied Road. Members only.
weekend 19&20
Saturday 19
Saturday 26
Saturday 26
Sunday 27
Friday 1
Raptor ID Talk
A raptor identification talk will be held, both as a prelude to Raptor Watch on 3 November, as
well as for anyone with an interest in raptors. Key ID features and behaviour will be highlighted, as well as the differences between confusing species such as the Japanese and Chinese Sparrowhawks, the Changeable Hawk-eagle and Oriental Honey
NSS Kids’ Guide
Friday 1
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Buzzard etc. Meet at the NSS Office at 7.30 pm. Open to the public.
Sunday 3
6th Raptor WatchDuring last year’s Raptor Watch, we counted a record high of 1,022 raptors including 10 migrant species, namely the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black Baza, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Chinese Goshawk, Common Buzzard, Booted
Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Eastern Marsh Harrier and Grey-Faced Buzzard. Join us in documenting the peak migration of Asian raptors across the island. Which rare raptor will fly by? Which migrant species will record the highest count? The count starts at 9 am and ends at 4 pm. Please contact the site leaders directly for the exact location, or contact Tan Gim Cheong ([email protected]). More sites may be added, so check the NSS website for updates. Open to the public.
Sunday 3
Site Leader Email1. Jejawi Tower, Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin Lioe Kim Swee [email protected]
the twilight ramble from Jalan Kayu to Punggol Park on 11 May 2013. Commencing at 5.40 pm, we rambled through the former British RAF Seletar Army camp, passed some forgotten, quaint British pre-war bungalows and terraces. The area almost made us believe that we were in the UK, with its serene, tranquil ambience and laid back countryside atmosphere. Above us, noisy Long-tailed, Red-breasted and Rose-ringed Parakeets made their presence felt with their high-pitched staccato calls. There were also scratchy sounds emanating from Dollarbirds before they roosted for the night.
Other birds that we heard or saw included the Sunda Pygmy and Laced Woodpeckers, the Collared Kingfisher, White-vented Myna, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Yellow-vented Bulbul, White-breasted Waterhen, Common Iora, Common Tailorbird, Asian Koel, House Crow (mobbed by a Black-naped Oriole), Olive-backed and Brown-throated Sunbirds, Grey Heron and Aerodramus Swiftlets. We passed by many ‘heritage trees’ in the Seletar environs, such as the huge Broad-leaf Mahogany.
Soon , we were t rea ted to a beautiful view of the lilac, mauve, vermilion, crimson and gold sunset. We even had a spectacular rainbow
as an accompaniment. Someone remarked that the scenery felt like the African savannah, as we traversed vast lallang patches and the airfield perimeter at dusk. Pandian pointed out old pre-war street lamps and ancient electrical switchboxes near the ‘Fokker’ office. After arriving at Seletar Dam, some participants decided to leave for home. The rest of us continued our ramble.
As we trudged along S e l e t a r D a m , we observed a Black-c r o w n e d N i g h t -h e ro n f i s h i n g b y the canal, near the mouth of the Punggol River. A handsome Barn Owl then flew over the road, from t he coa s t t o t he Punggol reclaimed grassland. We continued passed Punggol Marina and progressed onwards to Punggol Point.
Reaching Punggol Point at 9.50 pm, we decided to have a break. As we ate our roti pratas and gulped down our 100-pluses, Pandian asked if we wanted to continue another 2.5 km to Punggol Park, or simply end at Punggol Point. Unanimously, we decided to call it a night. According to Rehan’s instrument pacer, we had rambled for about 12 km! After a mandatory group photo, we boarded the bus for Punggol MRT station, exhausted by happy.
Over 40 members including the Exco, attended the AGM held on Saturday 18
May 2013 at Tanglin International Centre. With the NSS Annual Report 2012 made available on our website* in advance, the Meeting was much shorter than in previous years. This allowed for more discussions and an early convivial ending with refreshments. However, as we did not reach the quorum of 60 members (excluding Exco members), we were
unable to propose the resolution extending the Honorary Treasurer's term of office for up to three years. We will look for a convenient date and time to call for a brief EGM specifically for this purpose.Minutes of the AGM will be sent out to members at the end of September 2013 together with the next issue of ‘Nature Watch’.* To access the NSS Annual Report 2012, go to our website and click on ‘About’ at right hand side of our home page.
