1. pets
2. birds

NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
NEWSLETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE)
Nov-Dec 2014
MCI (P) 027/08/2013
ISSN: 2010-4308
ACTIVITY CALENDAR
CONTENTS
Pg
Nov 22
Activities
Summary of the NSS Position
Paper on Pulau Ubin
Nov 23
Report on the 29th Annual Bird Census 6
Birdwatching at Bidadari
Nov 23
Southern Ridges Ramble II
Nov 29
From the President's Diary
M a r i n e Tr a s h E n d a n g e r
Horseshoe Crabs at Mandai
Mudflats
Death in the City –
Understanding Migratory Bird
Collisions in Singapore
Iain Ewing’s Passing
Fun at the NEWater Visitor
Centre
Announcement
NSS Directory
Talk on Birding in Sichuan, Qinghai & Lombok
Birdwatching at the Green Corridor: Rifle Range to
Tanglin Halt
NSS Kids’ Fun with Forest Giants
Nov 20
Birdwatching at Singapore Botanic Gardens
Dec 6
Talk: Clown-faced Monkey of Vietnam
Dec 19
Festive Coastal Cleanup
Dec 20
Trips Led by NSS Members
6D/5N Lombok & Komodo
Dec 16 to 21
Ramblers’ Year-end Get-together at Tanjung Sutera, Johor
Dec 20 to 21
NSS Position
Paper on
Pulau Ubin
Pg 4
All Purpose Form
Study on
Migratory Bird
Collisions
Pg 9
Stop Press
NSS achieved a quorum for the EGM held on
26 October 2014. The proposed resolution to
extend the term of our Honorary Treasurer
from one to three years was passed. We
thank all who attended.
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
Activities
Thursday
Thursday
20
November
20
MacRitchie Reservoir boast huge buttress roots, trunks
with amazing girths and heights, topped by a canopy that
looks like fresh broccoli. 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 they need
to loan binoculars (FOC) 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.
Talk on Birding in Sichuan, Qinghai & Lombok
Sichuan and Qinghai are two premier birding destinations in
China. Sichuan boasts several endemics, while Qinghai lake
on the Tibetan Plateau is China’s largest inland saltwater
lake with over 200 bird species recorded. Lim Kim Keang
will share his experiences and photos from birding trips
there. If time permits, Alan Owyong will also give a short
talk on birding at Lombok. He will reveal the best timings
for the Elegant Pitta and the Rinjani Scops Owl. Meet at the
NSS Office at 8 pm. Open to the public.
Saturday
Saturday
22
22
Sunday
Sunday
23
Birdwatching at the Green Corridor: Rifle Range
to Tanglin Halt
It is almost two and a half years since the trains have
stopped running. The former railway track is getting
wilder. Let us check out the birds along the Green
Corridor. We will start our walk at the Railway Bridge at
the junction of Dunearn and Rifle Range roads. We will
then stroll southwards along the Green Corridor to the
Tanglin Halt area. The end point is near Commonwealth
MRT station. The route is about 5 km. Depending on
what we encounter along the way, it may take up to 3
hours. Besides local garden and grassland birds, we may
also find migrants. Note that this is intended to be a
one-way trip and we will not return to the starting point.
Meet Wing Chong ([email protected] / HP: 92272020) at 7.30 am at the junction of Dunearn and Rifle
Range roads. For those taking public transport, buses
from the West and North include: 66, 67, 74, 77, 151,
154, 170, 174, 852, 961 and 970. Alight at bus stop 42059
after Rifle Range Road. Buses from the City include: 66,
67, 74, 77, 151, 154, 170, 174, 852, 961 and 970. Alight
at bus stop 42051 at The Sterling. Maximum number of
participants: 30. Please register at the NSS website by 12
November. Open to the public.
Sunday
Sunday
23
Birdwatching at Bidadari
The former Bidadari Muslim Cemetery has been one
of the top sites in Singapore to spot avian migrants and
visitors in recent years. Notable sightings include the
Blue-winged Pitta, Black-backed and Ruddy Kingfishers,
Crow-billed Drongo, as well as various cuckoos and
flycatchers. Development work will be starting soon,
so this is likely our last guided walk at Bidadari. Join
Lee Ee Ling ([email protected] / HP: 9693-5870)
in exploring this peaceful haven for birds. Meet at 7.30
am by the Woodleigh MRT station (Entrance C), at the
junction of Upper Serangoon and Upper Aljunied roads.
Members only.
Saturday
Saturday
29
29
Southern Ridges Ramble II
Led by P Pandian, this ramble at the Southern Ridges
will see us take the less trodden trails from Kent Ridge
Park to Mt Faber Park. From the highest points of these
two parks, we will be able to enjoy views of green
canopies, the harbour and the Southern Islands. A visit
to 'The Bukit Chandu Reflections' museum at Opium
HiIl is also in the itinerary. The walk will end at Keppel
Hill Reservoir and the Japanese Tomb. Bring along your
IC for museum entry, sunblock, rainwear, water, snacks,
camera and a pair of binoculars. Meet at 7.30 am in
South Buona Vista Road, at the entrance to the National
Community Leadership Institute (NACLI). Bus number
200 can take you there. Members only.
