https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/logo4.jpgwetlands
a publication of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve


 

Vol 9 No 2

snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

snakes
myth & reality

There are some amazing snake facts to be learnt at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as nick baker a research volunteer, found out


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-01.jpgFor thousands of years, snakes have been hated, persecuted and killed for no other reason than fear and ignorance. Why do snakes provoke such extreme reactions? It may be that we are genetically-programmed to be cautious of snakes. Indeed, a sense of caution is recommended if you find an unknown species of snake. But here in the 21st Century, supposedly an age of enlightenment, there are still many people with 15th Century fears and superstitions of these fascinating creatures. It is a simple matter for people to recognise a few species of snake, and learn to appreciate their beauty.

So what about the snakes of Sungei Buloh? Well, the commonest snake is certainly the Dog-faced Water Snake (Cerberus rynchops). This is a common species of the mangrove habitat: it emerges after dark to feed on small fish, but you may sometimes encounter this species on overcast days beneath the Main Bridge.

It is worth noting that less than 20% of snake species are considered venomous enough to be a hazard to us humans.


As many volunteers helping with research work have found to their delight, these snakes are easily handled; though the larger specimens may attempt a harmless bite when handled, there is little to fear from these creatures.


The commonest arboreal snake in the reserve is probably the Paradise Tree Snake (Chrysopelea paradisi). This beautiful snake species, patterned in green and yellow, is rather shy and will not hesitate to move away quickly when disturbed. If there was any superstition about 'flying snakes' then this is the species to blame; snakes of the Chrysopelea genus are able to dorso-laterally flatten their bodies to allow them to glide long distances from tree to tree in a sinuous snake-like motion.

Also present in Sungei Buloh is the handsome Oriental Whip Snake (Ahaetulla prasina). A startlingly vivid green colour, this species can be found in both mangrove and secondary habitats. In Singpaore, this beautiful, harmless species is often killed by the public in parks and gardens because it is believed to be dangerous. Such a sad end for one of nature's most stunning snakes.

Bronzebacks are to be found here too, the most common being the Painted Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus). This brown, cream and turquoise species may adopt a defensive posture if disturbed and attempts to snap at a intruder. But when you consider this species is so lim that its mouth measures less than 1cm across, you realise how brave it is to bluff in this manner.

What of the Cobras, Vipers and Pythons? Well, the Black Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana) can be found in the reserve, but extremely wary of people and will not hesitate to flee, while the non-venomous Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) is common but elusive. Perhaps the most venomous snake here is the rare Shore Pit Viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus) which lies coiled on the branches of mangrove trees; but consider that this species has only been sighted three times in the last year, you realise how rare it is.

Finally, do you know that Sungei Buloh has the longest snake species on earth, the Reticulated Python, as well as one of the shortest, the Common or Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphiops braminus). This tiny species reaches a maximum length of just 17cm, and most specimens are less than 10cm. This is a burrowing species with tiny, virtually useless eyes. Amazingly, this is the only snake species in the world to reproduce by parthenogenesis; this means that all the snakes are female and that reproduction is asexual. When the blind snake feels like having children, she just goes right ahead and has as many as she likes!

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

Feel & Fly
for students | for parents & teachers

text and illustrations
by
joseph lai
conservation officer

 

Feel & Fly
With words and wings
Me & I
We talk about everything!

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-03.gif


For students

Me and I - that's me in one. I am my own best triend. We talk about everything and at any time in our own inner space. Having said so, you might think I am mad. Not so, indeed. It's my inner space that gives real meaning to the 'outer' world I live in. Staying connected. Keeping in touch with my feelings. Knowing myself. That's me and I - a pertect start in knowing and understanding the world we live in, and making sense of the experiences I encounter in my life.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-02.gif
Poems are like little bridges. They connect feelings and experiences. And if you look at life as a journey, which indeed is true, you will see countless number of bridges we have to cross. Even if you don't write poems, these bridges do exist in your life. They are there when we laugh, cry or sing. Poets are people who cherish these bridges. They build them with heartfelt words and make them visible. When we do find someone else's poem enjoyable, it is because it makes our invisible bridge visible. That's when we say, 'I felt like that too!'