By Sutari Supari
By Margie Hall, Honorary Secretary
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NATURE NEWS SEP-OCT 2013
In February 2013, the Singapore Government released its Population White Paper. A new 50-km MRT service known as the Cross Island Line (CRL) was unveiled along with it. It proposes to connect Tampines with Jurong, passing through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) near MacRitchie Reservoir. In a 40-page discussion and position paper published in July 2013, NSS has argued that the CRL’s alignment should not pass through CCNR. The Society believes that soil investigation and construction works for the CRL will severely degrade pristine habitats within the nature reserve. The paper proposes an alternative southern route that runs beneath Lornie Road instead. Nature News brings you the Society’s key arguments.
Cross-Island Line Discussion & Position Paper
NSS supports the reasonably planned economic development of Singapore, including the
development of transport, housing and industrial infrastructure. This is provided that development is undertaken in a way that does not unduly impact important natural resources or protected habitats. Nature Reserves in particular should be considered off-limits for all development activities.
NSS objects to the use of the Central Catchment Na tu re Re se r ve (CCNR) fo r t r an spor t infrastructure as proposed by the Land Transport Agency (LTA) with respect to the Cross Island Line (CRL). Our opinion is that nature reserves have been gazetted for a clear reason and that is for the conservation of fauna and flora. Nature reserves should not be treated as vacant State land available for use at the convenience of transport infrastructure or other purposes. Such usage would be against the spirit and intention of both the Parks and Trees Act and National Parks Board Act. Most importantly, it is counter to public trust doctrine that holds that the Government has an obligation to hold and use public land on trust for the citizens. As trustees, it has a moral (if not fiduciary) duty to use land in accordance with its intended purposes.
While the CRL is intended as an underground corridor, our greatest concerns are related to degradation of the forest habitats due to soil investigation and other related engineering works that will be required on the surface. The surface works are expected to result in the clearing of forest, compaction of soils along the length of the CRL alignment, toxic material spillage, erosion and siltation due to excavations resulting in serious damage to, if not complete loss of, one of the most pristine stream ecosystems within the CCNR.
Our fragmented forest habitats cover some 20 km2 of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and CCNR (excluding reservoirs and special use areas). These are made up of 2 km2 of primary dipterocarp forest or 0.5% of original primeval coverage, 1.2 km2 of wetland forest or 1.7% of original primeval coverage, with the remaining 16.8 km2 represented by regrowth forests ranging in age from 100 to 150 years. With such great losses of primary forest habitat over the past 200 years, it is absolutely essential that we maintain a zero tolerance stance against developments that negatively affect these habitats and their biodiversity.
Almost our entire remaining native flora is represented within 3.2 km2 of primary dipterocarp and wetland forests. All remaining forest dependent fauna is represented within these primary forest fragments, as well as within the mature regrowth forests that have recovered sufficiently in the past 150 years to support the expansion of fauna into these areas. Managing genetic diversity of flora and fauna across this complex and fragmented landscape, against an ever increasing recreational demand due to population growth, is a significant challenge for the National Parks Board (NParks).
Building a transport corridor through the nature reserve is not without cost. Ecosystems and services valuations need to be properly accounted for in the overall cost analysis of the project. This will be in the same way that commercial or residential property acquisition is considered within the cost analysis for such a project. Ecosystems such as those under threat by the CRL are generally valued at their replacement cost. Given the limited available land opportunity, and our limited technical ability to duplicate these unique habitats, the cost of ecosystems and
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ecosystems services lost due to such a project can be expected to dwarf the acquisition of alienated property of comparable land area.
NSS recommends an alternative route that passes around the nature reserve to the south, via Lornie Road. We estimate that this would add an extra four minutes of travel time only. The diversion of transport systems to avoid nature reserves is not without precedent.
The CRL al ignment proposed by the LTA is indicated in Figure 1. It passes through approximately 1 km of nature reserve from the west beginning at the Singapore Island Country Club (Bukit Location), to the east in the vicinity of the Venus Drive. When this map is superimposed onto a map of the CCNR, we find that it not only passes through an area of 150-year old regrowth forest, it also goes through two patches of primary forest and is fully within four rainforest stream systems, some of which are the most pristine on the island. This area, which we refer to as the MacRitchie forests, represents some of our best natural habitat. It is known to be rich in biodiversity as a result of fauna and flora surveys undertaken by NSS and NParks over the past 20 years. Figure 1 also shows the southern and northern CRL alternative routes.
