Land Ecosystems – Singapore Green Guardians Blog

Prioritising Animal Welfare Through Education

Prioritising Animal Welfare Through Education: A Conversation with Anbarasi (Anbu) Boopal

Singapore Green Guardians had the privilege of having an insightful conversation with Anbarasi (Anbu) Boopal, co-CEO (Advocacy) of ACRES: Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore). In this interview, Anbu shared her personal journey, offering valuable insights into her unwavering passion for animal welfare and conservation. She delved into the challenges faced by ACRES in advocating for animal welfare in Singapore, highlighting the pivotal role of education in driving meaningful behavioural change.

Photo: Ellie Cheong, Singapore Green Guardians (left), Anbarasi (Anbu) Boopal, ACRES (right)

SGG: How did it all start for you, Anbu? What inspired you to become involved in animal welfare and conservation, and how did you come to join ACRES?

Anbu: Animal welfare has always been close to my heart. I initially wanted to become a veterinarian but couldn’t bear the thought of dissecting animals, so I shifted my focus to life sciences. While immersed in wildlife work in India, I noticed a significant oversight in conservation efforts, particularly towards certain animal species. It sparked my interest in understanding policy and governance, prompting me to study environmental management.

It was then when I encountered an illegally kept Indian star tortoise. And that’s how I came to know about ACRES. The organisation’s co-founder, Louis Ng, mentioned plans for a rescue centre, and I offered to volunteer. It was initially a two-year commitment, then I would return to India. I’ve now been with ACRES for 18 years.

Photo: ACRES

SGG: Time flies when you’re enjoying your work, doesn’t it?

Anbu: Yes, it does. Our lives revolve around animals, yet we often fail to recognise the many roles they play. Whether they are animals that are sources of food and clothing or serve as modes of transportation, our lives are deeply intertwined with theirs. Moreover, animals and their natural habitats are profoundly impacted by the choices that we make in our daily lives. I firmly believe that there is immense potential in the actions that humans can take. And that individuals can make a difference. That’s what I’m passionate about.

Photo: ACRES, Facebook, 2023

SGG: Speaking of work, could you elaborate on some recent initiatives and projects that ACRES has been working on?

Anbu: Absolutely. ACRES has been busy with several key projects lately. Our six focus areas are:

Tackling Wildlife Crime
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
Promoting Coexistence With Native Wildlife
Humane Education
Community Outreach
Promoting Cruelty-Free Living

Firstly, we’re focused on educating the public about the humane treatment of animals. This includes teaching people about responsible practices without needing constant oversight. We’ve expanded our efforts, aiming to reach a wider audience, including pre-schoolers, students, and adults.

We’ve also been tackling the problem of online wildlife trade. We’ve published reports highlighting the challenges of enforcement due to the high volume and encryption of online transactions. We’re pushing for policies to hold online platforms accountable for their role in this trade.

Photo: Online Illegal Wildlife Trade on Telegram in Singapore Report, ACRES, November 2023

📝 Read the telegram report here.

On the ground, we’re running a 24-hour rescue service and expanding our sanctuary to provide better living conditions for rescued animals. We’re also working to return illegally trafficked Indian star tortoises back to their natural habitats.

In our efforts toward wildlife rescue, we’re also advocating for the regulation of harmful glue traps used for rodent control. We’ve observed a concerning trend where we’re rescuing a protected species from these traps every single day.

Photo: ACRES, Facebook, 2023

SGG: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in advocating for animal welfare in Singapore?

Anbu: Two main challenges stand out. Firstly, there’s a need for a shift in mindset towards animals. We often exhibit speciesism, valuing certain animals over others based on factors like size or charisma. For example, we may feel strongly about the trade of dog meat. But, when animals in factory farms like chickens and pigs, who are sentient or intelligent, are treated in a bad way, we may not acknowledge it because we disconnect ourselves. This mindset change is crucial for fostering compassion and tolerance towards all animals. Secondly, on the same note, perception has an impact on funding and that remains a challenge. ACRES relies heavily on public donations, and while we’re grateful for the support, more funding is needed to sustain our operations effectively. We constantly strive to bridge this gap through strategic planning and community engagement.

Photo: ACRES

SGG: Education seems to be a cornerstone of ACRES’ approach. Could you tell us more about your educational initiatives and their outcomes?

Anbu: Certainly. Our educational programs are tailored to different age groups, from pre-schoolers to adults. For younger children, we focus on fostering empathy towards animals and encouraging responsible behaviour. As they grow older, we delve deeper into topics like coexistence and advocacy, empowering them to become voices for change. We also conduct workshops for students and adults, teaching them how to engage with policymakers and advocate for animal welfare effectively. Our goal is to equip people with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in their communities.

Photo: ACRES

SGG: It’s inspiring to see how ACRES empowers people to advocate for animal welfare. How can the public contribute and actively support your initiatives?