'So what's wrong with me?' you may ask. Why can't I write? Well, nothing is wrong. As poets will tell you, there is a time and place for everything. A good start is to read anthologies. When you have found a particular poet interesting, read more of his or her works, and analyze them. But most importantly, give your 'me and I' a chance to meet. Inculcate quiet time.

Visit nature areas like Sungei Buloh. Slowly, but surely, you will find your inner space in the creative space of Nature. Listen with your eyes and see with you ears. Jot down your thoughts, feelings and imageries. Save them. One day, you will be inspired to build your first bridge. And it can be as short and sweet, swift and spontaneous, and as simple as 'Feel & Fly?'

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-04.gifAlways be natural. Don't try to be sophisticated. Speak truly from your heart and be not afraid. Your poems matter only to you. They are as beautiful and unique as you naturally are!

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

finding & growing
native plants
Merope angulata | Glochidion littorale

text and illustrations
by
joseph lai
conservation officer

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-05.gif

scientific name Merope angulata (Merope, the name of a Greek nymph and daughter of Helios. The Latin word, angulata, meaning angular, refers to the shape of the fruit)

common name Limau Lelang (the Malay word, lelang, evidently compares its long thorns to a hawk's talons)

habit A lime-like shrub or small tree with stout single or paired thorns.

leaves 8 to 11cm long, alternately arranged, glabrous (hairless), thin leathery, margins faintly notched. Leaf blade oblong, blunt or slight pointed at the tip, covered entirely with minute oil glands that are visible as translucent dots when held against the light with an eye-lens, and aromatic when bruised. Midrib (main vein) raised prominently on the underside, side veins faint. Leaf stalk without the familiar wings found commonly on other lime plants.

thorns Pointed, woody and slender, up to 3.5cm long, single or paired on leaf axils.

flower Flower fragrant, single, axillary, petals 5, white, about 2cm long; bisexual, stamens 10, ovary superior.

fruit Like a miniature lemon, about 4cm long, triangular or 4-sided in section, consisting Of 3 to 4 locules (fruit chambers). Apex of fruit pointed. Fruit ripens yellowish-green, filled with slimy large long, flattened seeds.

remarks Merope angulata belongs to the Lime Family (Rutaceae). It is restricted to back mangrove and river banks, and can be found along the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Perak, Negri Sembilan and Malacca) to Singapore where it is currently very rare. The salt tolerant nature of this species had been considered as a potentially useful root stock for Citrus plant cultivation. The fruits are much sought after by the Malays for medicinal purposes.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-08.gif
fruit


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-07.gif
cross-section of fruit


https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-06.gif
seed


This plant was recently spotted by the author while surveying the neighbouring back mangrove of the up-and-coming Kranji Nature Trail. There was a knee-high sapling as well as two large shrubs with an average height of 2m growing in close proximity on soggy (and brackish) substrate. Seeds have germinated successfully 3 weeks after sowing in June 2002. The parent plants will be monitored for more fruits.

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

finding & growing
native plants
Merope angulata | Glochidion littorale

text and illustrations
by
joseph lai
conservation officer

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-09.gif

scientific name Glochidion littorale (the name is derived from the root word of Greek origin, glochin-meaning a point; referring to the 6 stamens of the male flower which are joined in a pointed knob or column. The Latin word, littorale, meaning by the sea).

common name Ubah, Jambu kera, Selunsor, Hujan panas, Daun san sik.

habit A shrub or small tree with brown flaky bark, growing to about 6m high.

leaves Alternately arranged, short stalked, glabrous (hairless), leathery, obovate with a rounded apex, varying in length from 5-15cm long. Underside greenish-yellow, upper side glossy, midrib (main vein) prominently raised, appearing white. Leaves wither bright yellow with red blotches.

flowers The plant is monoecious (meaning literally one-housed, i.e., bearing separate male and female flowers on the same tree); flowers tiny, apetalous (without petals), in dense clusters in leaf axils, male flowers with 4 to 5 times longer stalks than females. Male flower pendulous, with 6 light green sepals, arranged in two sets of 3 on top of each other; stamens 6, joined in a short pointed knob. Female flower with 6 somewhat joined short sepals, forming a cup. Styles fused into a fleshy pinkish-white knob, toothed at apex.