23
NSS Kids’ Fun with Forest Giants
We are re-running this activity as it was cancelled on
12 October 2014 due to bad weather. Join the Plant
Group in this walk and share its passion for Singapore’s
forest giants. Easily over a hundred years old, the trees at
Activities
Saturday
Saturday
6
23
December
6
take an early morning stroll through one of the
best botanical gardens in the region. Many species
of birds call this park home. There is a chance
of spotting colourful species like the Long-tailed
Parakeet, Crimson Sunbird, Banded Woodpecker,
Common Iora, Pink-necked Green Pigeon and
Birdwatching at Singapore Botanic Gardens
Meet Wong Chung Cheong at the Visitor Centre
(junction of Evans and Nassim roads) of the
Singapore Botanic Gardens at 7.30 am. We will
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
Saturday
Saturday
20 20
Stork-billed Kingfisher. We may also get to see
some migrants. Members only.
Friday
Friday
19
Festive Coastal Cleanup
Join us this festive season of giving as we clean up
the Mandai Mudflats to benefit wildlife. This stretch
of coastline is a key habitat for horseshoe crabs
and an important feeding site for wading birds.
Help us make a difference and ensure that our
wildlife continue to have the proper environment
to thrive. To participate in this meaningful
experience, please register with Kerry Pereira
([email protected]) or at the NSS website stating
your full name, email and contact number. Details
will be emailed to all participants. Time: 2.30 pm to
5 pm. Open to the public.
19
Talk: Clown-faced Monkey of Vietnam
The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus
avunculus) is critically endangered. It is amongst the
top 25 most endangered primates in the world.
Found only in northern Vietnam, there are just 250
individuals left. Information on its genetic variability
is essential to assess population viability and
evaluate conservation management. Join Andie Ang
in an hour long talk to learn about the life history,
ecology, genetic variability and conservation of this
clown-faced primate of Vietnam. Meet at 7 pm at
the NSS office. Open to the public.
Trips Led by NSS Members
These private trips are the initiative of NSS members who wish to travel to nature locations with other
NSS members or like-minded people. Arrangements are made through a travel agency.
6D/5N Lombok & Komodo
Dates:
Cost:
Minimum: 4 pax (subject to flight availability)
Closing Date: 20 November 2014
16 to 21 December 2014
$1200 per pax (member) and
$1300 per pax (non-member)
Jo i n K a t hy X u o n a m a r i n e c o n s e r v a t i o n
responsible holiday. Your participation will aid in
shark conservation by providing an alternative
income to shark fishermen. Activities include
a shark conservation boat trip, beach hopping,
snorkelling, a visit to Labuan Lombok harbour to
watch the building of traditional phinisi boats, a
visit to a fishermen village, guided exploration of
Komodo island, and native wildlife appreciation
including watching Komodo Dragons. A cleanup
will also be organised at reefs and beaches. Tour
fare includes accommodation (twin sharing),
entrance fee to Komodo island, canoes, all meals
and transport, as well as associated transfers. It
excludes travel insurance and shopping expenses.
For enquiries or to register, please email
[email protected]. For more information, please
see Kathy's article 'Reality Bites - A View to Lessen
the Kill' in Nature Watch Jan-Mar 2014. Open to
the public.
Ramblers’ Year-end Get-together at Tanjung Sutera, Johor
Dates: 20 to 21 December 2014
Cost: $228 per adult and $198 per child below 14 years old. Tour fare is inclusive of insurance, transport, all meals, accommodation, as well as entrance fees to the Crocodile Farm and Desaru Fruit Farm
Meeting Point: Newton Food Centre’s public car park at 7.30 am
Maximum: 35 pax
L
ed by P Pandian and Sutari Supari, the last Rambler
activity for the year is set in Northeast Johor.
Our itinerary includes a visit to Johor Lama Museum,
Crocodile Farm, seafood lunch at Telok Sengat, Desaru
Fruit Farm, as well as dinner and an overnight stay at
Tanjung Sutera Resort. The Ramblers Committee will
present a video recap of The Ramblers' activities in
2014. A night kampong walk and stargazing are also
planned. We will get to savour the best coffee in Johor
at Sedeli Besar town. The next day, there will be a
coastal walk along a scenic rocky shore, and a swim in
the South China Sea at Tamala beach. After lunch at the
resort, we will depart for Singapore. If time permits, we
will even stop for a two-hour shopping trip to JUSCO
Shopping Centre in Tebrau, Johor Bahru. For enquiries
or to register, please email Sutari Supari at sutari@
gmail.com. Members only.
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
Summary of the NSS Position Paper
on Pulau Ubin
By Dr Ho Hua Chew, Conservation Committee Vice Chairperson
Photos by Lim Kim Chuah
Map 1: NParks’ map on Pulau Ubin, excluding
most of the Outward Bound School’s territory.
SS has been advocating for the conservation
N
of Pulau Ubin since 1992 when the Bird
Group conducted its first survey of Ubin’s birdlife.
forest inclusive of abandoned rubber estates and
orchards. In addition, Ubin’s other wildlife habitats
include a mosaic of mangroves and tidal mudflats,
scrubland, grassland, freshwater ponds as well
as Chek Jawa's rocky shoreline, coastal forest,
seagrass beds, sandbar and coral rubble. Since the
phasing out of farming except aquaculture, Ubin's
wildlife habitats have matured and attracted a
greater variety and density of wildlife.
i) Plants: Ubin has 712 native plant species with
five new records for Singapore. Fourteen
species have been rediscovered and 236 species
are listed as Critically Endangered (CR). Plants
found only on Ubin:
T h re e C R s p e c i e s
– Jamba Neuwieldia
veratrifolia, Robiqueta
A conser vation proposal was subsequently
submitted to National Parks recommending that
Ubin “be left as it is to cater to the increasing need
for nature appreciation, outdoor recreation and
adventure.” It resulted in Ubin being designated
in 1993 as a Nature Area in the Singapore Green
Plan. In addition, the shelving of the development
of Chek Jawa due to strong protests by NSS,
other NGOs and members of the public was a
praiseworthy government decision.
More recently, the updated URA Master Plan
for 2013 indicates that up to 2030, there will be
no HDB housing or industrial development on
the island, and plans for a MRT line to Ubin and
Pulau Tekong have been abandoned. The island
remains officially a Nature Area, defined as an area
recognised for its rich biodiversity but is subject
to development if the need arises. The initiation
of the recent ‘Ubin Conversation’ by Minister of
State for National Development Mr Desmond Lee
bodes well for Ubin’s future. It seeks to involve
NGOs and other stakeholders in highlighting
Ubin’s rich biodiversity and in enhancing interest in
its rural character.
Richness & Highlights of Ubin’s Biodiversity
As a response to the ‘Ubin Conversation’, NSS
believes that it is time for Ubin to be designated
as a full-fledged Nature Reserve, according it the
highest level of conservation protection. Ubin has
the largest intact portion of Singapore’s mangroves
covering 149 ha, as well as 800 ha of secondary
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
spathulata and Pterospermum diversifolium.
ii) Mammals: Ubin has 30 native mammal species.
It is an important conservation site for seven
species. This includes one new record, the Ashy
Roundleaf Bat Hipposideros cineraceus (2014)
and one rediscovery, the Greater Mousedeer
Tragulus napu. Ubin is the stronghold for the
Greater Mousedeer. The CR Dugong Dugong
dugon has been mainly recorded in the seas off
Ubin, and also off Tekong and Changi. Mammals
found only on Ubin and Tekong: Two CR species
– Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinerea and Lesser
False Vampire Megaderma spasma.
iii)Birds: Ubin boasts 215 recorded bird species,
both native and migratory, constituting 57%
of Singapore’s total (376 species). It is an
important conservation site for over 20 birds,
including one new record for Singapore, the
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica (2007).
In fact, Ubin has become a stronghold for
owls including the Barred Eagle Owl Bubo
sumatranus, Brown Wood Owl, Buffy Fish Owl
Ketupa ketupu, Brown Hawk Owl Ninox scutulata,
Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia, Collared Scops
Owl Otus lempiji and Spotted Wood Owl Strix
seloputo. Ubin also hosts substantial populations
of nationally threatened species such as the
Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris,
Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus, Red
Junglefowl Gallus gallus and Mangrove Pitta Pitta
megarhyncha. Birds found only on Ubin: Brown
Wood Owl.
iv)Reptiles & Amphibians: Ubin has 40
reptiles and 7 amphibians. It is an important
conservation site for five reptile species
including the Olive Tree Skink Dasia olivacea
and White-bellied Blind Snake Typhlops muelleri.
Reptiles found only on Ubin: White-bellied Blind
Snake.
v) Butterflies: There are 176 butterfly species
recorded. Ubin is an important conservation
site for over 15 butterfly species, including 8
new records for Singapore. Butterflies found
only on Ubin: Indian Nawab Polura jalysus,
Common Jay Graphium doson evemonides, and
Dwarf Crow Euploea tulliolus ledereri.
Ubin as an Important Stepping Stone for
Wildlife Dispersal
Ubin serves as a major stepping stone for wildlife
to disperse from the Malay Peninsula, across the
Straits of Johore, to the main island of Singapore.
Dispersal is probably accelerated by the ongoing
rampant development and widespread destruction
of natural forests in Johore. The supreme role
of Ubin as a source conduit for wildlife revival,
regeneration and enhancement of Singapore’s
mainland biodiversity must be carefully nurtured
and protected. Examples are given below.
At one time regarded as extinct in Singapore,
the Wild Pig (Sus scrofa) has been making a
significant comeback in Ubin, Tekong and mainland
Singapore. Likewise, sightings of Smooth Otters
(Lutrogale perspicillata) have increased over the last
few decades, especially in Ubin and Sungei Buloh.
Prior to the 1990s, all hornbill species including
the Oriental Pied were extinct in Singapore. The
earliest sighting record of the Oriental Pied
Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) was in March
1994 followed by the first breeding record in
1997. This hornbill likely reached Singapore from
the forested areas on the east coast of Johore
by hopping over from Ubin. Its population has
since increased rapidly. Similarly, the threatened
Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus)
was at one time common in its distribution range.