Anbu: There are various ways for the public to get involved, from volunteering to donating. We offer volunteering opportunities in areas like outreach, wildlife rescue, and sanctuary care. Each program has specific requirements, such as public speaking skills or being comfortable working outdoors. Additionally, donations play a crucial role in supporting our work. Whether it’s through volunteering time or contributing financially, every bit of support helps us continue our mission of protecting animals and their habitats.

Photo: ACRES, Facebook, 2022

🔎 Discover how you can get involved and make a difference by volunteering. Find out more here.

SGG: Thank you for sharing your insights, Anbu. Is there anything else you’d like to add before we wrap up?

Anbu: We have an upcoming fundraising event, the ACRES Charity Gala: Wild Second Chances, scheduled to take place at Marina Bay Sands on May 18, 2024, generously supported by Marina Bay Sands. The proceeds from this event will be directed towards expanding ACRES’ sanctuary for rehabilitated wild animals and facilitating the repatriation of rescued non-native wild animals to their native habitats.

Photo: ACRES, 2024, via giving.sg

🐒 For more details about the Gala or how you can donate, click here.

About ACRES

ACRES, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore), founded in 2001 by passionate Singaporeans, is a leading charity dedicated to animal welfare in Singapore. ACRES has tirelessly advocated for wildlife protection–– symbolised by the iconic blue logo representing its first rescued vervet monkey. Since its inception, ACRES has rescued countless animals and remains committed to providing hope and sanctuary to those in distress.

To support ACRES’ vital work, individuals can get involved by reporting suspicious activities or assisting in rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Whether through volunteering, raising awareness, or supporting advocacy campaigns, every contribution makes a meaningful impact.

If you see wildlife in distress in Singapore, contact 24-hr ACRES Wildlife Rescue Hotline +65 97837782 for assistance.

The Weird and Wonderful: Dragonfly

With their voracious appetite, dragonflies help regulate the populations of insects that potentially carry diseases, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.

In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies play a crucial role in ecosystems––their roles as predators and indicator species contribute to environmental health.

Image courtesy of: Schnobby

Dragonflies are a predatory species that eat all types of small insects. They primarily feed on mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. They are extremely skilful as hunters and catch up to 95% of the prey they go after–– much higher than other predators. Their impressive success rate is attributable to their exceptional flying skills, spectacular eyesight and lightning-fast neural systems.

Dragonflies have two pair of wings that extend out horizontally at rest, much like an airplane. They can flap and beat their fore and hind wings independently and hover and fly in any direction, including backwards. They see much faster than we humans do. Each compound eye covers most of the dragonfly’s head, and allows it to see almost 360 degrees around it. Once dragonflies focus on a prey, they can predict its future location and swoop in on it with great accuracy.

Even as nymphs, baby dragonflies eat small aquatic creatures like mosquito larvae, worms, tadpoles, and even small fish!

With their voracious appetite, dragonflies help regulate the populations of insects that potentially carry diseases, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. A team of researchers from Nparks and the National University of Singapore are conducting a study on how to maximise the potential of dragonflies as natural pest control to combat dengue in Singapore.

Image courtesy of: Schnobby

Dragonflies play a vital role as indicator species. They are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat conditions, and dragonfly larvae require clean, unpolluted water to thrive. By monitoring dragonfly populations in certain areas, scientists can assess the health of aquatic ecosystems. A decline in the population or a decrease in diversity may be a sign of pollution, habitat loss, or other environmental disturbances. On the other hand, a good population of dragonflies is an indication of a healthy ecosystem.

The presence, absence, or abundance of an indicator species reflects on a specific environmental condition. They can signal that something has changed or is going to change in the ecosystem and diagnose the health of an ecosystem.

Dragonflies also serve as an important food source for other animals including a wide range of birds, fish, frogs, and spiders. Their larvae are often prey to fishes and frogs.

Image courtesy of: Strange Ones

According to Nparks, there are over 123 dragonfly and damselfly species in Singapore. Dragonflies and damselflies belong to same order of insects called Odonata, meaning toothed jaws. Sometimes, they are both collectively referred to as dragonflies. You can tell a dragonfly from a damselfly by looking at how its wings look like at rest. Unlike the dragonfly, whose wings rest horizontally, the damselfly’s wings fold back in line with its abdomen. Damselflies also have a thin body and smaller eyes than the dragonfly.

Common dragonfly species you may spot in Singapore:

Image courtesy of: (left) Gido, (right) Nparks Flora & Fauna Web

Common name: Crimson Dropwing

Scientific name: Trithemis aurora

The Crimson Dropwing is a common native dragonfly species that can be found in urban wetlands––in ponds and lakes. The males are a luminous fuchsia pink and females are golden yellow with black markings on the side.