LTA transport engineers have indicated that due to the variability of below surface geology in the CCNR, it will be necessary to undertake soil investigations that involve the core drilling of 70 m deep bore holes, at 15 to 20 m intervals along the proposed CRL alignment. NSS believes that such soil investigation activities will cause tremendous permanent damage to the habitat including:
• Los s o f f l o r a and so i l d i s t u r b a n c e d u e t o access roads required for placement of equipment;
• Excava t ion o f work ing platforms for equipment a l o n g w i t h b a t t e r s (excavated slopes on the uphill side of platforms), wil l result in an almost c o n t i n u o u s l i n e a r fragmentation of the habitat along the proposed CRL alignment;
• Top soil will be transported from areas of disturbance
into the four affected stream systems during rain. The pollution of stream systems will result in loss of rare flora and fauna that rely on these specific micro-habitats;
•Once the surface is broken through soil investigation activities, future erosion risk is very high;
•The Nature Reserves are already severely fragmented, further fragmentation cannot be accommodated;
•Risk of contamination of soil and streams by toxic materials used during drilling (diesel, lubricating oils and drilling slurry). Should these materials escape into the environment, they will be severely detrimental to the health of the habitat;
•Human invasion of habitat will be detrimental to fauna. The area through which the proposed alignment passes is designated as a core zone. Members of the public are not permitted to enter it due to the uniqueness and sensitivity of the habitat.
While mitigation options may be proposed, none can completely resolve the risks of damage anticipated due to soil investigations. Impact will be significant and undesirable. Mitigation techniques would additionally contribute to loss of habitat due to the extra space required. The Society views mitigation and impact as two completely different matters; mitigation does not equal no impact.
The full CRL Discussion & Position Paper can be downloaded from the NSS website.
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We had to wake up at 6 am on 25 May 2013 but it was worth the trouble. We were
going to explore the Mandai Mangroves on our very first kayaking trip!
After our guide Huey briefed us on safety rules, the appreciation of mangrove life and the importance of conservation, we finally headed for our kayaks. I accidentally fell into the gooey mud. But that was not about to beat me!
I paired up with my mother while my brother Teong Kai went with my father. We were excited as we approached the only ‘rapids’ in Singapore caused by discharge from the NEWater Plant. We had to use a lot of strength t o o v e r c o m e t h e s t r o n g currents created by the outf low. Un fo r tuna te l y , my mother and I were pushed back by i t . With the help of our guide, we finally crossed the ‘rapids’ safely.
When we arrived at the mangroves, I was disgusted as rubbish could be seen everywhere. We really need to clean up our mangroves. Otherwise, I believe that we will suffer great losses in future. An auntie told me that Tree-Climbing Crabs could be found on mangrove trees, so I went around with my mother in search of them. We found crabs and a lot of bugs. They scuttled away in every direction when we came close. Some even clambered onto our kayaks! I had a great time throwing them overboard.
Unfortunately, we often found ourselves caught in the branches and roots of the mangroves. Getting out of these messes made us really exhausted.
Howeve r , w e w e r e r e w a r d e d b y t h e b e a u t i f u l s i g h t o f e g r e t s , eagles and other birds. S o o n w e came to the o p e n s e a where the currents were strong. We had to use every bit of
our muscles to paddle forward.
On the way to Kranji Reservoir, we had a lot of fun chasing and bumping into each other’s kayak. My mother and I were trying to piggyback onto my father’s kayak to hitch a free ride. That was when we had fun chasing after them as they tried to paddle away from us. By the time we got to the end point, we were so glad to see land! Although it was exhausting, we would definitely go on another kayaking trip.
By Tan Teong Seng, age 10 Photos by Lisa Lim
Our First Kayaking Adventure at Mandai
Mangroves
Paddling was a tiring affair. By the time we got to the end point next to Kranji Reservoir, we were so glad to see land!