fruit A globose capsule, 1.5 to 2cm in diameter, lobed, consisting of 12 to 15 locules (fruit chambers). Apex of fruit depressed like a dimple. Fruit ripen red, splitting between the lobes. Seed red, 2 per locule.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-10.gif
male flower

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-11.gif
female flower

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-12.gif
fruit


remarks Glochidion litorrale belongs to the Rubber Tree Family (Euphorbiaceae) but does not have white sap. It has a wide distribution, ranging from India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, S. E. Asia, to the western limit of the Philippines, but currently, it is very rare in Singapore. It occuers in sandy beaches and back mangroves. The young red leaves are edible. You can find the plant planted by the pond of our Visitor Centre. It was raised from seed collected by the author at the former back mangrove of Nee Soon Road in August 2000. It is now 2.5m tall.

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

the kingfisher experience

by calvin w l ho
reserve volunteer

 

A little known fact about the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR) is that it is home to all 8 species of Kingfishers recorded in Singapore.

Three species are residents (Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris, Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis and White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis. The other five species are visitors (Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata, Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting, Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca and Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda).

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-13.jpg
Black-capped Kingfisher

 

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-14.jpg
Blue-eared Kingfisher

An even less known fact may be that Kingfishers have long captured the fascination of man. And those fascinated have not failed to record their "Kingfisher experience", with the oldestrecord dating back to ancient Egypt.

The uncontested eminence of Kingfishers may be attributable to their distinct features and traits that set them apart from the other birds.


The residents...

Bright and colourful plumage
Kingfishers are renowned for their vivid plumage. These range from all shades of blue to green, orange-brown to ginger, and even black and white. Not surprisingly, Kingfishers have been featured at an early stage of history as illustrated by a 14th century BC Egyptian painting of a Kingfisher against a marshland setting. In the Far East, the ritual classic of the ancient Chinese Chou Dynasty (approximately 1050-256 BC) describes the use of Kingfisher feathers in the third of six ceremonial dances, apparently for the purpose of blessing the four quarters of the realm. The reference to the striking plumage of Kingfishers by Li Shang Yin, a famous poet of the late T'ang Dynasty, in his "No Title" poem, is just one among many sculptures, paintings, embroidery and other works of art that featured these magnificent birds since the Chinese T'ang Dynasty (approximately 7 to 10AD).

Habitat by the Water, Swift Movement and Dives for Prey The Kingfisher species recorded at SBWR generally live in habitats that are close to water. They have a reputation for direct and swift movement, whether it is in switching from one perch to another, defending territory, hovering momentarily before an attack, capturing insects in mid-air, diving for aquatic prey or swooping down for land prey.

When hunting, a Kingfisher would typically be sedentarily perched on a snag, tree or service wire overhanging an open area or water surface providing it with a clear view of potential prey. On locating its prey, it plunge-dives off the perch, captures the prey with its bill and returns to the perch position - all in a flash of single-minded resolve. Such swiftness has not escaped the attention of man and it has been depicted in various anecdotes:

The socio-cultural transition of the Malay Archipelago from the Hindu-Buddhist era to the Islamic era led to a change in the construction and use of the kris. The Garuda-shaped hilt was replaced with the form of a Kingfisher (pekaka), perhaps to emphasize the swiftness which was necessary as the kris assumed a more prominent role as a weapon.

Some of the Vimanas (airships described in ancient Indian writings) were named after Kingfishers in the Vedas, a collection of ancient Hindu poems.

The swift movement of Kingfishers has been featured in the folklore of several tribes of the North American Indians, including the Sioux and the Arikara tribes. This has more recently been used symbolically in Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem which opens with the words "[a]s kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flames" (in the study of counterpoints in language) and Charles Olson's "The Kingfishers" (in the examination of compartmentalization of information).

Distinctive Call and Bill Kingfishers have comparatively distinctive calls; ranging from thin shrill squeaks to harsh discordant shrieks or cackles.

The Koreans have long noticed the distinctive calls and bills of Kingfishers and an explanation was attempted. In a folklore, the lengthy bill of a Kingfisher was the consequence of a physical confrontation with the locust (more likely to be a cicada) that arose from a dispute between them. This dispute has not been resolved and is regularly heard at SBWR.