Image courtesy of: (left) Renee Grayson, (right) Gail Hampshire

Common name: Blue Dasher

Scientific name: Brachydiplax chalybea

The Blue Dasher is an abundant native species. They live near still calm bodies of water and particularly like lotus ponds. The males are a chalky blue colour with a black tip at the end of its abdomen and females are black with yellow stripes along the side and top.

Image courtesy of: (left) Jeevan Jose, (right) Charles J. Sharp

Common name: Common Scarlet

Scientific name: Crocothemis servilia

The Common Scarlet is a common native species and are one of the larger red dragonflies found in Singapore. The males are red from head to tail and the female is light brown. Both males and females have a dark vertical line down the centre of their abdomen.

Image courtesy of: (left) Charles J. Sharp, (right) Green Baron

Common name: Common Parasol

Scientific name: Neurothemis fluctuans

The Common Parasol is the most common dragonfly species in Singapore. The males are reddish brown with maroon wings and transparent tips. Females are a dull brown with clear wings.

Image courtesy of: (left) Bill Higham, (right) John Tann

Common name: Yellow-barred Flutterer

Scientific name: Rhyothemis phyllis

The Yellow-barred Flutterer, also known as the Yellow-striped Flutterer, is common throughout Singapore and have been spotted far away from water. Swarms of the Yellow-barred Flutterer are often seen fluttering over grassy field in search from prey. Both males and females look similar. They are dark with a metallic sheen and have distinctive yellow and black bars on the base of their hind wings.

A key consideration when spotting dragonflies:

Watch your step near water bodies, keep your distance, and be careful not to stomp on dragonflies. The best time for dragonfly watching is from 9 am to 5 pm!

If you come across dragonflies in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app, or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

The Weird and Wonderful: Saga Tree

The Saga, also known as the Lucky Red Seed or Red Bead Tree, is an iconic tree in Singapore’s landscape. It is a large tree that grows up to 20 metres tall. It belongs to the legume family and, like other legumes such as soybeans and peanuts, their seeds come in a pod.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la 🎵 🎶

It’s holiday season! There are many traditions associated with the Christmas season. And many of these traditions involve plants. Evergreen trees are typically used as Christmas trees, poinsettias are well-liked for their red ornamental leaves, and holly adorn the halls with its bright red berries. However, it is worth noting that these plants do not thrive in tropical regions and are certainly not found in the Singapore landscape.

Saga

Common name: Saga

Scientific name: Adenanthera Pavonina

The Saga, with its lush green foliage and vibrant red seeds, resemble the holly in some ways.

Both plants have evergreen leaves, which means they retain their green colour throughout the year. The holly has red berries and spiky leaves and adds colour to the dark days of Yule. It symbolises peace and goodwill during the holiday season.

The saga is best known for its brilliant red seeds. The glossy heart-shaped seeds symbolise love in many cultures and are used as decoration or as lucky charms.

Image Courtesy of Mauricio Mercadante

In the past, saga seeds were tools used to measure silver and gold in ancient India and Sri Lanka. The seeds have a uniform weight and size: four seeds make up exactly 1 gram.

Image Courtesy of Dinesh Valke

The saga bears long curved fruit pods. When young, the fruit pods are green and nearly straight. As they mature, they transform into a woody brown colour, curl and twist, and eventually split open to reveal the striking red seeds.

Image courtesy of JNZL

The saga is native to India and Southern China , but has been naturalised in many countries in the tropics––throughout Singapore, Malaysia, Africa, Pacific and the Caribbean Islands. It is grown for forage, as a medicinal plant, or an ornamental tree in gardens and park. Its young leaves can be cooked and eaten, and the raw seeds are toxic but maybe be eaten when cooked.

Naturalised plants are plants that have been introduced to non-native environments and are able to grow and reproduce in the wild in their new home. All “alien invasive plants” or “non-native invasive species” are considered naturalised.

The saga is a common shade tree. It has a large spreading crown, and light feathery foliage, and are ideal for providing cover. It is hardy, fast growing, and easy to care for. They grew along the roadsides in Singapore during the 1970s and 1980s.

The leaves of saga trees undergo seasonal shedding for brief periods every 6-8 months, when the pale-green leaflets turn yellow and fall off. However, due to the significant amount of leaf litter and seeds they drop, saga trees have been deemed unfit for roadside locations. They can make roads messy and pose risks to motorists. Furthermore, saga trees are susceptible to damage in cases of strong winds.

Image Courtesy of Nparks Flora & Fauna Web

Today, saga trees can be found in secondary forests, but few remain in our urban landscape. Several aged saga trees have become landmarks across Singapore, and serve as symbols of historical significance.

A saga tree with Heritage Tree status is at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, near the Lady on a Hammock sculpture. It is a large tree with a girth of 4.68 metres and a height of 13.1 metres. According to Nparks, this tree is believed to be well over 100 years old.

Image Courtesy of Nparks

You will also find a saga tree grove at Gallop Extension. Spot the larger-than-life saga seeds by Singapore-based contemporary artist Kumari Nahappan that mark the grove. Amongst the cluster of Adenanthera Pavonina saga trees, there is one much rarer native Adenanthera malayana species whose saga seeds are black and red.