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The Aseanarean Expedition Series (AES) project was initiated in the mid 1990s by its three co-founders:
President of Raffles Marina (since 1994) Francis Lee Choon Hui, Professor of Marine Biology in NUS Dr Chou Loke Ming, and British writer and editor Patricia Seward. Patricia has lived, worked and travelled in Southeast Asia extensively, and is also the principal author of ‘Marine Parks of Thailand’, the first book published by AES.
AES was conceived and implemented as a non-profit and voluntary marine conservation project. Its main aim is to promote the uniqueness of Aseanarean, a word coined by Francis Lee to describe the marine areas of Southeast Asian countries. In the last 18 years, the three AES founders have researched the marine parks of Aseanarean, and published materials, including two books, to promote marine conservation there. They were also the books’ principal project leaders and authors.
AES’ first book, the ‘Marine Parks of Thailand (MPOT)’, is currently out of print. Proceeds of the sale of M P O T f r o m its co-authors’ royalties were donated entirely to Thai Marine Conser va t ion p ro j e c t s . The s e c o n d b o o k in the ser i e s , ‘Mar ine Parks o f I n d o n e s i a ( M P O I ) ’ , w a s recent ly se l f -published. It will be officially launched on 27 September 2013. Likewise, the co-authors will waive their royalties. Proceeds of the sale of MPOI, after distribution costs and administrative cost to NSS, will be donated entirely to yet-to-be selected Indonesian marine conservation projects.
The AES founders have offered to integrate AES with the Marine Conservation Group (MCG) in NSS. MCG is dedicated to marine conservation, and had supported the MPOI expedition. Key MCG members were volunteers in the expedition and were also active participants in the International Year of the Reef in 2008. NSS was chosen as it has a reputation as the leading non-profit conservation NGO in Singapore, is a registered charity, and is gazetted as an Institution of Public Character.
AES will donate all its collaterals, intellectual property
and accounts, free of lien, liability or encumbrances, and Goodwill to NSS to achieve the original objectives of AES. NSS has agreed to accept the offer. The Society undertakes to be responsible, to hold the donated assets, and endeavour to continue with achieving the objectives of AES as an integral part of its own mission and mandate.
NSS will acknowledge Francis Lee, Dr Chou Loke Ming and Patricia Seward as the co-founders of AES and name them as honorary advisors of the MCG. The Society will depict this merger in a manner that is appropriate and mutually agreed in its publications. The AES founders will in turn endeavour to play an active and supporting role for as long as they are able. In particular, they will continue to support the promotion and distribution of the MPOI book and the realisation of the various objectives of AES.
NSS is bound by constitution such that the final decisions on the disbursement of the funds and assets donated to MCG will be made by the Executive
Committee.
As Professor Tommy Koh is the honorary patron of both NSS and AES, it is appropriate and a great honour to have him officiate as witness and participate in the celebration of the Official Integration o f t he Aseana rean Exped i t ions Ser ie s Project into the Marine
Conservation Group of Nature Society (Singapore), as well as the Official Launch of the ‘Marine Parks of Indonesia’ book on 27 September 2013 at Raffles Marina. The Executive Committee and Council of NSS, together with the co-founders of AES, warmly invite all members to celebrate with us.G u e s t - o f -Honour:
Prof Tommy Koh, Ambassador-At-Large, Patron of NSS and AES
Date: 27 September 2013, FridayTime: 4 pm to 6 pm (High tea will be served)Venue: Raffles Marina, 10 Tuas West Drive,
S638404Programme: To be announcedDress Code: Smart Casual/Nautical
Kindly RSVP by 15 September 2013 to [email protected] or call Kerry at Tel: 6741-2036.
By Dr Hsu Chia Chi, Chairperson of Marine Conservation Group
Invitation to Witness the Official Integration of AES into NSS’ Marine Conservation Group
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NATURE NEWS SEP-OCT 2013
The Green Community in Singapore is not easily defined. It is made up of various interest groups, from land and marine nature conservation, to the ‘brown’ interests of waste, water and energy management, to pet lovers, to proponents of sustainable food, urban farming and vegetarianism. Getting together to discuss issues of common passion, interests and concerns is thus no mean feat. However, with the support of the ‘Our Singapore’ Programme Office in the Public Service Division, Prime Minister’s Office, close to 80 people representing such diverse interests participated in the first such gathering of like-minded individuals.
