https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/logo4.jpgWETlands
a publication of Sungei Buloh Nature Park


 

 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Pong Yen Ting reveals
the mystery that surrounds the web of the

St. Andrew's Cross Spider

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/741.jpgA cryptic name, a cryptic creature. First glance at the common name of this araneid spider of the genus Argiope, one may think: "Why St. Andrew's Cross?"

This is so because this particular spider likes to contort its 20mm (males: 5mm) frame to resemble a cross. It does not care for the gangly eight-legged look that most spiders sport. Rather, it prefers to pair its legs so that it appears to be aligned to the four distinguished arms of the Cross of St. Andrew's.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/615.jpgThe St. Andrew's soft spot for all things 'X' is further seen on the stabilimentum that takes pride of place at the centre of the 38-50mm wide web of the mature female. The mangrove specimen (Argiope mangal) usually spins two of these silken zig-zag bands named stabilimentum, while the inland counterparts like the Argiope versicolor, will spin four bands to form the shape of a cross. This extraordinary phenomenon of the 'X' has drawn a good amount of speculation as to its significance.

For many years, it was thought that the function of the zig-zag bands was to strengthen the web or to conceal the spider which often sits, head downward, at the centre of the stabilimentum. Some scientists in the United States established that the purpose of the stabilimentum is to advertise the presence of the web to birds. The birds will know to avoid the webs if they do not want to risk being entangled in the sticky silk. The spiders thus get to preserve their webs, which they will eat when worn out, as it is a precious source of protein supply for silk production.

However, recent research has uncovered a new explanation. The silk which makes up most of the web is a poor reflector of ultraviolet light, except the stabilimentum which reflects it very efficiently. In the same way flowers reflect ultraviolet light to attract pollinating insects, the stabilimentum is believed to attract insects to the web, by mimicking a flower.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/742g.jpgWe do not know for sure the reason for the zig-zag bands. Perhaps it just appeals to this little spider's aesthetic sense? Speaking of aesthetic, many will certainly appreciate the pretty webs of the juvenile St Andrew's Cross Spider. These light brown youngsters weave an exquisite disc of lace in the middle of their abodes. As they mature, they add a cross to the disc. When they finally attain adulthood, they only make the cross, or half a cross, in the case of the Argiope mangal.

The orb web of the St. Andrew's Cross spider may be good-looking but more importantly, it plays a major role in the spider's eventual survival. Firstly, with only a relatively small outlay of material, it forms a flexible, strong structure spanning a large area— the ideal trap for flying insects.

When an insect hits the web, the spider runs out, shrouds it in fine silk and bites it to death. Then, digestive juices are injected into the wrapped prey and the contents sucked out when the digestive process is complete (in a day or so). The careful geometrical arrangement of the capture threads and the spokes allows the spider to move around the web on the thread without becoming trapped.

The web is also a defensive tool for the spider. If disturbed, it can flip from one side of the web to the other with lightning swiftness, thus keeping the web between itself and the would-be attacker. Alternatively, it may shake the web vigorously until it becomes an indistinct blur. Apparently, the St Andrew's Cross Spider is not just literally cross in its physical appearance but can be rather cross in temperament too!

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Journal of a Nature Warden
Yellow-bellied Prinia
(Prinia flaviventris)

ramakrishnan nk
senior ranger

 

Once part of the agricultural farmland, Sungei Buloh Nature Park is transformed into a beautiful and mystical area. Melodious singing of birds and calling of insects can be heard from time to time. At the freshwater area, birds visiting and residing there include the Crake, Watercock, Bittern, Kingfisher, Heron and Egret who favour the water edges. Other birds that thrive on the abundant source of fruits, insects and grass seeds are the Munia, Baya Weaver, Bulbul, Shrike, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Cuckoo, Dove and the often difficult to spot Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris).

 

Description: Upper parts olive, slaty grey head, sometimes with a whitish brow in front of eye. Under parts: cream breast grading into bright yellow abdomen and under tail coverts; narrow long tail fringed with black and white. Distinguished from Tailorbird by its grey head.

No. of eggs laid: 2 to 3 reddish coloured eggs

Diet: Consists of insects.

Size of bird: 12 to 14cm

This small resident warbler stays within the long grass, hops from one grass stalk to another and frequently stands at the end of the tall stalks looking around or singing. It is also found at the back mangrove, roadside scrub and agricultural farmland. Usually heard singing with a distinctive and sudden "chip cheerere-up", it also gives out a low "waa" call that sounds like a kitten calling!

The characteristics of this bird are not easily observed because of its low flying habit. It was observed that the adults feed and move alone but during incubation and feeding of the young both parents remain together.

The Prinia's nest is built by weaving grass around few tall grass stalks to form a dome shaped nest with a side entrance. Predation of the eggs and nestlings by snakes and changeable lizards, heavy rains which cause the grass stalk supporting the nest to collapse do take a toll on the bird's breeding success.

Do keep a sharp lookout for this small warbler on your next visit to Sungei Buloh!

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Life in the Mangroves

text and drawings by
halilah ahmad
education officer


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/737g.jpgMangroves
Mangroves refer to the plant community that can be found in muddy shores of sheltered coasts and river estuaries.

Tree-climbing Crab
Episesarma sp.
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/724g.jpgThis burrowing crab is mainly herbivorous although it feeds on a wide variety of plant and animal matter, like most crabs. It can be seen sitting either on a tree trunk, a leaf or a structure during high tide, hence its name. For more about tree-climbing crabs.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/727g.jpgMudskipper
Depending on the species, mudskippers eat either animal or plant matter. The Giant Mudskipper (Periophthalmodon schlosseri) and Dusky-gilled Mudskipper (Periophthalmus novemradiatus) are carnivorous, feeding on small crabs, worms, insects, snails and even smaller mudskippers. The Blue-spotted Mudskipper (Boleophthalmus boddarti) is herbivorous, feeding on microscopic organisms, blue-green algae and fungal matter on the mud surface. For more about mudskippers.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/733g.jpgCommon Long-tongued Fruit Bat
Macroglossus minimus
A common bat in mangrove areas, it feeds on nectar and pollen especially from the Sonneratia sp. Pollen is collected on the bat's head and shoulders as it reaches into the flowers with its long brush-like tongue. This pollen is then transferred to the next flower it visits. This bat also consumes nectar from other flowers like the banana and jambu.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/723g.jpgSmooth Otter
Lutrogale perspicillata
The Smooth Otter uses its strong claws to catch fish, its most preferred food. It also feeds on crustaceans and molluscs. For more about the Smooth Otter at Sungei Buloh Nature Park.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/731g.jpgPeanut Worm
Phascolosoma arcuatum
It feeds on microscopic organisms in the mud by extending its proboscis-like structure from its deeply buried body.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/739g.jpgMangrove Ribbon Worm
Pantinonemertes sp.
It lives in Mud Lobster mounds and under the bark of rotten wood or tree trunks.


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/734g.jpgDark-necked Tailorbird
Orthotomus atrogularis
Using spider silk and fine grass, this bird sews leaves together for its nest, hence its name. Tailorbirds feed on a wide variety of insects and worms.
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/730g.jpgMonitor Lizard
Varanus salvator
The monitor lizard is carnivorous, feeding on fish, crabs, insects, birds, amphibians, rodents and also other smaller reptiles.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/725g.jpgFlower Crab
Portunus pelagicus
This fully aquatic crab is carnivorous, feeding on fish and other animals.

 

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/738g.jpgMangrove Cricket
Apteronemobius asahinai
It feeds on green algae during low tide.


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/729g.jpgMarine Prawns
Penaeus sp. and Metapenaeus sp.
Mangroves are important as nurseries to complete the life cycle as the prawns lay their eggs in the mangroves. For more about prawns in Sungei Buloh Nature Park.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/732g.jpgSonneratia sp.
This large tree can grow up to 20 metres tall. The pretty flowers have numerous stamens and tiny petals. The oval or pearl-like fruits are edible to humans when ripe.
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/740g.jpg
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
This winter migrant feeds by probing into the mud in search of worms and other mudflats organisms.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/735g.jpgTamban
Sardinella sp.

This fish travels in a school and feeds on zooplankton.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/736g.jpgPurple Heron
Ardea purpurea
The Purple Heron, one of the largest birds in Singapore, is often seen standing motionless at the water edge waiting for its prey like fishes, aquatic animals, small reptiles and even insects. For more about the herons at Sungei Buloh.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/728g.jpgClam
Marcia marmorata
It lives buried just underneath the mud surface. Like most shellfish, it is a filterfeeder.

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Divine Diversity

linda goh
senior education officer


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/101g.jpgIt is amazing to note that scientists seem to have a better idea of how many stars there are in the sky than the number of species on Earth. To date, they have identified about 1.75 million plants and animals. However, some scientists have claimed the actual species number to be 10 million while others estimate it to be 100 million!

Indeed, these are mind-boggling figures. So vast and varied are the lifeforms on earth that it would take many lifetimes, if ever, to make a head count of them.