Image Courtesy of Global Cultural Aliance

If you come across saga trees in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

The Weird and Wonderful: Hornbill

Hornbills, also known as forest farmers, play a vital ecological role in their natural habitats, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This nickname aptly describes their significant contribution to the spread and germination of seeds, especially those from big-fruited forest trees.

Hornbills

These large black and white birds with contrasting-coloured beaks are not to be mistaken for toucans. Hornbills and toucans are both tropical fruit-eating birds and do the same job of spreading seeds to keep forests healthy, but their similarities end there. Most hornbills have a distinctive beak feature called a casque.

Image Courtesy of Francis Yap via Birds of Singapore

Three species of hornbill are believed to be native to Singapore––the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, and Helmeted Hornbill. These birds flourished in the 1800s, but gradually disappeared from the landscape to the point of local extinction, falling victim to hunting, habitat loss due to deforestation, and other human activities.

In 1994, a pair of wild Oriental Pied Hornbill, believed to be visitors from Malaysia, was spotted at Pulau Ubin. Later on, the first local breeding was observed in 1997.

Image Courtesy of Francis Yap via Birds of Singapore

Hornbills nest in suitable holes in a tree. When a female hornbill is ready to lay eggs, she seals the entrance with mud, fibres, and regurgitated fruit delivered to her by the male. She leaves a narrow opening through which the male brings food to her and their young and breaks out only after a few months when the nestlings are fully fledged.

Natural tree holes for nesting are limited in Singapore’s natural environment. In an effort to encourage wild hornbills to breed, over 20 artificial nest-boxes were installed within trees all over Singapore. Since their re-introduction, Oriental Pied Hornbills have multiplied and thrived in Singapore. They are the only true wild hornbills in Singapore.

Image courtesy of Hiyashi Haka

Common name: Oriental Pied Hornbill

Scientific name: Anthracoceros albirostris

The Oriental Pied Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with mostly black plumage with a distinctive white patch on its face, a pale yellowish bill and a small casque. Females have a smaller bill. It mainly feeds on fruit but also prey on small animals, such as small birds and reptiles.

They can be found in wooded areas, forest edges, mangroves, gardens, and parks around Singapore. Most Asian hornbills require large areas of forest to survive, but the Oriental Pied Hornbill has demonstrated an ability to adapt to urban environments, making use of the remaining patches of forests within the city. They have been spotted in urban areas that border green spaces and can tolerate a moderate level of human presence and activity. Their population is currently stable and is not a concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Visitors spotted in Singapore

Non-breeding wild visitors from neighbouring countries have been sighted on our shores and offshore islands. It is suggested that the degradation of regional forests is driving these species to search for new suitable habitat. They include the White-crowned Hornbill and the Black Hornbill.

Common name: White-crowned Hornbill

Scientific name: Berenicornis comatus

For the first time this year, a female White-crowned Hornbill was sighted on Pulau Ubin. It is a large hornbill with a bushy, upright white crest and a white tail. Males are white from the head down to the belly, and females are predominantly black, with only a white crest. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Image Courtesy of Zhang Shubo (Kiri) via Birds of Singapore

Common name: Black Hornbill

Scientific name: Anthracoceros malayanus

The Black Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with black plumage and broad white tips on its outer tails. Males have a pale yellow bill and casque; and females have a black bill and casque. It has been spotted within Woodlands and on Pulau Ubin. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Image courtesy of GerifalteDelSabana

Some of these insights into the population and distribution of the Oriental Pied Hornbill attributed to data from eBird and iNaturalist, collected and submitted by the community. You, too, can contribute to research by providing valuable data.

If you come across hornbills in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app, the eBird app, or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

References and further reading:

📗 Conserving Hornbills in the Urban Environment

📃 A Note on Oriental Pied Hornbill reintroduction in Singapore and its dispersal from 2010–2021

📄 Aberrant Behaviour Of A Female Great Hornbill And A Female Rhinoceros Hornbill

The Weird and Wonderful: Otter

Otters are highly social creatures and like to forage and travel in groups of up to twelve or more. They are also incredibly resilient. In Singapore, the smooth-coated otter has adapted well to our urban cityscape.

Otters

In recent years, Singapore has seen a rise in otter sightings. Once on the brink of local extinction, these critically endangered creatures are now thriving.

Otters can be found in wetlands, mangrove forests, rivers, lakes, and rice paddies. They find shelter in mangroves, where they breed and hunt for an array of prey. However, pollution and habitat loss from the decline of mangroves due to deforestation threatened their survival in the 1970s.

When Singapore started its greening movements, cleaning up its waterways in the 1980s, expanding conservation efforts, and integrating more green and blue spaces within urban areas in 2001, the otter population rebounded.