In fact, Kingfishers have distinctively long and straight dagger-like bills in order to hold fast their prey upon capture. A firm grip on the captured prey is important as it is not immediately consumed. Once the Kingfisher has returned to its perched position, the prey is struck and battered against a hard object (which may take up to 30 minutes) before it is swallowed, usually headfirst.

Solitary and Solidarity Kingfishers are particularly territorial and are usually seen alone, except during the breeding season when they can be sighted in pairs. This observation may have inspired the moving story in Greek mythology between Alcyone, daughter of Aeolus, King of the Winds, and Ceyx, son of the Morning Star. When Ceyx was drowned at sea, the distraught Alcyone cast herself into the sea in order to be with her husband. Moved by her devotions, the gods transformed both Alcyne and Ceyx into Kingfishers so that they could be together again.

Due in part to the Greek myth, it was once thought that Kingfishers built their nests out at sea. However, it is now known that their nests are found on land and are burrows excavated in the ground, usually near a river or some form of water body, in a termite mound or in decayed tree trunks.

A Walk through the Wetlands SBWR provides wonderful opportunities for every visitor to share in this wealth of natural and cultural "Kingfisher experience" that has so enriched our ancestors. The colours that dazzled, the swiftness that marveled, the calls that astounded and the solidarity that inspired can still dazzle, marvel, astound and inspire today. All of these in a casual stroll through the Reserve.

Species

Length
(mm)

Weight
(g)

Survival
(months)

Occurrence at SBWR

Stork-billed Kingfisher (n=10)

348-388

154.0-224.0

25

All year

White-throated Kingfisher (n=11)

261-283

63.0-85.0

10 cf 66*

All year

Collared Kingfisher (n=60)

230-264

50.0-76.0

83 cf 131*

All year

Black-capped Kingfisher (n=9)

286-310

71.0-138.0

21 cf 99*

Sep-Mar (Oct, Nov peak)

Blue-eared Kingfisher (n=1)

153

16.0

No info

Vagrant- 1 record

Common Kingfisher (n=12)

166-173

24.0-28.0

No info

Sep-Mar (Sep, Oct peak)

Black-backed Kingfisher (n=1)

125

14.0

25*

Rare, Winter Visitor

Ruddy Kingfisher

266-268

76.0-77.0

71*

Rare, Winter Visitor


Provided by James Gan, Senior Conservation Officer
Source of Bird Data are from SBWR Bird Ringing Programme. Those marked with * are taken from The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula by David R Wells

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

wetland rainforest
of sungei buloh mangroves

by james gan
senior conservation officer

 

The mangroves are a rare habitat in Singapore. In the 1950s mangroves covered over 7,000 ha (12% of the 577 sq km area then). Today, approximately 750 ha (1.1% of the 680 sq km now) still exist. Currently, the largest block of mangroves in Singapore totalling more than 100 hectares, is found in Sungei Buloh. This area is under legal protection as the biological significance of the mangrove ecosystem has been recognised by the government.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-15.jpg
Dehised fruit pods of
Dolichandrone spathacea

 

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-16.jpg

Sungei Buloh is conserved for its mangrove ecosystem, a key indigenous ecosystem that the government has committed to safeguard. Historical records state that the Sungei Buloh area consisted entirely of mangrove. Old photographs of the area support the records. In particular, the mangrove habitat found today on Pulau Buloh off the coast of Sungei Buloh appears to be undisturbed for at least the past 50 years. This was the case for most of Sungei Buloh until 1969. In the early 1970s, clear felling of mangrove trees was carried out. Earth bunds were constructed amongst the mangroves to form a network of ponds for the culture of prawns.

When pig farming was phased out in the late 70s, the farmers were resettled in Sungei Buloh. The farmers involved in the prawn pond culture system ceased their operations when the Sungei Buloh site was approved as a park development project in 1989.

With a colourful history of plantation agriculture, agricultural mixed farming practices, prawn and fishpond culture, what mangrove flora remains in Sungei Buloh today?