But as Edward O. Wilson, a Harvard biologist, once said, "We don't know how many there are, or what kind of things—new medicine or chemicals—they have to offer. It's like a library of unread books and we haven't even finished the first chapter. And the great tragedy is that we're losing the species around us before we can even turn the next page. Too many are dying that don't need to die."

Taking stock of life

Insects and myriapods
Plants
Fungi and lichens
Protozoans and algae
Chelicerates
Molluscs
Crustaceans
Nematode Worms
Fish
Flatworms
Annelid Worms
Reptiles and amphibians
Birds
Cnidarians
Sponges
Mammals

963 000
270 000
100 000
80 000
75 000
70 000
40 000
25 000
22 000
20 000
12 000
10 500
10 000
10 000
10 000
4 500

Source: National Geographic Magazine, Feb 1999


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/123g.jpgThe truth is we inherited a vast but delicate natural heritage. Being linked together in this intricate web of life, which is very fragile in nature, warrants our respect and attention. We need to invest time in our heritage in order to preserve what we have.

But to do that, we need to know and understand what is around us first.

I bid you to take time to explore the Sungei Buloh Nature Park and discover for yourself the wealth that surrounds you. So rich and fertile is the earth we inherit!

And it is only through knowing what we have that we learn to appreciate what we have been given. And only then do we know how to protect what's naturally ours and our children's.

The inhabitants of the Park await you.

 

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma2.jpgAll things are connected
like blood which unites one family.
Whatever befalls the Earth
befalls the sons of the Earth.
Man did not weave the web of life.
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma.jpgHe is merely a strand on it.
Whatever he does to the web,
he does to himself.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/106.jpg
Chief Seattle
of the Suquamish
and the Duwamish, 1855

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Shorebird Population Monitoring
in Sungei Buloh Nature Park
(1992-1998)

adeline chia
scientific officer

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/740g.jpg

The monitoring of shorebird population in Sungei Buloh has been carried out since 1992.

It is important to keep track of the population in order to detect any change and periods of migration. The season for the wader census starts when the migratory shorebirds arrive on the mudflats in the Park from September to April every year. A total of 29 species, mainly belonging to the families of Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and others) and Charadriidae (Plovers) have been recorded in the Park since 1992.

Staff involved in this exercise position themselves in hides and on vantage points during high tide. Using telescopes and binoculars, the number of roosting birds are counted. Species that visit the Park in large numbers over the past 7 years were used for the analysis of population in comparison to the international flyway population, namely the Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper and Redshank. Coupled with our wader-ringing programme and a series of data analysis, interesting light has been shed on the waders' roosting and feeding site. The 6-year mean of midwinter (January) count, BMI (Body Mass Index), monthly counts and other parameters were used to analyse the turnover rate, immigration and emigration periods as well as other findings.

Comparison of the population in Sungei Buloh Nature Park with the total East/Southeast Asian population from 1994 to 1996 showed that most species do not exceed 1% of the flyway population. When compared with Singapore, however, the Park supports 11 to 77.5% of the population of each species in Singapore. With the exception of the Pacific Golden Plover (11%), all other species visiting the Park represent more than 25% of the population in Singapore.

Table: Comparison of Wader Population Count in Sungei Buloh
with National Population Count Data from 1990 to 1996

Species

Ave no. in Spore
94-96

% of the no. that occur in the Park

Ave no. in Spore
90-92

% of the no. that occur in the Park

Pacific Golden Plover
Lesser Sand Plover
Whimbrel
Redshank
Greenshank
Curlew Sandpiper

1907.3
387.0
260.7
734.0
327.3
148.0

10.9
31.3
47.3
22.8
81.7
65.1

1283.3
120.0
122.7
482.3
240.7
444.3

16.2
10.1
10.0
34.6
55.8
21.7

(Sources: Rose and Scott 1994; Asian Wetland Bureau; Lopez and Mundkur (eds.) 1997; Perennou et al 1994)

In order to determine the migration timing for shorebirds visiting Sungei Buloh, birds captured during ringing sessions were dyed. Observations from 1997 to 1998 showed that no more dyed birds were found in the Park after mid-March of 1998 (ringing of birds started in October 1997). In general, BMI increases when the birds refuel to further immigrate or when flying back north. This was evident at certain periods in October to December when peaks and drops in BMI were detected.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/737g.jpgInformation without action is redundant. Hence, using the information obtained, the Park has adhered to a carefully thought-out regime which allows the preservation of the mudflats that is fundamental for the wintering visitors. Ponds are kept low during high tides to allow the shorebirds to roost. Testing of water bodies are also conducted regularly to ensure that the quality of the habitat for the inhabitants and migrants is not compromised.

With development threatening the survival of mudflats and mangroves all over the world, the role of Sungei Buloh as a wetland nature park is evident. We play our part in conserving a delicate ecosystem that is vital for the survival of not only the shorebirds, but that of the mangrove community within it.

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/746.jpgInundation
of the Park

The "freak floods" that happened on 22 23 December 1999, in the last lap of the year 1999 before the new millennium trooped in will always be remembered.

On 22nd December, there was a huge overcast and gutsy wind that swept across Sungei Buloh Besar. The sea was at its darkest and most restless.

Over our walkie-talkies, news that the wooden planks at the sluice gates were carted away by the rising tide was received. Rangers and workers immediately sprang into action with the necessary tools to hold down the sluice planks.

It felt great to be a part of the contingency team for such emergency cases. Besides, it was sheer wonder to witness real life drama (not reel-life Hollywood produced for movies) of this natural phenomenon that occurs only once in 60 years.

The tide rose to 3.68m at its highest. Sea water forcibly pushed through the sluice gates like an enraged tempest unleashing its fury. Even the bunds along the trails were not spared. They were battered incessantly by the overpowering sea water, turning the ponds into beautiful landscapes of 'mini waterfalls' which could be viewed from the hides. Wading along the trails without shoes was like undergoing a massage therapy where one puts one's feet into a luxurious spa pool. However, the current was strong and I had to inch my way about. The whole scenario ended within two hours.

The aftermath? The destruction of the Aquatic and Dipping ponds. The freshwater had became brackish. Some non-salt resistant flora withered and died. The erosion at Routes 1 and 2 was most visible. A series of cleaning and repair work was carried out to ensure that the Park was back to normal, exuding its charm to visitors.

Park Ranger, Patricia Phua

 

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma2.jpgI was out in the field for a wader census and identification training programme when I first sighted the rising tide that rushed to cover the bunds and into the ponds. Soon the ponds were flushed and flooded, leaving the waders nowhere to roost and feed. And yet the tide kept on rising and raging. The management was immediately informed of the situation and the https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma.jpgrangers were deployed to ensure the safety of visitors in the Park.

Park Ranger,
Charles Lim



https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma2.jpgThis happened very quickly. The ponds were soon flooded to the same level as the sea. It only subsided after 1.5 hours. The gravel on the visitor routes were washed off to leave potholes. Debris was strewn over the bunds. Workers were assigned immediately to do a thorough coastal cleaning to get rid of the debris. And major route repairs https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma.jpgwere on the way. Soon the Park will be back to its normal shape.

Park Ranger,
Sherina Saimoon



https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma2.jpgOn the morning of 23 December 1999, while carrying out my usual duties in the Park, I experienced an uneasy calm around me. My mind was very much perturbed by the sighting of a few monitor lizards, clinging onto tree branches, looking down at their usual sun bathing spots. Ants hurried out from their underground nests, seemingly seeking refuge at higher places. The entrances of mud lobsters mounds which were usually left open were blocked tightly with newly-formed lumps of wet mud. The telltale signs from the residents indicated that something was forthcoming.

But what could it be? The water level inched up as the highest tide approached. It crept higher with each minute and soon, water flowed over at the sluice gates onto the bund. For those who witnessed the scenario, it would he one that is hard to forget. Some planks at the sluice gates washed off and alert staff sprang into action. Battling against the strong current, staff inched their way through knee-high water to monitor the situation and to ensure the safety of visitors. The inundation lasted a few hours and continued for the next few days. The high waters finally subsided on 27 December 1999, https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma.jpgleaving behind memories for the many who witnessed and were humbled by the powers of Mother Nature.

Park Ranger, Stephen Chue

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Service
with a
Smile

rogayah sulong
executive assistant

shila kumari
ticketing supervisor

 

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/744.jpg
Frontline staff with the security guard

"Sungei Buloh Nature Park. This Shila. Can I help you?" Chances are you will hear Shila saying this over the phone when you call our main line. Sitting at the entrance of Sungei Buloh, with a smile on their faces, the ticketing staff see to the needs of the Park visitors.

From attending to visitor inquiries to giving directions to lost drivers and tourists, we at the ticketing counter also keep a daily count of visitors to the Park.

For first time visitors, we would take extra effort to brief them on the Park attractions and their whereabouts. A 10-minute slide show that introduces the Park and its flora and fauna will be arranged for them before they enter the Reserve proper.

Arranging for guided tours for schools and organised groups are also part of customer care and we are all trained to do these tours.