Image Courtesy of Vicki Burton

You can find two otter species in Singapore—the small-clawed otter and the smooth-clawed otter. They are both listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In certain regions of Asia, these otters face the threat of poaching for their skins. The ongoing illegal trade further threatens the species.

Image courtesy of JJ Harrison

Common name: Smooth-coated Otter

Scientific name: Lutrogale perspicillata

The smooth-coated otter is most common species in Singapore. They are the largest otter in Southeast Asia and have a distinctive smooth, velvety coat. They forage for larger fish most of the time. Their also feed on crabs, shrimp, mudskippers, frogs, and birds. They are regularly seen at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve but have been spotted in locations like Singapore Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and reservoirs. According to Nparks, there currently about 170 smooth-coated otters island wide.

Image Courtesy of Burgers’ Zoo

Common name: Small-clawed Otter

Scientific name: Aonyx cinerea

The small-clawed otter is more elusive and mainly found in off-shore islands such Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. It is the smallest species of all 13 species of otters found around the world. As their name implies, they have very small claws that don’t extend beyond their webbed feet. They have brown to light brown fur and a pale chest, throat, cheeks and chin. They primarily feed on crustaceans and molluscs like crabs and snails but will also eat small fish, insects, frogs, bird eggs and other small aquatic animals.

Image courtesy of Mibby23

Otters are highly social creatures. They use body language and touch, smells, and calls to communicate. And they like to forage and travel in groups of up to twelve or more. They are also incredibly resilient. In Singapore, the smooth-coated otter has adapted well to our urban cityscape. They have been seen using concrete and grass for grooming, and choosing small gaps and crevices under bridges as resting sites or dens.

Living in a city where nature intertwines with urban life through parks and water bodies, we must learn to live alongside with wildlife. How can we share our rivers, reservoirs, and coastal wetlands with the otters?

What to do when you encounter otters?

(Animal Advisory, Nparks)

Keep your hands to yourself. Do not touch, chase or corner the otters. They may look cute, but they are carnivores with sharp teeth (remember the otter in Zootopia?).

Observe them from a distance. Getting too close to the otters may frighten them.
Keep your snacks to yourself. Do not feed the otters. They have food in the natural environment. And their eating habits keep the ecosystem balanced and healthy.
Pick up any trash you see. Do not litter or leave any sharp objects in the water. Clean and safe waterways filled with fish make healthy habitats for the otters to swim and feed in.

Image courtesy of © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Keep your dog on a leash. Wildlife and pets can harm each other.
Call an emergency hotline if you see an otter that seems injured, trapped, or sick. 📞 NParks’ 24-hr Animal Response Centre or ACRES

If you come across otters in the wild, we encourage you to (safely) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

Recommended resources:

📗 International Union for Conservation of Nature, Otter Report

👀 How to keep otters out of your home?

🦦 Our Wild Neighbours

December Events in Singapore

December events in Singapore that help you raise awareness, take action, connect with nature, be a part of the environmental movement, and meet like-minded people.

1. Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2023

Organiser: Enterprise Singapore

Description:

The fifth edition of the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge, organised by Enterprise Singapore, seeks innovative minds to devise sustainable solutions under key themes: Climate Change, Green Buildings, Sustainable Agriculture & Trade, Sustainable Materials, and an Open Category.

Successful innovators will gain a unique opportunity to engage in co-innovation with corporate partners. In addition, prizes include potential grant support, S$75,000 from Hexagon Group, as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. Learn more

2. Fashion Swap — Festive Edition

Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., 1st – 3rd December

Place: AnchorPoint

Organiser: Cloop

Description:

Get ready to unwrap the most wonderful time of the year with Cloop’s festive edition Fashion Swap! Whether you’re gearing up for travelling, Christmas, NYE, or CNY celebrations, Cloop’s got your style needs covered sustainably!

Learn more about the event here.

3. East Coast Beach Plan Cleanups

Time: Friday, 1st December, Friday, 8th December, Friday, 15th December, Friday, 22nd December, Friday, 29th December

Place: East Coast Park

Organiser: @eastcoastbeachplan

Description:

The East Coast Beach Plan is a ground-up initiative for anyone interested to join or self-organise clean-ups to do their part to reduce plastic pollution from entering the ocean. Note that all sessions are ad-hoc and self-organised by interested individuals, nothing is really centrally organised. Do participate safely and at your own discretion and risk.

Read this document before you go!

4. Death of a T-shirt?

Time: 7 p.m., Thursday, 7th December

Place: Punggol Regional Library – Programme Room (Level 5) | Zoom

Organiser: Punggol Regional Library

Description:

In this programme, Jasmine Tuan, co-founder of Cloop, and Kevin Kho, Centre Manager of the RGE-NTU Sustainable Textile Research Centre will talk about the afterlives of our clothes. Find out what Singaporeans are doing to tackle the problem of textile waste, and how technology can help to give our clothes a second chance of life.