Because of poaching and habitat destruction, it
is now probably extinct in Myanmar, Thailand
and Java. In Singapore, it was once rare on Ubin
and the mainland, but its population has since
increased in the last two decades. Ubin can now
be globally regarded as an important stronghold
for this bulbul. Both the Barred Eagle Owl
(Bubo sumatranus) and Brown Wood Owl (Strix
leptogrammica) were first recorded in Ubin in 2009
and 2007 respectively. There was even a nesting
record for the Brown Wood Owl in 2010.
Recommendations for the Enhancement of
Wildlife Habitats
Please refer to Map 1 for the locations of the
habitats named here. The abandoned rubber
and durian estates should be allowed to
become wild forests to provide extra habitat.
Wildlife such as woodpeckers, bulbuls, junglefowls,
hornbills and Greater Mousedeers have ventured
into these areas for foraging and cover. There
is a manifestation of acute coastal erosion
along the northern shoreline at Noordin Beach.
The sea channel here has seen increased usage
by ships plying to and from the Malaysian port
of Pasir Gudang. It is urgent that containment
measures such as break-walls be constructed to
calm the waves that are eating into Noordin’s
mangroves and beaches. Sungei Besar’s and
other unutilised aquaculture ponds should
be allowed to regenerate back to their original
mangroves and tidal mudlflats. This will create a
green corridor linking mangrove wildlife from the
east to the west of Ubin. Canoeing into Sungei
Besar should be controlled in terms of numbers
and frequency to hasten its restoration.
Pekan Quarry Lake used to have a rare nesting
colony of nationally vulnerable Grey Herons.
However, nesting is no longer evident, although
the herons still gather in good numbers to
roost. There are sightings of a pair of critically
endangered Little Grebes at the Balai Quarry
Lake. The only other site where the Little Grebe
appears and nests regularly is at Lorong Halus.
To promote the nesting of the heron and grebe,
rock-climbing should be disallowed at both Pekan
and Balai. However, unobtrusive viewing galleries
can be constructed at the existing viewpoints. We
also recommend that the extensive grassland
habitat at the southern part of Ketam Quarry be
maintained to host wildlife adapted to a grassland
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
birds and butterflies is as follows: JettyYSensory
Garden TrailYSungei UbinYJalan UbinYformer
h e a d m a n ’s h o u s e Y J a l a n B a t u U b i n Y J a l a n
Noordin Y Jalan Jelutong Y the village. The old
fish ponds near the village are now covered with
lotuses and water lilies attractive to dragonflies.
A simple walkway can be built across and around
these ponds to allow close-up appreciation of
these dragonflies and other aquatic life forms; v)
On Introducing Wildlife for Excitement (as
suggested by a well-known zoo expert): There is
no need to do this as the existing flora and fauna is
already rich, fascinating and easily visible, especially
with an experienced guide.
Concluding Remarks
As more people visit Ubin, the current lack of
clear demarcation between recreational zones
and important nature areas will adversely impact
upon Ubin’s natural habitats and rich biodiversity,
especially the many rare and endangered species
found here. This predicament is exacerbated by the
fact that various portions of Ubin are under the
jurisdiction of organisations such as the Outward
Bound School (OBS), National Police Cadet Corp
(NPCC), Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority
(AVA) etc. We urge that there should be a review
by an independent committee of experts and
stakeholders concerning Ubin’s land use status. We
recommend that areas rich in biodiversity, inclusive
of the OBS territory, be integrated into one
ecologically-oriented management and elevated
into a Nature Reserve managed by NParks. This
will put it on par with the other four existing
Nature Reserves.
The NSS Position Paper on Pulau Ubin was submitted to
MND, URA and NParks on 27 October 2014.To read the
full position paper, please locate it on the NSS website.
environment. Parts of this grassland should be
regularly trimmed to varying heights to provide a
diversity of grassy terrain to cater to wildlife such
as the Lesser Coucal, various species of Munias,
Baya Weaver, King Quail, Barred Buttonquail and
Red-wattled Lapwing.
Recommendations for the Enhancement of
Cultural & Outdoor Recreation
Ubin is the last of the old Singapore countryside
that remains largely intact from all the modernising
development that has come to pass on the
main island. NParks has done an excellent job
in managing it. To enhance its rural charm, we
recommend the following measures: i) Capping
Vehicular Traffic: In many recreational islands in
other countries, motorised vehicles are completely
banned except for in-house service vehicles.
Visitors are encouraged to walk or cycle. Those
unable to do so (eg. old, young and handicapped)
can use electric-powered carts and similar nonpolluting vehicles. NSS recommends this move; ii)
New Structures and Buildings: There may be a
need to build viewing platforms, huts, rain shelters,
chalets etc. In keeping with the old-world charm
of the island, modern architectural styles such as
those with a lot of glass should be avoided. Instead,
natural or natural-looking materials should be used
to harmonise with the rural surroundings; iii) Mass
Activities involving crowds such as in marathons,
cycling and canoeing races, as well as in music
festivals should be completely disallowed. Instead,
traditional get-togethers and festivities such as
Chinese wayang during the ghost month, art
shows, exhibitions, flea-markets etc, can be allowed
but should be restricted to the village; iv) Nature
Walks: Regular nature walks by volunteers can
be catered for first-time visitors. An excellent
introductory route that showcases Ubin’s star
Report on the 29th Annual Bird Census
By Lim Kim Seng
he 29 Annual Bird Census was conducted
T
by the Bird Group on 23 March 2014. The
weather was dr y and the count proceeded
th
the 24-year mean of 8,683 birds and 150 species,
based on census data between 1991 and 2014.
Trends for both abundance and diversity showed
declines, especially in the former category.
smoothly for the most part in the 24 sites counted.
The number of observation sites
was just one less than that in 2013,
but six less than 2012’s figure. Due
to a lack of observers, some sites
were unfortunately left out. In all,
only 39 people participated in this
year’s census, a big drop from the
54 participants in 2013.
For 2014, we saw a decline in both
number of species and number of
birds recorded. We had just 6,517
birds from 148 species, versus
7,478 birds from 152 species in
2013. These figures were below
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
The sites with the highest bird diversity were
Kranji Marsh with 58 species, followed by Poyan (54
species) and Ubin Cental (53 species). However,
these results pale in comparison with last year’s
top site of Lorong Halus which returned 68
species. The lowest bird diversity were recorded in
Mount Faber (22 species), Bukit Batok Nature Park
(25 species) and Sembawang Park (28 species).
In terms of abundance, the top sites with the
highest numbers came from the waterbird haven
of Sungei Mandai with 876 birds, followed by
Singapore Botanic Gardens (509 birds) and Kranji
Marsh (478 birds). The poorest sites with the
lowest counts came from Bukit Batok Nature Park
with 113 birds, followed by Telok Blangah Hill Park
(115 birds) and Sime Track (118 birds).
Surprisingly, the most abundant bird counted this
year was not the Javan Myna but the Asian Glossy
Starling with 661 birds recorded. The Javan Myna
fell to second place with 660 birds, followed by
the Common Redshank which climbed 16 places
to hit 391 birds. Fourth and fifth positions went to
perennial top five birds: the Yellow-vented Bulbul
(371 birds) and Pink-necked Green Pigeon (276
birds). Making up the rest of the top ten most
abundant birds were the Common Pigeon (254
birds), Pacific Golden Plover (233 birds), Blacknaped Oriole (197 birds), Little Egret (153 birds)
and Common Iora (150 birds).
Table 2:Top 20 Birds of Annual Bird Census 2014
(Migrants are denoted in bold text)
SPECIES
1
ASIAN GLOSSY
STARLING
661
779
2
2
JAVAN MYNA
660
989
1
3
COMMON
REDSHANK
391
86
19
371
358
4
276
415
3
254
100
17
233
271
6
197
229
8
153
185
9
150
167
10
138
163
11
135
334
5
132
119
13
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
YELLOWVENTED
BULBUL
PINK-NECKED
GREEN PIGEON
COMMON
PIGEON
PACIFIC
GOLDEN
PLOVER
BLACK-NAPED
ORIOLE
LITTLE
EGRET
COMMON
IORA
SPOTTED
DOVE
WHIMBREL
COLLARED
KINGFISHER
15
16
17
18
19
20
PACIFIC
SWALLOW
LONG-TAILED
PARAKEET
PIN-STRIPED
TIT-BABBLER
OLIVE-BACKED
SUNBIRD
GREY HERON
WHITEBREASTED
WATERHEN
DARK-NECKED
TAILORBIRD
128
102
16
119
72
25
113
111
15
110
116
14
102
147
12
82
75
22
75
78
21
Of the 148 species counted, 117 species were
resident (79%), 30 species were migrant (20%),
and just one species was a non-breeding visitor. Of
the 56 nationally threatened species in Singapore,
23 species or 41% were recorded in this census.
The most frequently encountered (abundant)
nationally threatened species was the Grey Heron.
It achieved 18th position with 102 birds counted
nationwide (see Table 2).
The only globally threatened species recorded in
this census was the Straw-headed Bulbul. Some 54
individuals were counted in 10 sites throughout
Singapore. This figure was below the 68 individuals
counted in 2013, and 65 individuals observed in
2012.
Noteworthy sightings included five Blue-rumped
Parrots recorded from Bukit Timah, Sime Track
and Nee Soon; Grey-tailed Tattler (Sungei Buloh);
Crested Serpent Eagle (Ubin Central, Malcolm
Park); Crested Goshawk (Ubin Central); Greatbilled Heron (Sungei Buloh); Blue-winged Pitta
(Poyan); Mangrove Pitta (Ubin Central); Mangrove
Whistler (Ubin Central); Black-browed Reedwarbler (Bishan Park); and Forest Wagtail (Nee
Soon).
A note of concern was that only two House Swifts
were counted nation-wide as compared to 617
swiftlets. The decline of the former has been noted
in recent years. But now, it appears that the House
Swift is in real trouble. A study of why this bird is
declining may be needed fast.
Last but not least, we would like to thank the
following observers who made the census possible:
Ali Jafaar, Joseph Jachin Beh, Andrew Chow,
Geoffrey Davison, Horst Flotow, Willie Foo, Gerard
Francis, Margie Hall, Jane Heppell, Terry Heppell,
Ho Hua Chew, Kenneth Kee, Nessie Khoo, Klenn
Koh, Danny Lau, Lee Bee Yong, Lee Ee Ling, Jimmy
Lee, Lim Kim Chuah, Lim Kim Keang, Lim Kim
Seng, Ng Chay Tuan, Melissa Ong, Randal Ong, Alan
Owyong, Mick Price, Rehan Yusoff, Jane Rogers,
Soh Lay Bee, John Spencer, Sutari Supari, Tan Kok
Hui, Tang Peck Chan, KP Teh, Wee Sau Cheng, Wing
Chong, Yan Jiejun, Yang Pah Liang and Yong Yik Shih.
We hope to see familiar as well as new faces for
next year’s count!
2014
2013
2013
TOTALS TOTALS RANKING
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
Marine Trash Endanger Horseshoe
Crabs at Mandai Mudflats
By Goh Si Guim
M
an-made
w a s t e
continues to
post a major
problem to the
environment and directly threaten our wildlife.
Through the combined efforts of some 80 individuals
from several organisations that had come forward
to lend their support to NSS, we spent two hours
on 27 September 2014 trudging through the Mandai
Mudflats to pick up marine debris and trash. This
effort was part of the International Coastal Cleanup
Singapore 2014 (ICCS), an island-wide exercise to
spruce up Singapore’s shoreline.
The mudflats at Mandai are home to the Mangrove
Horseshoe Crabs (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda).
Unfortunately, the muddy substrate in the intertidal
area tends to trap flotsam washed up by the tides.
Such man-made waste had been indiscriminately
disposed of. They can come from anywhere,
including sea-going vessels as well as local and
transboundary sources.
In two hours, we removed some 674 kg of waste,
a colossal amount considering that it came from
an area just half the size of a football field. Besides
NSS volunteers, other affiliate helpers included
26 staff and students from Republic Polytechnic, a
20-strong contingent from Watlow Singapore, 10
members of Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Environmental
Rangers, 8 participants from Kulicke & Soffa, as well
as 4 members of the Duke Club. Watlow Singapore
generously donated $1,500 in support of the
Society’s nature conservation work.
As darkness set
in, some of our
volunteers found
an abandoned
fishing net
with trapped
horseshoe crabs
enmeshed in it.
These precious
lives were
subsequently
cut free and
released back
to the mudflats. To wrap up a satisfying session,
our volunteers were treated to a delicious
outdoor appreciation dinner. This was also a great
opportunity to bond over food.
On a worldwide scale, Ocean Conservancy has been
coordinating the International Coastal Cleanup for
the past 28 years, growing it to become the largest
global volunteer effort on behalf of the ocean.
In 2013 alone, nearly 650,000 volunteers in 92
countries and locations picked up some 5.6 million
kg of trash from beaches and waterways.
This year, ICCS saw more than 3,500 volunteers
from 80 organisations including schools, corporate
groups and agencies, take to the beaches and
mangroves all over Singapore to collect, categorise
and remove trash. ICCS has been going strong for
22 years already. We hope that it will continue to
grow from strength to strength as more are drawn
to participate in this worthy cause of keeping our
coasts and oceans clean to protect marine life.
From the President's Diary...
NSS President Dr Shawn Lum has a busy schedule representing the Society in various events and meetings. To give
you an idea of his commitments on behalf of NSS, we reproduce below a few pages from his packed diary.
•16 October 2014 (ITE College West)
Moderating a panel discussion at the ITE EcoConference. Panelists include Dr Chris Sheppard
from TRAFFIC, Dr Sonja Luz from Wildlife Reserves
Singapore, and Mr Wong Tuan Wah from NParks.
•1 7 O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4 ( M a r i n a B a y S a n d s
Convention Centre)
A symposium organised by the Singapore Compact
for CSR. Participating in a panel discussion on CSR
partnerships moderated by Ms Jessica Cheam.
Fellow panelists include Dr Petrus Gunarso, Head of
Sustainability in APRIL, Mr Martin Davies of consulting
firm Hatfield, Mr Choo Chin Teck of Keppel Land,
and Mr Yuen Sai Kuan of the National Climate Change
Secretariat. See http://singaporecsrsummit.org/
programme-day-2/ for details.
•20 October 2014 (URA Centre)
Follow-up meeting on plans for Pulau Ubin. To base
discussions on NSS’ Position Paper for Pulau Ubin.
•20 October 2014 (PUB)
A briefing by PUB on upcoming infrastructure works
and the impact this might have on wayside vegetation.
•27 October 2014 (Kuala Lumpur)
A one-day briefing/workshop organised by Balu Perumal
and Yeap Chin Aik of MNS on the Forests of Hope
programme. Attending in my capacity as a member of
the BirdLife Asia Council and as a representative of
MNS' sister group within the BirdLife partnership.
•28 October 2014 (Singapore Botanic Gardens)
A meeting of NParks' Heritage Tree Panel.
•4 to 6 November 2014 (Bangkok)
A BirdLife Asia Partnership meeting in Bangkok.
•November 2014 (date to confirm)
Asked by URA to join a group that will discuss, in a
broad sense, plans for the Jurong Lake District.
8
NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
Death in the City – Understanding Migratory Bird
Collisions in Singapore
H
By Yong Ding Li & Alan Owyong
undreds of thousands of migratory birds
pass through urban areas on their way to
Southeast Asia to spend the winter each year.
Unfortunately, many of them, particularly pittas,
kingfishers, thrushes, cuckoos and bitterns, fail to
make it to their wintering destinations or return
to their breeding grounds. They are injured or
killed in collisions with artificial urban structures
such as lighted buildings and glass panels.
aspects of our urban landscape that may increase
the risks of collisions. From the findings, we hope
to make conservation recommendations that
can mitigate bird collisions and better conserve
migratory birds in Singapore.
If you find a dead or injured bird near your home,
workplace or in any public areas, we invite you
to submit details of your observations on our
online form at www.tinyurl.com/SGBirdCrash.
Any queries on this study can be directed to
Yong Ding Li at [email protected]. Birds
that are already dead should be deposited at the
National University of Singapore’s Avian Genetics
Lab (Contact David Tan at HP: 9176-8971). Your
contributions will go a long way in helping us
understand migratory bird collisions and how to
mitigate them.
Singapore’s office and residential buildings are
deadly obstacles for these migratory birds. NSS
regularly receives reports of injured or dead
birds from members of the public. Many of these
birds travel at night and rely on the stars for
their orientation. The many points of lights from
buildings are particularly disorienting and can lead
to collisions. Day-flying birds may also crash into
glass windows as they cannot differentiate the
reflections of green spaces from the real thing.
The Bird Group has just embarked on a fiveyear project to document these bird collisions
in order to understand them better. Our study
aims to: 1) Identify which species are most
vulnerable to collisions, 2) Determine if there
are any geographical patterns to these collisions
across Singapore, 3) Determine the timings when
collisions happen most frequently, and 4) Identify
The Blue-winged Pitta and Black Bittern are
two migratory species that are often involved in
collisions with urban structures.
Iain Ewing’s Passing
N
SS Advisory Council Member and long-time nature
lover Iain Ewing passed away on 12 October 2014
after a long struggle with cancer. He was 69 years old. He
leaves behind his son Tejas as well as a brother and two
sisters. Nature Society (Singapore) sends our condolences
to his family.
As CEO and Principal Trainer of Ewing Communications,
Iain used to travel 220 days a year around the world on
business and to observe birds and nature. He was a regular
contributor to Nature Watch, writing up on his wildlife
trips to far-flung places like Antarctica and Bolivia. He will
be sorely missed by the nature community.
Watch out for a full tribute to Iain in Nature Watch JanMar 2015 issue.
Iain Ewing in his element in
Antarctica, 2010.
9
NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
Fun at the
NEWater Visitor Centre
By Gloria Seow, Education Group Chairperson
F
or the
first
time ever,
t h e r e
were no
kids at this Education Group visit to Singapore's
National Water Agency PUB’s NEWater Visitor
Centre in Changi. Instead, adult NSS members
were treated to an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes
tour of Singapore’s water reclamation capabilities
on 19 July 2014.
A volunteer PUB guide took us through the
paces. She first explained that NEWater is highgrade reclaimed water produced from treated
used water and further purified using advanced
membrane technologies. We found ourselves
wandering around a cavernous exhibition area, full
of fancy features that fed us facts like how much
water an average person uses per day (152 litres)
as well as tips to reduce water consumption.
Dispensed advice included using the washing
machine only
on a full load,
collecting rinse
water from
washers for
flushing and
mopping, and
c u t t i n g o n e ’s
shower time by
one minute to
save nine litres
of blue gold.
The guide
then introduced us to the Deep Tunnel Sewerage
System (DTSS) that Singapore has constructed for
used water collection, treatment, reclamation and
disposal. It comprises 48 km of deep tunnel sewer,
up to 6 m in diameter and 50 m underground.
The DTSS currently runs from Kranji to Changi.
It intercepts the flows of existing gravity sewers
via link sewers, upstream of pumping installations.
The DTSS then channels the flows by gravity to
two water reclamation plants (WRPs) located in
the coastal areas of Kranji and Changi. At present,
NEWater meets up to 30% of Singapore’s water
needs. DTSS Phase 2 is currently in the works. It
will terminate at the future Tuas WRP, and by 2060
will increase NEWater supply three fold to meet
up to 55% of future water demand.
Finally, we came to the pièce de résistance of the
programme – a tour of the adjoining NEWater
factory. We walked along a two-storey high glass
tunnel constructed through part of the factory.
The tunnel held educational displays that made
reference to the factory proper. Not surprisingly,
the entire water reclamation operation was
automated. There was nobody on the ‘factory
floor’, only workers in a control room monitoring
the proceedings.
Nature’s water cycle has been recycling used
water since the beginning of time. Similarly, the
NEWater factory has interconnected pipes
ever ywhere, performing water reclamation
functions such as ultra-filtration, micro-filtration
and reverse osmosis (RO) of used water. In RO, a
semi-permeable membrane allows only miniscule
water molecules to pass through, trapping larger
unwanted particles such as bacteria, viruses, heavy
metals, salts and pesticides. UV disinfection of RO
water is then performed as an extra safeguard.
Finally, alkaline chemicals are added to obtain
the desired pH balance. The resulting NEWater
is purported to be ultra-clean and safe to drink,
having passed more than 110,000 scientific
tests and surpassed World Health Organisation
requirements.
NEWater is primarily for non-potable industrial
uses such as wafer fabrication, power generation
and air conditioning in commercial and institutional
buildings. This frees up potable water (ie. water
derived from reservoirs and piped from Malaysia
before undergoing treatment, or obtained via
desalination) for domestic consumption. During dry
periods, NEWater is added in tiny quantities to our
reservoirs and blended with raw water.This blended
water then goes through the usual waterworks
treatment before it becomes tap water.
Indeed, it was good to learn through this visit
that Singapore has a secure and sustainable water
supply that will meet both current and future
needs.
10
NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
Announcements
NSS DIRECTORY
Patron
PROF TOMMY KOH
President
DR SHAWN LUM – Office: 6790-3835
Vice-President
MR LEONG KWOK PENG – Mobile: 9766-7047
Honorary Treasurer
MR DAVID TEO
Honorary Assistant Treasurer
MR YIP YEW CHONG
Honorary Secretary
MS MARGIE HALL – Mobile: 9730-5562
Honorary Assistant Secretary
MR TAN HANG CHONG
Executive Committee Members
MR GOH SI GUIM, DR HO HUA CHEW, DR HSU CHIA CHI
Finance Advisory Group Members
MR LEE CHIU-SAN, MR TERRY HEPPELL, MR LIM CHIN KHENG
Immediate Past President
DR GEH MIN
Co-opted Council Members
PROF P N AVADHANI, MR GAN CHEONG WEEI,
MS FAIZAH JAMAL
Advisory Council Members
MR WARREN KHOO, PROF KOH KHENG LIAN, MR KWEK
LENG JOO, MR LIM JIM KHOON, MR LIU THAI KER, PROF
NG SOON CHYE, MR SIM WONG HOO, MR MASON TAN,
MR RICHARD HALE
BirdLife International Coordinator
MR LIM KIM KEANG
Environmental Law and Policy Coordinator/IUCN Coordinator
MR VINAYAGAN DHARMARAJAH
NSS Welcomes Tax-Exempt Donations
If you believe in the importance of nature appreciation
and conservation in Singapore, help us keep our work
going with a donation to NSS. All donations are taxexempt. Please make out your cheques to “Nature Society
(Singapore)”. For individual donors, do write your full name,
contact number and NRIC/FIN number at the back of your
cheque. Giving us your NRIC/FIN means that tax deduction
claims are automatically reflected in your tax assessment.
We look forward to your financial support!
Paperless Nature News
If you wish to opt-out from receiving hard copies of
Nature News to save trees, please inform Joe at joe@
nss.org.sg. Please state if you prefer: A) get your copy of
Nature News via an emailed PDF file (less than 5MB), or
B) download the same PDF file from the NSS website.
Wanted: Used Stamps for the NSS Stamp Fund
The Stamp Fund is boosted by members and friends
who collect and send us used postage stamps. These are
then sold to an overseas dealer once or twice a year.
Simply cut out the stamps from the envelope without
cutting into their edges. No need to soak the stamps off
the envelope paper. Keep sending your stamps to the
NSS office in an envelope marked "Stamp Fund"! Our
grateful thanks to all contributors. The NSS Stamp Fund
now stands at $20,289.06
NSS Nature Forum
The NSS Nature Forum, found at http://www.nss.org.
sg/forum/, is a virtual gathering place that serves to
facilitate discussions on a whole range of nature-related
topics. You can share photos and ideas, ask questions
and forge friendships with fellow nature lovers. The
forum is open to both members and non-members.
Register now for a free account!
New Members: Join us in our Special Interest
Group & Other Activities
All members are welcome to participate in any of
our listed activities. Most events do not require prior
registration. Simply turn up at the appointed time
and place, and you will be off to discover and learn
about Singapore’s natural offerings. Do not be nervous
about your lack of nature knowledge. Just let your trip
leader(s) know that you are new and he/she/they will
gladly guide you.
NSS Membership Benefits
Show your NSS membership card to enjoy discounts!
Please contact us if your business is interested in
offering NSS Membership Benefits.
1) Nature’s Niche
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COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
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Acting Chairperson MR LEONG KWOK PENG
Vice Chairperson DR HO HUA CHEW
Education Group
Chairperson MS GLORIA SEOW
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP CHAIRPERSONS
Bird Group
Chairperson MR WING CHONG
Secretary MR WILLIE FOO
Butterfly Interest Group
Chairperson MR ANUJ JAIN
Vice Chairperson MR GAN CHEONG WEEI
Jalan Hijau
Chairperson MR TAN HANG CHONG
Marine Conservation Group
Chairperson DR HSU CHIA CHI
Plant Group
Chairperson MR TONY O’DEMPSEY
The Nature Ramblers
Chairperson MR PARTHASARATHY PANDIAN
Vertebrate Study Group
Chairperson MS NG BEE CHOO
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* 10% discount at the online store www.naturesniche.com for nature books, gifts and
optics (eg. binoculars). Discount applies for self-collection only and not for postal orders.
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Contributions for Nature News
Please send in your contributions for the Jan/Feb 2015
issue by 5 December 2014. Email them to gloria_
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Tel: 6741 2036 Fax: 6741 0871 Email: [email protected]
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NATURE NEWS NOV-DEC 2014
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