The tour ensures that visitors leave with a better knowledge and understanding of the Park.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma2.jpgTo smile, to provide accurate information and guidance to the visitors
https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/comma.jpgis our motto

Rogayah

 

Apart from these, we also have a direct communication line with field staff via the walkie-talkie system. This ensures that any visitor in need of help will be reached with promptness.

"We are very happy to be working in this environment. We will continue to do our best to serve our visitors," echoed the frontline staff who are determined to serve our Park visitors well.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/745.jpg
Shila congratulating the 4th recipients
of the Park's millenium goody pack

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Field Ornithology
Training

james gan
senior maintenance officer


The twin otter aircraft roared through the air. It swept high over the Baram river to the plateau where people with long earlobes live. Six bird ringers in two groups of three each from Sungei Buloh recently went to Sarawak to a pristine sub-montane jungle infested with leeches, sandflies and sweat bees. An intensive week of bird ringing training awaited them.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/749.jpgThe Little Spiderhunter struggled in the net. Su Hooi lifted it off expertly and brought it to the field camp for biometric processing. White-crowned Forktail, Brown Fulvetta, White-bellied Yuhina, Green Broadbill—all these wonderful native birds and more were caught, studied, ringed and released. Linda, Ramakrishnan and Adeline also managed to ring the exclusive Siberian Blue Robin.

These jewels of the jungle were difficult to spot and were caught with great effort. We had to set up nets in jungle terrain, climb ridges and ford rivers to collect our quarry through regular inspection of the nets at intervals of 45 minutes from 6am to 6pm, walking distances of more than 15km daily. Tough? Yes, but rewarding.

Not a day passed without an interesting bird. If it was not the Scarlet Sunbird, it was the Long-billed Spiderhunter. Each net check was a sweet suspense. Once, Halilah retrieved a bird which proved to be a mature male Mugimaki Flycatcher—a species so rare that one can spend 20 years netting birds in Sarawak and not trap it once.

The week flew by quickly and we left the mystical plateau of the Kelabits, having seen and handled the jewelled denizens of the jungle. The programme achieved its objectives well with us acquiring advanced skills in bird banding. Such first hand experience and training from an experienced British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) trainer is very beneficial for bird banding studies in the Sungei Buloh Nature Park.

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Millenium
mementos

halilah ahmad
education officer

Since December 1999, Sungei Buloh Nature Park has been giving away a millennium goody pack to every 2,000th visitor to the Park in celebration of the year 2000. This millennium celebration will continue till the end of 2000.

Lucky visitors have been bringing home a set of specially designed and framed cloth badges, "Big Picture" depicting the various plants and wildlife of the Park and other souvenirs such as complimentary tickets, fridge magnets, a mystery gift and publications of the Park.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/747.jpg
The first 2,000th visitor
to Sungei Buloh

Don't be surprised if you are stopped and congratulated as you enter the Park. Wouldn't it be nice to be presented with a gift pack to mark the turn of a century?

Do come and join us in our celebration of the new millennium.

You might just be our lucky visitor. The count is still on!

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Nature Park

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 7 No 1
Apr 2000


St. Andrew's
Cross Spider


Yellow-bellied Prinia

Life in the Mangroves:
snippets on
plants & animals


Divine Diversity

Shorebird Population Monitoring
(1992-1998)


Inundation
in the Park


Service with a Smile: the Park's frontline staff


Field Ornithology training in Sarawak

Millenium mementos

Butterfly Trail Adoption

 

Adopting
the Trail for the

Coloured Wings

chan su hooi
education officer


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/748.jpgWoodlands Secondary School officially adopted Sungei Buloh Nature Park's Butterfly Trail on 1 November 1999. It is a milestone for the adoption programme as the first school to adopt Sungei Buloh Nature Park.

Through the Adopt-A-Park scheme, we hope to build appreciation and respect for Mother Nature by letting these students care for the Butterfly Trail.

The teachers and students have happily taken up the challenge to make the trail a success. To prepare them, there were training sessions for the teachers and talks for the students before they commenced their work at the Park.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/626.jpgPruning, weeding, pest clearance, fertilising, watering, planting are part and parcel of the student activities at the Park. Armed with cutters, "changkols", spades, wheelbarrows, shovels, gloves and trolleys, varieties of butterfly plants were planted on both sides of the butterfly trail. The myriad colour: touches of pink, white, orange, yellow, purple, green and red liven up the trail and provide food for our winged friends.

The students will slowly pick up the knowledge on the butterfly and its ecology and develop a sense of ownership towards their piece of "coloured" haven of nature.

 

 


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