It seems that quite a lot of mangrove flora have survived. The list of mangrove plant species recorded for Sungei Buloh according to the categories of major, minor and associate following the criteria of Tomlinson (1986) are provided in Table 1. Of the 62 species extant in Singapore, 47 species (75%) can still be found in Sungei Buloh. Of the 47, four species were brought in as part of an on-going conservation programme of enrichment planting. We expect that the next few years would see the re-establishment of all 62 extant species of mangrove thriving in dynamic equilibrium in Sungei Buloh.

Mangroves are generally very hardy and can thrive in areas that have been heavily disturbed. A good example is the Singapore River which has seen reclamation since 1822. Relic mangrove flora can still be found along its tributaries. Besides Zouk discotheque's carpart at Jiak Kim Street, several mature trees of the endangered Dolichandrone spathacea can still be seen together with Avicennia officinalis, Acrostichum speciosum and a few other mangrove species. In Sungei Buloh, botanical surveys over the years have revealed surprises too. The presence of mangrove species once thought to be extinct to the area include the Oncosperma tigillarium, Bronlowia tersa and Merope angulata.

Given another decade or two, the current mangrove ecosystem at Sungei Buloh could more closely resemble the original ecosystem. The challenge is to manage the existing mangrove in terms of species composition, stand maturity and to enhance the back mangrove while providing recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. We will play a key role in achieving this. When stenotopic species such as the Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra), Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) and Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) take up residence in Sungei Buloh, we would know that our efforts have be realised. Let's work together to make this happen!

No.