Previous Our SG Conversation discussions had little or no mention of ‘green’ concerns. In general, there is little awareness on the range of environmental concerns that should be in the consciousness of not just the average Singaporean, but more importantly, in the consciousness of policy makers. More than ever, there is an urgent need to make our voices heard.
Our paradigm is simple – well-being goes beyond GDP growth. It goes beyond fulfilling careers, emotional security, equitable distribution of wealth, affordable housing, healthcare and education.
It is about understanding, appreciating and including the intangible values of all non-human sentient beings and nature spaces. It is about being conscious of the impact of our every action, on something bigger than ourselves.
This conversation therefore sets out to discuss and show that environmental concerns are important for the reasons below:
• Environment as Biodiversity Centre• Environment as Free Eco Services Provider• Environment as Values-based Educator • Environment as Healer and for Wellness • Environment as Identity, Esteem, and Sense of Place and Home • Environment as National Pride
All these reasons are reflected and elaborated in the views of participants, under the broad headings of ‘Heart’, ‘Engagement’ and ‘Policies’. The full report can be downloaded as a PDF at http://www.greenfuture.sg/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2013/08/Our-SG-Conversation-for-the-Green-Community.pdf. Selected Participants’ Quotes in relation to NatureHEART About values, nature, animals, and society“The general population is disconnected to themselves, other people and nature at large. Hope to see people become less concerned on the material value of things.” “Volunteered as a nature guide for young children where I was overwhelmed by the children's enthusiasm with nature, inspiring me to learn more about plants and animals.”“Connecting with nature, implementing recycling habits and having a more sustainable lifestyle. Break away from our fast-paced lives and think more about the planet that we are living in.”“Development in harmony with nature. Understanding the environment. A community which is more compassionate and more contented. Conscious effort by everyone. Responsible behaviour without being told what to do. Society which does not over-consume. Nurturing and educating the young. Imparting the right values.”
ENGAGEMENT About engagement , commun ica t ions and collaboration for government, NGOs, businesses and the public“Need for greater knowledge dissemination on what is happening across the environmental front. Singaporeans need to know nature, not fear it, and understand the need for conservation from local and global contexts.”“Empowerment of NGOs to track environmental issues, and to work closely together to advise on environmental policies and actions from the government.”
POLICIES About government policies, improvements and
Our Singapore (SG) Conversation for the Green Community took place on 19 January 2013 at the Singapore Polytechnic. It was organised by Faizah Jamal, Nominated Member of Parliament (Environment and Heritage) People and Civic Sector and Eugene Tay, Director of Green Future Solutions, in collaboration with the Singapore Polytechnic Environment Club. A 56-page report has been produced, with the summary, selected participants’ quotes, and conclusion reproduced below.
Our Singapore Conversation for the Green Community
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NATURE NEWS SEP-OCT 2013
opportunities, and environmental challenges“Conservation planning is not in sync with current ecological research. There is a need to expand beyond current network of nature reserves, and consider the implementation of environmental impact assessments (EIA). Many developmental projects are pushed ahead without a proper EIA, even when there are potentially severe implications. EIA should be transparently pursued and made available to relevant agencies and institutions. EIAs are needed as a safety net for future environmental problems. Is the government afraid that EIAs may eventually become bureaucratic obstruction for current and future large-scale projects that can make a lot of money?”“Set up a Marine Nature Reserve, besides focusing on the rainforest only.”“We need to look into how we can incorporate awareness about nature and global issues and stakeholders into the school curriculum.”
Conclusion
For many reasons, Our SG Conversation for the Green Community is an important event. In fact, this first gathering of like-minded individuals is historic for not just the environmental civil society, but for civil society in general. This is because we envisage a Singapore where civil society is set to play a bigger role, particularly in the wake of growing awareness among ordinary Singaporeans who are determined to make their voices heard.
Civil society will continue to have a strong, empowering and affirming role to play in policy-
making in the Singapore of the future. To this end, we call for greater open, honest, transparent and inclusive engagement, discussions and collaboration with policy makers. This should be done in the spirit of our shared love for Singapore and the future of our children and our children’s children. It will build trust between policy makers and the government on one hand, and civil society and the general public on the other.