Get tickets here.

5. Zero • Market – Eco Xmas Edition

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 16th & 17th December

Place: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796

Organiser: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre 慈济人文青年中心

Description:

The Zero • Market is a sustainable lifestyle market, where fresh produce and sustainable goods are available! They are working towards Zero Waste, starting with Zero Meat and Zero Plastic (except for unavoidable plastic packaging). It takes place every 1st and 3rd Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of the month unless otherwise stated. Visit the Zero • Market and don’t forget to bring your own bag!

Learn more here.

6. Project Blue Wave Ambassador Workshop Part 1 & 2

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, 16th December

Place: PAssion Wave@Marina Bay

Organiser: PAssion Wave@Marina Bay x Stridy

Description: Learn about marine biodiversity and environmental conservation with PAssion Wave @ Marina Bay and Stridy. Complete the sessions below to be an ambassador:
Part 1: Theory
Part 2: Waterway / Park Cleanup
Part 3: Volunteer with us

The minimum age of participation is 12, and participants are expected to register as volunteers and volunteer with PAssion Wave.

Online registration closes on 11 December. Use this link to register.

7. Repair Kopitiam

Time: Sunday, 17th December

Place: Various locations

Organiser: Repair Kopitiam

Description:

Repair Kopitiam is an initiative designed to combat the disposable culture by offering a platform where individuals can mend their personal belongings with guidance and assistance from volunteer “Repair Coaches”. This do-it-yourself (DIY) repair event takes place on the final Sunday of each month at different locations throughout the country. To participate, attendees need to schedule a specific timeslot and are allowed to bring up to two items for repair during each session.

Booking opens on 1st December through 13th December. Read event house rules here.

8. Sustainable Creative Artwork by Visual Arts Centre X NTU ADM

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, 30th December

Place: Visual Arts Centre

Organiser: Visual Arts Centre x NTU ADM

Description:

This immersive experience is perfect for aspiring eco-conscious artists and individuals of all ages. Learn to merge artistic expression with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Dive into techniques that bring your ideas to life while championing sustainability. From recycled materials to nature-inspired themes, the workshop will ignite your passion for art and the planet.

The minimum age of participation is 10.

Learn more about the workshop here.

The Weird and Wonderful: Mangrove

In the current era where climate change is a pressing concern, mangrove forests stand out for their remarkable ability to efficiently sequester carbon, trapping significant amounts of carbon dioxide by storing carbon in their biomass and the surrounding soil.

Mangroves

Mangroves are a group of shrub and tree species that live along shores, rivers, and estuaries in the tropics, subtropics, and even some temperate coastal areas. Although used to describe the species, plant, or forest, the term mangrove is also commonly used collectively to describe the unique ecosystem these plants form.

Image courtesy of Cattan2011

These inter-tidal forests, comprising salt-tolerant trees featuring a partially exposed network of roots, are possibly the world’s most productive type of wetland. They provide shelter and food for an immense diversity of wildlife. They physically protect coastlines. They provide sustenance, raw materials, and medicine to communities who continue to depend on the land for their livelihoods. They are extremely resilient and are able to withstand the worst of storms, hurricanes, and flooding.

During high tide, the roots of mangrove plants are completely submerged in seawater. And during low tide they are exposed to the sun. While the distinctive roots of mangroves play a crucial role in facilitating the respiration of these plants, their significance extends beyond that singular function.

Mangrove root systems provide a safe haven for fish fry and juvenile animals and host a variety of species, including mudskippers, otters, and water monitor lizards.

Image courtesy of Ravenblack7575

Their roots act as natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants, and enhancing water quality. They protect marine life, and provide a natural buffer against storm surges and coastal erosion.

Image courtesy of Eustaquio Santimano

However, the combined impacts of rising sea levels and activities such as agriculture, aquaculture, urban development, and harvesting have resulted in the erosion and deforestation of mangrove forests, causing the loss of more than a quarter of these vital ecosystems in the past 50 years. In the 1820s, mangroves accounted for 13 percent of Singapore’s land area. Today, less than 1 percent of the mangroves in Singapore remain.

Approximations suggest that Singapore’s remaining mangrove patches may store 450,570.7 megagrams of carbon, an equivalent to the average annual carbon emissions of 621,000 residents.

The most extensive expanse of mangrove area on mainland Singapore is loacted within Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. They can also be found within areas such as Mandai, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Pasir Ris Park, as well as offshore islands like Pulau Semakau and Pulau Ubin.

Image courtesy of Eustaquio Santimano

There are about 35 mangrove species found in Singapore, here are a few to look out for:

Images courtesy of Zairon (left), Nparks Flora Fauna Web (right)

Common name: Bakau Minyak

Scientific name: Rhizophora apiculata

The Bakau Minyak is one of the two most common mangrove species in Singapore and native to Singapore. They have the potential to grow upwards of 30 metres or more. Boasting a smooth dark grey bark that can reach up to 50cm in diameter, the bakau minyak is distinguished by its characteristic arching prop or stilt roots connected to the trunk, along with aerial roots emerging from its branches.

Images courtesy of Nparks Flora & Fauna Web

Common name: Bakau Putih, Black Mangrove

Scientific name: Bruguiera cylindrica

The Bakau Putih, also known as Black Mangrove, is another common mangrove species and native to Singapore. These mangroves can reach heights of up to 20 meters but are frequently spotted on nature trails as compact shrubs or modest trees ranging from 2 to 3 meters in height. The trees have a greyish bark and are notably recognised for their lateral roots that stick out from the mud surface, bearing a resemblance to a person’s bent knees.

Image courtesy of Nparks Flora & Fauna Web

Common name: Nipah Palm, Water Coconut, Mangrove Palm, Attap

Scientific name: Nypa fruticans

You may already be familiar with this plant based on your knowledge of a popular local dessert. Ice kacang is a local favourite of red beans, creamed corn, grass jelly and the gem of all gems––attap chee, topped with a mountain of ice drizzled with gula melaka. Attap chee is the fruit of the nipah palm. And gula melaka (palm sugar) is made from its sap. The Nipah Palm is a mangrove palm native to Singapore. It is a medium to large-sized stemless palm that frequently grows in small clumps, characterized by its expansive leaf fronds.

If you come across mangroves in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

The Weird and Wonderful: The Sunbird

These small agile birds, measuring 9 to 15cm long, are a common sign in the island’s green spaces––in gardens and nature parks. Here are a few sunbird species that you might encounter in Singapore:

The Sunbird

Have you seen a sunbird flitting from flower to flower and thought… hummingbird?

These small agile birds, measuring 9 to 15cm long, are a common sign in the island’s green spaces––in gardens and nature parks. They live primarily on nectar and sometimes feed on small insects. Because of their small size and nectar-feeding behaviour, it is easy to mistake them for hummingbirds.

Image courtesy of Mendis Tan via Nparks Flora Fauna Web

But you won’t find hummingbirds in this part of the world. Unlike hummingbirds, sunbirds rarely hover while feeding and usually perch to feed.

Sunbirds have long, curved bills that can reach deep into flowers, making them effective pollinators––particularly tubular flowers that bees and butterflies find difficult to access. By aiding in pollination, sunbirds help to maintain the beauty and diversity of plant life in Singapore, contributing to the balance and health of the local ecosystem. Their bills also allow them to feed on fruits when flowers are unavailable and hunt for insects and spiders to feed their young.

Sunbirds are Old World birds from the family Nectariniidae. They are native to Asia, Africa, and Australasia.

In tropical regions, sunbirds mate and breed throughout the year. The males are brightly coloured, almost iridescent, and often larger than females. They build hanging purse-like nests and usually lay two eggs at a time.

Image courtesy of Jim Bendon

They are often seen in pairs and are monogamous, meaning they have only one partner and mate for life. You might even see them in small family groups! Sunbirds live up to 7 years in the wild and generally stay in one area from birth to death.

Here are a few sunbird species that you might encounter in Singapore:

Images courtesy of (left) Nparks Flora Fauna Web, (right) Lip Kee Yap

Common name: Olive-backed Sunbird, Yellow-breasted Sunbird

Scientific name: Cinnyris jugularis

The Olive-backed Sunbird, also known as the yellow-bellied sunbird, is the most common sunbird found in Singapore. They often build their nests on the tip of branches or on fences. Males boasts a vibrant metallic-blue forehead, throat and breast, olive-green upperparts and a contrasting yellow chest; females are yellow with dull olive brown upperparts.

Images courtesy of (left) Doug Janson, (right) Jason Thompson

Common name: Brown-throated Sunbird, Plain-throated Sunbird

Scientific name: Anthreptes malacensis

The Brown-throated Sunbird is another common sunbird that can be spotted in coastal areas, mangrove habitats, parks, and gardens. Males display a distinctive brown throat, a metallic-green head and neck, purple wings, and a lemon-yellow belly; females are dull olive.

Images courtesy of (left) Krishna Prajapati, (right) Rejaul Karim

Common name: Crimson Sunbird

Scientific name: Aethopyga siparaja

The Crimson Sunbird has earned the unofficial title of Singapore’s national bird, resonating with the moniker “the little red dot” often used to describe the island on world maps. Males exhibit a bright red colour with a grey belly and greenish-black tail; females are dull olive-green with a pale yellow belly and dull-green tail.

Images courtesy of (left) Nparks Flora Fauna Web, (right) Gerard Chartier

Common name: Copper-throated Sunbird

Scientific name: Leptocoma calcostetha

The Copper-throated Sunbird is one of the larger species of sunbirds. They are found predominantly in coastal areas and mangroves. It prefers to feed on the nectar of flowers of Bruguiera trees. They are in danger of habitat loss in Singapore due to the degradation and destruction of mangroves. Males appear dark all over with an iridescent green crown and shoulder, copper-coloured throat and upper breast; females are olive with a yellow belly, a pale-grey head and throat and an incomplete white eye ring.

If you come across a sunbird in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

Celebrating the Winners of the Earthshot Prize 2023

On Tuesday (November 7th), The Earthshot Prize held its 2023 annual award at Mediacorp Theatre in Singapore. It is an initiative launched by Britain’s Prince William in 2020 to address critical environmental challenges. The award celebrated the achievements of five outstanding projects under five categories — building a waste-free world, cleaning our air, fixing our climate, reviving our oceans, and protecting and restoring nature.

Here are the five winners and their projects.

1. Protect and Restore Nature

Winner: ACCIÓN ANDINA

The Project:

Acción Andina brings together local and indigenous communities in the high Andes to collaborate on the protection and restoration of native forests and ecosystems. The initiative provides essential resources such as salary support, project and financial management, and technical training.

Impact:

Since 2018, the project has planted nearly 10 million native trees across five countries, restoring over 4,000 hectares of Andean forests and safeguarding more than 11,000 hectares of native forests from destruction.

Future Plans:

The goal by 2045 is to protect and restore one million hectares of high Andean native forest ecosystems across seven countries.

2. Revive Our Oceans

Winner: WildAid Marine Programme

The Project:

WildAid ensures marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide continue to fulfill their conservation promises, create sustainable fishery zones, and combat overfishing threats.

Impact:

Operating in 96 MPAs across 16 countries, WildAid has improved protection for over 8,500 marine species.

Future Plans:

With a focus on expanding to 250 MPAs and coastal fishery zones in the next five years, WildAid is determined to strengthen the global efforts to conserve our oceans.

3. Clean Our Air

Winner: GRST

The Project:

GRST pioneers cleaner battery production by eliminating toxic adhesives in lithium-ion batteries and reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact:

GRST’s technologies enable a 35% reduction in energy consumption, a 40% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and production of batteries that last 10% longer.

Future Plans:

Expanding to international markets, GRST plans to set up a manufacturing facility in Singapore.

4. Fix Our Climate

Winner: Boomitra

The Project:

Collaborating with 150,000 farmers worldwide, Boomitra focuses on improving agricultural practices to enhance soil health, increase crop yields, and sequester carbon dioxide.

Impact:

Since 2018, Boomitra has removed 15 million tonnes of CO2, with plans to provide at least US$200 million to farmers and ranchers by 2025.

Future Plans:

Boomitra is scaling their solutions internationally to help farmers improve soil health and increase crop yields. It also aims to store one gigaton of CO2 in the soil by 2030.

5. Build a Waste-free World

Winner: S4S Technologies

The Project:

S4S Technologies aids small-holder farmers in India by providing solar-powered dryers and food processing equipment, preventing unsold produce from going to waste and supporting women entrepreneurs.

Impact:

Over 100,000 farmers and 2,500 female entrepreneurs have experienced increased profits and doubled or tripled incomes since 2020.

Future Plans:

S4S aims to expand its network to one million small-holder farmers, help 10,000 entrepreneurs, and save half a million tonnes of food from waste in the next three years.

Photos: The Earthshot Prize

The Weird and Wonderful: The Ant Plant

The ant plant, also commonly called Baboon’s head, is native to Southeast Asia and is considered rare and critically endangered in Singapore. It is a remarkable botanical wonder that has developed a unique and mutual relationship with ant colonies.

Ant Plant

Image courtesy of Bernard Dupont

Common name: Ant plant, Baboon’s head, Dedalu Api Laut, Hempedal Itik, Kepala Beruk, Pedal Itik

Scientific name: Hydnophytum formicarum Jack

The Ant plant forms a tuber at its base, known as a caudex, that are inhabited by ants in the wild.

Typically the tuber grows to about 20cm wide (but can grow up to an impressive 55cm!) and contains hollow chambers and tunnels that are ideal spaces for ant nesting.

Image courtesy of NParks

The plant provides shelter and nectar to ants. In return, the ants provide the plant with protection from herbivores and pests. This is known as a symbiotic relationship, when close associations are formed between two species.

The Ant plant is an epiphyte and grows on the surface of another plants. It is often found on trees in primary and secondary forests. The ant plant is best suited to a tropical climate and thrives in Singapore, where high humidity and abundant rainfall prevail. It derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water or nearby organic debris and stores them in its distinctively swollen stem.

Emerging from the stem, the ant plant produces long, slender, and flexible branches. These branches host short, broad, leather-like leaves and give rise to delicate white flowers.

Image courtesy of NParks

The Ant plant serves as a perfect example of the intricate interdependence between flora and fauna in the region, underscoring the importance of each species and the roles that plant life plays in the environment.

If you come across a rare Ant plant in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.