Species

Family

Major

Minor

Associate

Singapore
status

1

Acanthus ebracteatus

Acanthaceae

No

No

Yes

R

2

Acanthus ilicifolius

Acanthaceae

No

No

Yes

R

3

Acanthus volubilis

Acanthaceae

No

No

Yes

R

4

Acrostichum aureum

Pteridaceae

No

Yes

No

C

5

Acrostichum speciosum

Pteridaceae

No

Yes

No

V

6

Allophyllus cobbe

Sapindaceae

No

No

Yes

R

7

Ardisia elliptica

Mysrinaceae

No

No

Yes

R

8

Avicennia alba

Avicenniaceae

Yes

No

No

C

9

Avicennia officinalis

Avicenniaceae

Yes

No

No

R

10

Avicennia rumphiana

Avicenniaceae

Yes

No

No

R

11

Barringtonia asiatica

Lecythidaceae

No

No

Yes

R

12

Barringtonia racemosa

Lecythidaceae

No

No

Yes

N

13

Brownlowia tersa

Tiliaceae

No

No

Yes

V

14

Bruguiera cylindrica

Rhizophoraceae

Yes

No

No

R

15

Bruguiera gymnorhiza

Rhizophoraceae

Yes

No

No

R

16

Caesalpina crista

Leguminosae

No

No

Yes

R

17

Calamus erinaceus

Palmae

No

No

Yes

V

18

Calophyllum inophyllum

Guttiferae

No

No

Yes

R

19

Cassine viburnifolia

Celastraceae

No

No

Yes

N

20

Ceriops tagal

Rhizophoraceae

Yes

No

No

R

21

Cynometra ramiflora

Leguminosae

No

No

Yes

N

22

Derris trifoliata

Leguminosae

No

No

Yes

C

23

Dolichandrone spathacea

Bignomiaceae

No

No

Yes

N

24

Excoecaria agallocha

Euphorbiaceae

No

Yes

No

R

25

Finlaysonia obovata

Aslepiadaceae

No

No

Yes

V

26

Glochidion littorale

Euphobiaceae

No

No

Yes

R

27

Heritiera littoralis

Sterculiaceae

No

Yes

No

R

28

Hibiscus tiliaceaus

Malvaceae

No

No

Yes

C

29

Intsia bijuga

Leguminosae

No

No

Yes

R

30

Lumnitzera littorea

Combretaceae

Yes

No

No

R

31

Lumnitzera racemosa

Combretaceae

Yes

No

No

R

32

Merope angulata

Rutaceae

No

No

Yes

N

33

Nypa fruticans

Palmae

Yes

No

No

R

34

Oncosperma tigillarium

Palmae

Yes

No

No

R

35

Pandanus odoratissimus

Pandanaceae

No

No

Yes

C

36

Podocarpus polystachyus

Podocarpaceae

No

No

Yes

N

37

Pongamia pinnata

Leguminosae

No

No

Yes

N

38

Pouteria obovata

Sapotaceae

No

No

Yes

R

39

Rhizophora apiculata

Rhizophoraceae

Yes

No

No

R

40

Rhizophora mucronata

Rhizophoraceae

Yes

No

No

R

41

Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea

Rubiaceae

No

Yes

No

R

42

Sonneratia alba

Sonneratiaceae

Yes

No

No

C

43

Sonneratia caseolaris

Sonneratiaceae

Yes

No

No

N

44

Sonneratia obovata

Sonneratiaceae

Yes

No

No

N

45

Terminalia catappa

Combretaceae

No

No

Yes

C

46

Thespesia populnea

Malvaceae

No

No

Yes

R

47

Xylocarpus granatum

Meliaceae

No

Yes

No

R

C=common, R=rare, V=Vulnerable, N=Endangered

References
Tomlinson, P. B., 1986. The Botany of Mangroves. Cambridge University Press. 412pp.
Tan, H. T. W. et al 1998. A Botanical Survey of Sungei Buloh Nature Park. Gardens' Bulletin, Singapore. 49:15-35

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

how sungei buloh
'got' me

Awakened by the true beauty of Sungei Buloh, volunteer Tham Pui San discloses how this wetland reserve captivated and captured his imagination, leading him to fulfil his desire to contribute to this unique ecosystem.

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-17.jpg

I was looking around for suitable spots for my nature photography and outdoor painting. I did not chance upon SBWR, but knew it was there to be visited if I could not find anywhere else to go. That was the attitude I had towards SBWR. There. was no particular reason for me'to return to SBWR, especially after a rather bad episode of an extended period of allergy from our winged bloodsucking friends, on my first visit in 1996.

Now, when I think about it, that excuse was indeed frivolous. To be put off by mosquitoes, forsaking the undiscovered wonders of SBWR is unjustly unthinkable for any nature lover.

My second chance encounter with SBWR came about on a photographic outing with my interest group in Dec 2001. That "rediscovery" of SBWR's attractions changed my mind entirely. From then on, I was there practically every weekend and sometimes, on weekdays, I would take leave from work to enjoy the peace and serenity to sketch and paint.

Taking walks along the various routes, boardwalks and occasional sidetrack enabled me to uncover some wonders every now and then. In early Feb, I was digiscoping at Hide 2A when I witnessed a failed attack by a water monitor on an egret, which managed to escape with apparently only ruffled feathers. At the same pond on the next day, four otters made my day when they appeared out of nowhere, frolicking where I was sketching by the pond. The excitement got me messaging my wife, my children and nature friends. It took me several minutes to get over the thrill of sighting wild otters right here in urban Singapore! What a magical sight and moment of discovery for me!

Were the sightings fortuitous or do they happen all the time, without us humans bearing witness to such excitement? A quiet walk and patient observation could yield some answers. There are the beautiful spiders of various descriptions, providing much interest to Arachnid fans, mantis that could be mistaken for twigs, fish that spit at insects, and the list goes on.

Not forgetting that I was seeking birds and landscape in the first place, which abound in the reserve, how could I become so insensitive to such beauty and wonder that a habitat like this could provide, and not become involved in a constructive way with this wonderful reserve. I decided I must do something.

I approached a helpful counter staff, Andrew, about the volunteer scheme and that afternoon, Keith contacted me, setting the path for me to become one.

Interested to attend an art workshop conducted by Pui San? Call 679 41401.

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

world environment day 5 jun 2002
...connecting you and me...

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-18.jpg

by jeanne tan
senior
education
officer


in the beginning World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to raise environmental awareness and to encourage action to protect the environment.

give the earth a chance The theme "Give the Earth a Chance" signifies a calling on each member of the human race to play a part in the healing of this planet, plagued by many lingering problems. World Environment Day evidently becomes a principal tool through which world wide awareness of the environment is enhanced. You and I, we have a connection to our environment. Our lives depend on it. It is our inheritance, it is our world. On World Environment Day, the door has been opened to give us an opportunity to translate this connection into action!