Beyond our own individual passion and organisation or interest that we represent, each and every one of the close to 80 people who gathered, call for a society based on compassion, graciousness, the ‘kampung spirit’, and for a life that goes beyond the material success that we are so used to hearing.
We went further. We call for such values to be evident not just between human beings, but also in our relationship with all sentient beings and with the natural world. We call for a move away from the anthropocentric and linear paradigm that has been, for far too long, the basis of our systems, from our education to our economic systems. We call for recognition and acknowledgment that as human beings, we need to realise that there is a limit to what we can achieve when we put human beings front and centre of all things, all the time.
Lastly, we call for recognition, acknowledgement and consciousness that the environment is not an interest group. Rather, it is the foundation of every aspect of our lives. Putting it very simply, if there is no environment, there is no economy.
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By Amy Tsang Photos by Amy Tsang, Lena Chow and Tea Yi Kai
NSS Kids’ Fun with Beautiful Butterflies at Upper Seletar
The forest n e x t
t o U p p e r S e l e t a r
Reservoir is known for its rich and diverse forest butterfly sightings, including uncommon species like the Green Imperial, the Bifid Plushblue, the Plane, Sumatran Gem, Little Maplet and more. Last year, Butterfly Interest Group (BIG) member Tea Yi Kai had a count of nearly 200 species in this area alone.
With the blessings of blues skies and bright sunshine, we had a great turnout of kids and their parents for our morning walk on 8 June 2013. Auntie Amy started by highlighting from the NSS Painted Wings poster the beautiful forest butterflies that we might encounter. She also gave a visual overview of butterflies and their world, including their main differences from moths and their interesting metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa and adult. Children even had the chance to examine up close live samples of a caterpillar and pupa of the Lime butterfly.
Once again, 10-year old Tan Teong Seng was the lead guide in this NSS Kids’ butterfly outing, with both Aunties Amy and Lena as assistants. Teong Seng first pointed out a number of Bush Brown species seen in the grasses fringing the forest. These included the Dingy Bush Brown (Mycalesis perseus cepheus) and the Smooth-eyed Bush Brown (Orsotriaena medus cinerea). We had good views of Chocolate Pansies (Junonia hedonia ida) and Common Grass Yellows (Eurema hecabe c o n t u b e r n a l i s ) f l i t t i n g a t l o w levels. A Common Palmfly (Elymnias hypermnestra agina) a n d C o m m o n Sailor (Neptis hylas papaja) were also seen.
After skirting the forest fringe, we moved expectantly into the forest proper. At one spot, Teong Seng’s sharp eyes picked out an incredible 10 Common Fauns (Faunis canens arcesilas) and a number of Archdukes (Lexias pardalis dirteana) feeding
on rotting fruits! Kids could see for themselves how well camouflaged the Common Fauns were against the carpet of dead leaves. Teong Seng next found a Common Lascar (Pantoporia hordonia hordonia) in the same area. Unfortunately, this lovely orange-and-black butterfly did not stay long enough for a photo shoot. Walking on, there were sightings of two types of Posies – the Common Posy (Drupadia ravindra moorei) and Pygmy Posy (Drupadia rufotaenia rufotaenia). The latter is considered rare and caused excitement even amongst the seasoned butterfly watchers.
We also encountered other wildlife. Teong Seng pointed out an unusual treehopper that had fascinating ‘decorations’ on its back resembling a spider’s web, as well as a delicate damselfly, so slim and small that it is often missed. Auntie Gloria found a froglet suspended in the clear forest streams.
The trip highlight came right at the very end, when we paused at a sheltered pavilion for dr inks and snacks. A friendly M a g p i e C ro w (Euploea radamanthus radamanthus) kept weaving in and out of the shelter for more than 30 minutes, landing on our sweaty arms, legs, footwear and even bags for a salty mineral sip. Kids and adults alike were thrilled. Everybody tried to attract the Magpie Crow to land on them, by standing still and stretching out their arms. Of course kids could not help laughing and jumping around excitedly. We were all reluctant to leave. “I am delighted that the walk has ended on such a high note. I hope that more people will become interested in butterflies and their
conservation,” said Teong Seng.
Kids were vying to get a friendly Magpie Crow to l a n d o n t h e m , by holding out their arms and standing still.