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-19.jpgSungei Buloh Wetland Reserve partnered the Ministry of Environment (ENV) on 5 June 2002 to advocate World Environment Day as a people's event, inspiring and involving members of the public to participate in different programmes. Environmental issues such as waste minimization, anti-littering and recycling were presented in a play staged by students from Temasek Polytechnic. The play ran along a timeline, presenting important environmental issues through creative use of drama and songs, incorporating familiar tunes from the soundtrack "Grease" and using interesting characters that appealed even to younger audiences, such as those of the "Flower fluff" girls!

Indoor and outdoor sessions were also part of the day's agenda. The games and outdoor activities taught children the importance of the mangroves and how litter can destroy life. The games must have been a favourite with the children. It gave them an opportunity to take home, not only a prize (courtesy of ENV), but also several important messages that tied in with the games.

The take home messages revealed in different ways that preserving life on this earth is a common task to all mankind, and that there is a lot more to what we as citizens of this world can do to care for our environment, and work towards securing a more sustainable future.

On this World Environment Day, let us awaken and enlarge our reflections of the environment and the world that we live in, humbly examining the state of our environment and carefully consider what we as individuals can do to make that connection between our environment and us, a connection to commit ourselves to preserving what we have on this earth, respectfully embracing this sense of identity, belonging and continuity to our environment...

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

 

 

 

 


 

Vol 9 No 2


snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale


the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me


world environment
day:
5 jun 02

back home again

 

back home again

Tay Soon Lian has come a full circle to the arms of the place where he used to be. Now as one of the conservation officers, he is responsible for the well being of this rare oasis.


Patiently, as I waited in my car following the long queue, the tune of "Back Home Again" played soothingly in the background. Reflections of when I first came to the mangroves were conjured up and hanging by a song. Coming home to a place I have been before, leaving yesterday behind me, you might say I was 'born again'; you might say I found a key to every door...

https://www.sbwr.org.sg/wetlands/photos/v101-20.jpg


My thoughts went back to the days when I spent my time in the mountains, the quiet solitude of the forest, the streams, the serenity of the clear blue lakes and having the experiences of seeing a lot of sunshine, sleeping out in the rain and camping a night or two with those I knew. The thundering noise from the railway track brought me back to existence. Driving through the concrete and steel of the industrial area, the sky opened up and I could breathe easily again. I sighed with relief as I gazed at the beautiful and comforting glearning water of the reservoir and the Straits. As I turned right, unfamiliar landmarks appeared in front of me where grasslands used to dominate and where "Greater Coucals" used to dance. I peered up the line of lamp-posts for my morning friend who used to greet me when I drove pass this stretch of road, but Mr Black-shouldered Kite's familiar presence was not there.

Turning into the driveway, the Erythrinas seemed to bow and say "have a nice day". I smiled as I passed them, parked my car and hurried down to the main bridge to witness the coming of a new day, and it never fails to give me this nice feeling of familiarity, to be there alone with my old friend Mr Bridge and watching the sunrise. I greeted him and shared with him a few things that had happened since the last time I saw him and he told me a few stories too. During our conversation, a happy tune came to my mind as I hummed and gazed out to a brand new day.

"Silently the morning mist is lying on the water,
captive moonlight waiting for the dawn.
And softly like a baby's breath, the breeze begin to whisper
The sun is coming, quick we must be gone.
Smiling like a superstar, the morning comes in singing,
the promise of another sunny day.
And all the flowers are opened up together in the sunshine
I do believe that nature is here to stay"


I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of the morning sun and the peace. Here you can talk to God and listen to His casual reply. Reflections in the water weaved like shadows in my mind, spoke to me of passing days and nights and passing time. It seemed a shame to see the dawn swallowed by the sun and more than that it was oh so sad to see the morning end. Although the changes are a lovely thing to see, if it were mine to make a change, I think I would let it be.

Making my way back, I saw a silhouette gliding freely and gracefully with the wind, I remembered someone once said to me, "He'll be a poorer man it he never saw an eagle fly". I guess I am not that poor after all. It is going to be a good day and I am glad to be home.

 

 


© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve