NEWSLETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE… · NEWSLETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE) MICA (P) 106/08/2007 ... Check out Sutari’s account of his trip to Tj. ... NSS Proposal

NEWSLETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE)

MICA (P) 106/08/2007

SEP-OCT 2007

www.nss.org.sg

Nature NewsQUICK FIND PgActivities 2

Trips Abroad 3

AGM 2007 Report 4

Sub-group Reports 9

Society Reports 14

News & Announcements 20

Directory 23

All Purpose Form 24

ACtIvIty CAleNDAr4th Fall Migration Bird Census Sept 2

Countryside Twilight Ramble Sept 8

International Coastal Cleanup, Singapore Sept 15

Fun with Snakes Sept 15

Exploring the Kallang River, Part I Sept 22

Weekend getaway to Tanjung Sutera/Sedili Besar, Johor Sept 29-30

Birdwatching and Farm Tour at Sungei Tengah Oct 7

Horseshoe Crab Watch Oct 13

Nature walk at Telok Blangah Hill Oct 14

Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West Walk Oct 21

Birdwatching at Semakau Oct 21

Mount Faber Ramble Oct 21

Colours of Birding, 24th Singapore Bird Race Oct 27-28

NSS AGM 2007Society members share the past year’s activities and happenings and also spell out plans for the

future. Read the AGM 2007 Report on Page 4

Also in this Issue:

This brand new boardwalk welcomed visitors to the precious mangrove and mudflats site on 7 July 2007. The old tudor style No. 1 Ubin house has been refurbished to serve as the new Visitor Centre. The opening saw a sizeable number of Singaproeans trotting down to Pulau Ubin to see the new Visitor Centre and sample the views from the boardwalk. Check it out on Page 14.

Chek Jawa Boardwalk Opens!

The Bounty of Butterflies~ A fascinating look at our beautiful winged friends

Page 16

Launch of“Trees of Bukit Timah Campus”

Page 14

Photo: Gan Cheong Weei

Photo: Timothy Pwee

Rambling from Macritchie to Peirce Reservoir

Page 18

Nature NewsNOV-DEC 2007NEWS LETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE)

www.nss.org.sgMICA (P) 106/08/2007

Activity cAlendAr QUicK FindOrganic & Veggie Healthy Lunch Nov 3

Birdwatching at Bt Brown Cemetery Nov 4

Marina South Ramble Nov 17

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Carnival Nov 18

Conservation Chat Nov 21

Birdwatching at Semakau Nov 24

Birdwatching at Semakau Dec 2

Birdwatching at Pulau Ubin Dec 16

Ramblers’ Year-End Get-Together Dec 29-30

Asian Waterfowl Census Jan 2008

Activities 2

Trips Abroad 4

EOGM 2007 Report 6

Sub-group Reports 10

News & Announcements 21

Directory 23

All Purpose Form 24

NSS wishes all its members a festive Deepavali, Selamat Hari

Raya Haji and Merry Christmas! May 2008 be a fabulous year of

discovering nature and developing our conservation and preservation efforts. We thank you for your

invaluable support!

FeAtUrinG

A new book by NSS member Adeline Foo Out Now!

Page 13

Check out the Mid Year Bird Census 2007 where the Cattle Egret makes it

to 17th position from 47th (recorded in 2006).

Page 18

October 15 was Blog Action Day with a focus on the theme of Environment. See

BESG’s tribute to the day.Page 22

2d/1n Mt Ophir retreat (22-23 dec 07)

Check out Sutari’s account of his trip to Tj. Sutera over 29-30 Sept, 2007. Still clueless over your December holiday plans? Check out Trips Abroad and the weekend outing to the famed mystical Gunung Ledang, to hang out and enjoy! See Page 4.

Read up on all the hissing action that kids had a wild time to as they had Fun with Snakes! These kids made their own ‘snake mobiles’ which they wore around their necks in an evening of discovery and learning all about snakes. See Page 12 for more.

Fun With Snakes!

Kids’ Snake Mobiles

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The tranquil ambience of Tj Sutera

Activities November

Saturday 3 Organic & Veggie Healthy Lunch Learn how you can ‘Live in Harmony with Nature’ in urban Singapore at an exhibition jointly collaborated by Kampung Senang (Charity & Education Foundation) and the Vegetarian Society of Singapore. Savour this fantastic organic meal and hum-along with One-World Choir’s nature and inspirational songs. Experience Breathing, Visualisation & Self Massage Exercises and Shop for eco-friendly products and organic foods. It is all happening at Kg Senang’s Holistic Lifestyle Centre at Blk 106, #01-205, Aljunied Crescent. (Lunch at 12 noon). To book for lunch at $30 per person, please register your interest at: [email protected] More details are available at the following website: www.kg-senang.org.sg Or call 67498509.

We hope Nature Society members/friends will form one or two tables. If you are unable to come for the lunch, you can sponsor an elderly/disabled person at the ‘Reunion lunch for Beneficiaries of Kg Senang’ at $25 per head. We hope to see you there!

Sunday 4 Birdwatching at Bt Brown Cemetery with Sutari Supari. Meet at 7.30am at the entrance of the cemetery (near junction of Lornie Rd and Kheam Hock Rd). Enjoy this refreshing morning walk and explore this vibrant site, abundant with resident birds like Laced Woodpeckers, Common Goldenbacks and migrants like flycatchers, cuckoos and raptors that seek shelter from the woods. Remember to bring a hat as we will walk well into the strong morning light and insect repellent for those persistent mozzies.

Saturday 17 Marina South Ramble with the Nature Ramblers led by Yap Chung Kui. This large piece of reclaimed land tucked at the southern tip of the waterfront area is earmarked for residential development. Take this opportunity to explore the patch of scrubland and wooded area, which has grown wild over the years and inhabited by birds and other wildlife. Walk along the promenade and view the waterfront developments and the barrage across the mouth of Marina Bay. Complete the 6km

circuitous route by visiting the Marina Park and observe some migratory birds at the pond. Bring along your binoculars and camera. No booking required. Meet at 8am at the Marina Bay MRT Station (Exit A).

Sunday 18 Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Carnival Dedicated to the children of Singapore, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden provides a unique and interactive garden setting for children to discover the important world of plants through play. Bring your entire family to enjoy a day of fun, games, food and entertainment at the new garden and at the same time support its fund raising efforts. All funds raised will be channelled to the Garden City Fund to support the maintenance of the Children’s Garden. Venue: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Time: 9:30am - 6:30pm

Wednesday 21 Conservation Chat with Committee members. Confirmed agenda for this session: a) NSS Proposal for Reforming Wild Animals and Birds Act (WABA); and b) PUB’s Response to NSS Feedback on the ABC Waters Programme. Held every three months, this chat serves as an informal gathering for members concerned about the status of nature conservation in Singapore. Topics/issues for discussion will depend on what surfaces in the months leading up to the session. Proposals on any other topics or issues are welcomed. The objective is to obtain feedback and suggestions. Come to foster camaraderie and to share your fertile mind on any conservation issue! It’s happening at the NSS Office, The Sunflower at 7.30pm. Contact: Ho Hua Chew at tel. 64571196 or e-mail: [email protected]

Saturday 24 Birdwatching at Semakau with Ho Hua Chew. Meet at 7.30am at the West Coast Ferry Terminal (near Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.) A good time to visit Semakau for migratory birds and migrant surprises. Resident attractions are Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Egret, Malaysian Plover, etc. Possible sightings of rare migrants such as Chinese Egret, Oriental Pratincole, etc. Return to mainland by 2pm. Free parking at Carpark 2 off

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NATURE NEWS Nov-Dec 2007 ACTIVITIES

the West Coast Highway. Non-refundable $25 fee for boat & administration. Send your cheque to NSS office by 16 November with the AP Form. Number of persons per trip: 11 or 22 or 33. Interested members are to contact Ho Hua Chew at: hohc@

starhub.net.sg; or tel. 64571196. Identity card or Passport mandatory for boarding. Strictly for members only – 1st come 1st served basis. Children under 12 not allowed (NEA regulation).

Activities December

Sunday 2 Birdwatching at Semakau with

Wing Chong. Meet at 7.30am at the West Coast

Ferry Terminal (near Republic of Singapore Yacht

Club.) At this second round of the Semakau site,

Wing Chong takes you to sight both resident and

rare migrant birds who flock there in December. We

expect to return to mainland by 2pm. Free parking

at Carpark 2 off the West Coast Highway. Non-

refundable $25 fee for boat and administration. Send

your cheque to NSS office by 23 November with

the AP Form. Number of persons per trip: 11 or

22 or 33. To book, please contact Wing Chong at:

[email protected]; or tel. 91003546. Identity

Card or Passport mandatory for boarding. Strictly

for members only – 1st come 1st served. Children

under 12 not allowed (NEA regulation.)

Sunday 16 Birdwatching at Pulau Ubin

with Ali Jaafar. Meet at 7.30 am at Changi Point Jetty.

Join us on this pre-Christmas trip to check out the

migrants that seek temporary abode in this idyllic

island and not forgetting our resident birds Oriental

Pied Hornbill and many others. Also, do remember

to look out for the Peregrine Falcon that is often

sighted near the Pulau Ubin jetty.

29 & 30 Sat/Sun Ramblers’ Year-End Get-Together

This is the chance for committee members and

participants of previous rambles to meet and get to

know each other, and reminisce over past rambles. It

is ‘Pot Luck’ (halal food please), so please bring some

food, dessert, fruits, finger bites etc. for Saturday’s

evening dinner. After dinner, the highlight is a pictures

presentation by Jimmy Chew on his recent journeys

to Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya and Sabah. The various rambles from Jan-Dec 06 will also be reviewed. Thereafter, resident guitarist, Leong Kwok Peng will lead a sing-a-long session, plus oldies and other favourites. (Songbooks are provided). It’s happening at NSS member Faizah Jamal’s residence, 32 College Green (off Dunearn Road) on Saturday 29 Dec starting at 5.00pm. For those who wish to stay overnight, please bring your own sleeping mat. After breakfast the following morning, Sutari Supari will lead a bird watching outing to Bukit Brown. Meet at Adam Road Food Centre (off Dunearn Road and Adam Road) at 8 am. For enquiries, please email Sutari at [email protected] Tel: 62835069®, 97821017 (h/p).

Jan 2008 Asian Waterfowl Census

Calling all volunteers! The Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) is round the corner. This annual census attempts to obtain annual information of waterbird populations at various sites in Singapore. Held usually in January, the data is then used as a basis for evaluation of the sites and monitoring of the populations as well as the status and conditions of wetlands still existent in Singapore. This census also aims to encourage a greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst people, and thereby promote the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds in the region. We seek your help and support in this exercise to carry out the survey of the various sites in Singapore. Do look out for the date that would be announced in Wildbird Singapore and NSS NatureNews e-groups nearer the date. Interested members can email Lim Kim Keang at [email protected] to register your interest.

NATURE NEWS Nov-Dec 2007

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ACTIVITIES

Discover the mysteries of Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir). Local legend has it that it is the abode of a very beautiful fairy princess, Puteri Gunong Ledang. She is also the guardian of the mountain. Situated in the district of Muar, peaking at 1,276m, it is the highest peak in Johor state, close to the Malacca border. But we are not going to climb the mountain, we will be enjoying ourselves for a quiet retreat at Mt Ophir!

Join in to capture the splendour of the magical jungle-capped mountain. Cool off in the rushing waters of Puteri Falls. Discover a world alive with the wonders of nature – a true getaway in cosy chalets within magnificent woodlands settings. You will be immersed in nature appreciation, visually gorging on the beauty of birds, and flora of the rugged wild, amidst the great outdoors. Mt Ophir offers an enticing realm of nature, adventure, history, legends,

flora and fauna. Come get your natural mountain high! Cost: $190/- per pax (inclusive of accomodation at Taman Lagenda chalet, transport, insurance, food and guide) Note: (Min 10 pax). For enquiries: contact Sutari Supari Tel: 62835069(R) or 97821017, Email: [email protected] Please send your cheques and completed all purpose form to: Sun-City Travel & Tours Pte Ltd, c/o Blk 2, 10-42, Lorong Lew Lian, Singapore 531002. Attn: Sutari Supari

2d/1n Mt Ophir retreat (22-23 dec 07)

Passport Extra change of clothing Some M$ cash Torch (headlamp) Trekking shoes Rain coat / Poncho

Footwear - Casuals Water bottle Personal medication & toiletries A pair of binoculars and your camera

Don’t forget to bring

Among the highlights of our last trip (29-30 Sept 2007), was exploring a rocky shore coastline and the tidal pools with Kwok Peng. At irregular intervals during the walk, he would stop to explain the crustacean life, the rocky formation of shale, quartz and ferrous rock etc. We saw interesting coastal vegetation like the Sea hibiscus, Sea lettuce, Screwpine Palm (with its fruits resembling a round pineapple), Sea almond tree (ketapang) etc. One huge rock even resembled a bull elevating from the side! Small crabs and mudskippers abounded the rocky shore

A wonderful respite at tj. Sutera a sharing by Sutari

and some small fish were seen trapped in the rocky pool as the sea receded. There were many seashells, telescopic shells and dead corals too. Soon, we approached a bay with stunning white sand – a Kodak moment no doubt.

Further up, at a coconut grove, I signalled to Saibu (our local guide) to get us some young coconuts. Within 10 minutes, Saibu was already throwing the coconuts onto the sandy ground with loud thuds. Naseri (the other guide) then cut the coconuts with his parang (machete) allowing us to indulge the sweet water. The thirst quencher was like tonic to our tired bodies. The young coconut flesh was so tender and sweet the participants had a hard time parting from here.

Recharged, we proceeded to climb Bukit Tg Tebal. We saw a Chinese family collecting shells and some crustaceans in a small plastic pail. We peered at the pail and saw marine flatworm, nudibranchs, baby lobsters, a sea cucumber, some small fish, and a crab with its pincers all up, ready to clip on anyone’s fingers!

Later, we trekked up Bt Tg Tebal through a secondary forest and at the summit, spotted two wild pigs who panicked and were seen scrambling down the steep slope. They were just having a quiet mud bath, when we had suddenly approached upon them. At the summit, we felt pure elation and the views were heart-warming.

Walking along the shale rocks

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NATURE NEWS Nov-Dec 2007 TRIPS

From Our President’s diaryThe last couple of months saw NSS President, Dr Geh Min increasingly involved in several regional and international initiatives. To connect to the message back home, she has also gone into third gear with an environment blog as a Guest Blogger. Check out http://blog.omy.sg/cco-blogger where on October 6, she introduced herself by participating in Climate Change Organisation’s (CCO) blog launch.

28 July 2007 International SEAGA forum

Participated at this event organized by the Southeast Asian Geography Association. It was held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of ASEAN with NLB and NIE as partner organisations. See detailed blurb of event on page 21.

20 August 2007 Participated at the Dialogue on Forest Fires, Haze and Links to Climate Change, Singapore. Organised by SIIA. Speakers present were from CSIS Indonesia; ISIS Malaysia; Environment and Disaster Management Unit, ASEAN Secretariat; World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia; Malaysian Environmental NGOs (MENGO); IDRC; Thailand Environmental Institute (TEI); CIFOR and from universities in Thailand and Australia.

25 Aug 2007 Launch of the Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Participated in this launch organized and hosted by National Parks Board, with Mrs Christina Ong, the Board’s Chairperson, gracing as the Guest-of-Honour. Students of Kranji Secondary School developed the Wireless Learning Trail at the Mangroves Boardwalk.

28 Aug 2007 HSBC Living Business Seminar - A Sustainable Business in Stages

This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seminar was held at the Suntec Convention Centre Theatre, Level 3. While there is increasing pressure on companies to demonstrate a greater commitment and responsibility to society, CSR has become an important component of good business practice for all businesses alike. The HSBC Living Business Seminar is designed to help support local businesses in Singapore develop their CSR awareness and be more effective and productive by adopting socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

Dr Geh shared the space with speakers from the National Environment Agency, National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, Singapore Compact for CSR, Senoko Power and World Wildlife Fund for Nature among others. A sharing of views on community engagement and the challenge for businesses, as well as how to deal with business efficiencies and carbon emissions, were among the topics tackled.

29 August 2007 The Kyoto Protocol and the International Carbon Market: Perspectives for a Post-Kyoto Agreement

Participated at this event organized by Asia Pacific Centre for Environmental Law, Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore and Singapore Academy of Law. The session explored the Kyoto Protocol, its international legal context; the conceptual origin of International Emissions Trading; and the governance of the Kyoto Protocol. It also drew on the international Carbon Market, Pricing, Contractual Structures and Carbon Contracts.


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PRESIDENT’S DIARY

30/31 Aug 2007 Conference on Crucial Issues in Climate change and the Kyoto Protocol: Asia and the World

Participated at this two-day event held at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore. The sessions looked at five broad themes: legal, policy, economic considerations; Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM); Emissions Trading in Asia; Effective Implementation of the Kyoto Protocol in Asia; and an alternative to Kyoto.

22 Sept 2007 Caterpillar Celebrates 40 Years of Growth and Progress in Singapore

As part of Caterpillar’s sustainable development initiatives in Singapore, NSS was selected to be one of the beneficiaries of their three non-profit organizations supporting sustainable development programs in Singapore. Dr Geh received a cheque for the Society, for US$5000.

27 Sept 2007 Climate Change Issues Relevant to Singapore and the Region, Part of ISEAS’ Environment and Climate Change Seminar Series

Gave a presentation on Conservation and Sustainable Development: How to Consume Less and Achieve More. This seminar addressed global warming and the effects of climate change. Raising sea levels in the region are threatening the livelihood of many communities. Singapore acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in April 2006. How do we change our practices to remain environmentally sustainable from a climate change perspective? What are some of the considerations we have to take into account? Dr Geh angled thought-provoking discussions and questions on the topic. She spoke from the perspective of a conservationist (energy and resources) and her involvement as co-chair in the Air and Climate Change Focus Group for the implementation of the Singapore Green Plan 2012 (2006 Edition). The other speakers at this seminar were Dr Jeff Obbard (Tropical Marine Science Institute), Dr Chen Gang (East Asian Institute) and Mr. P Krishnamurthy (KYOTOenergy Pte Ltd).

October 11 2007 Shell-SIIA Expert Roundtable on Environmental Challenges in Southeast Asia

Held at the SIIA House, the roundtable saw two panel discussions, one on ‘Southeast Asia and Climate Change’ and the other on ‘Sustainable Cities: Urban Planning and Mobility’. The interesting angle was on how we can make a difference. Participating members were from NTU, URA, SIA, IUT Global, Shell Singapore, WWF, Senoko Power and SEC.

2 November 2007 Greening Singapore - a nature lover’s perspective

Speaker of the above topic at the Environment Awarenss Month kick-off by Ministry of Health. To be held at the MOH Auditorium. This talk is mainly for their staff and members of senior management. An awareness move to inspire staff on the state of environmental advocacy in Singapore, focusing on conservation and preservation efforts.

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NATURE NEWS Nov-Dec 2007 PRESIDENT’S DIARY

Minutes of the Nature Society (Singapore)eXtrAOrdinAry GenerAl MeetinG

Held Saturday, August 4th 2007 at the MOE Dairy Farm Adventure Centre

Margie Hall Daniel Chia Rehan Yusof Wong Shang Ling Richard Hale Tan Hang Chong Ho Hua Chew Vinayagan D. Leong Kwok Peng Stephen Lau Yap Von Bing

Ching Chabo Kan Sok Kheng / Chua K.S Geh Min Alan Owyong Yang Pah Liang Cyril Ng Lye Lin Heng Ho Wah Loong Shawn Lum Chui Chu Choon Vilma D’Rozario

Kenneth Kee Goh Si Guim Yau Chng Kim Benjamin Lee Tan Ju Lin Hsu Chia Chi Peng Ah Huay Khoo Kim Moey Nessie Khoo Doreen Ang G N Lim Kim Chuah Angie Ng

Members Present:

The meeting started at 2.05 pm. The Meeting had been called to vote on the Resolution: “that the Proposed Revised Constitution of the Nature Society, (Singapore) dated July 11th, 2007, be accepted to replace the existing Constitution.”

1. OPENING REMARKS BY PRESIDENT

Dr. Geh commented that six years ago when she became President there was talk of the need for a new Constitution on the basis that the Society could not function with the existing Constitution. A stable framework was needed in the NSS Constitution to meet the aspirations of the Society. The difficulty lay in formulating a constitution that everyone agreed with. A/Prof Lye Lin Heng, our Honorary Legal Adviser, had been working on this for almost a decade and Dr. Geh’s personal view was that there was no Constitution that satisfied everyone totally. What was proposed at the present juncture was an adequate constitution that prevented further delaying. It was a combination of reality and aspiration. There had been ample opportunity for feedback. At the 2006 AGM, the meeting went through the draft in detail, and again at the President’s Chat in August 2006. Drafts had been made available in hard and soft copy. The style of the Executive Committee had not been to be coercive, but to move towards consensus, and to be as consultative as possible. Indeed, the proposed Constitution could always be modified by the specified procedures in the future.

2. COMMENTS ON CLAUSES AND CLARIFICATIONS

Dr. Geh opened the floor for clarifications and comments, bearing in mind that the wording of the proposed revised Constitution could not be changed at that juncture, and it would have to be voted on as it stood.

Margie Hall, as Honorary Secretary, tabled and circulated a set of comments sent in by Ilsa Sharpe. Ilsa was most concerned about Article 26.4 “Prohibition on making public statements” which she felt was too broadly worded. Whilst it might serve to inhibit some negative outcomes from the Society’s point of view, it could also prevent quick, timely responses and feel too restrictive to some members. She considered it better to deal with problem statements after they had been made, using Article 22. If the restrictive clause were to be maintained, she considered it should apply only to officers and chairpersons. Alternatively, the approval for public statements should be delegated to just two Exco members, rather than the entire Exco.

Her other main concern was Article 37.4 prohibiting the Society to engage in political activity, which she disagreed with. Minor concerns and suggestions related to having a Senior Membership, depriving Honorary Life Members of the right to vote (12.4), age of student memberships (13.1), role of Advisory Council to be spelt out (19.2;19.3)


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REPORTS

Alan Owyong opened the discussion by saying that whilst he had every respect for what members had to say on the Constitution, these comments sent in by Ilsa Sharpe were very last minute and had been circulated on some e-groups in the last week. He considered that after such a lengthy consultation process, these comments came at the wrong time.

Dr. Geh responded that Ilsa Sharpe was a long-standing member, now residing in Australia, and it could be considered heartening that she should feel involved enough to send in comments, even at the last minute. We had to enable members to embrace all disagreements.

Rounds of Thanks

Lye Lin Heng wished to put on record her thanks to Vinayagan Dhamarajah who had helped her with the finalizing of the constitution over the last year, also to Richard Hale who had given useful comments, and to all those present for taking the time to come to the EGM. She then handed over to Vinayagan to respond to comments. She felt that Ilsa Sharpe had made some good points.

Dr. Geh also took this opportunity to record her thanks to Lye Lin Heng, Vinayagan and to all others who had worked hard on the constitution. She was grateful to Margie Hall and to Joe Lim for their hard work with the paperwork and circulation issues involved in producing the Constitution for the EGM.

Article 26.4

Vinayagan focused firstly on Ilsa Sharpe’s concerns about Article 26.4. He pointed out that this clause was concerned both with external and internal statements. Ilsa Sharpe considered that the clause limited free speech, that people should be ‘thick-skinned’ if others were derogatory about them and that certain parts of the provision were not necessary because Article 22 was already there for disciplinary purposes.

On the internal aspects, where freedom of speech was concerned, he said that nothing limits anyone’s ability to speak freely, but it discourages you to do so in a possibly defamatory way in or on the Society’s official materials. This was because if something said that is defamatory, it would be possible for the defamed member to hold the Society equally liable. This part of the clause thus protects the Society. As regards external statements, Ilsa Sharpe

had argued that it could be problematic to get Exco’s agreement for public statements, and that the provision to get such agreement should only apply to those whom outsiders were likely to consider as the Society’s representatives, e.g. the Exco members themselves.

Vina shared that, on the contrary, it was Exco members who knew what Society positions were on certain topics and who would be able to make statements that were valid and took account of the Society’s experiences and concerns; whilst other members may speak incorrectly or be unaware of the background or related concerns or the careful path that the Society often has to tread. Exco could also, if necessary, detail one person to deal with responding to members who wanted to make public statements, so that it need not be a lengthy process.

Article 37.4

As regards Article 37.4, the prohibition of political activity, he maintained that our lobbying or advocacy work did not constitute political activity. He had checked that the same article existed in ACRES’ constitution, which has in recent years, been highly outspoken on certain issues. He felt that this article was not something over which we should worry.

Senior and Student Memberships

Ilsa’s suggestion for Senior Memberships could be thought about in the future. It could be added in by resolution at a future AGM or EGM. On her comment that the upper age limit for Student Membership of 35 years seemed rather high, he remarked that students could be relatively mature these days, indeed even very mature – 35years was a reasonable cut off age.

Advisory Council

Where Ilsa suggested that the Constitution should outline a donation collecting role for the Advisory Council, again this could be considered for the future, but it was probably best not to stipulate activities to what were very senior people as it might be considered out of tenor with their positions. He understood Ilsa’s point in relation to Honorary Life Members not being given voting rights, but on the other hand, it was important not to appear to give honours as a way of giving votes.

Dr. Geh added that, as in a recent case, those offered Honorary Life Membership often preferred to stay as ordinary members so as to keep their vote.

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NATURE NEWS Nov-Dec 2007 REPORTS

Encouraging members to speak out publicly

As regards the freedom of speech issue, Dr. Geh confirmed that the Society welcomes and encourages members to speak out on conservation and related issues. However, members had to ensure they spoke in their personal capacity. They could say that they were members of NSS, but stress that they were not speaking for the Society, only in their personal capacity.

However, as is known, the media is capable of angling a story such that one can be misquoted. In those circumstances, Exco would certainly understand if a member explained that they were misquoted. In the case of Chek Jawa, Exco had encouraged members to speak up. In this case, and in others, she and Hua Chew were often talking behind the scenes, and for that reason were unable to make public statements. It was thus all the more important for members to be making public statements, in their personal capacity.

As Dr. Geh pointed out, it was not right for members to claim they spoke for the Society, when they did not. She was frequently asked her opinion by the press on a variety of environmental issues, and constantly made clear to the press that she spoke in her personal capacity. The press would of course, always note that she was the President of NSS, but they would not state her views as the views of the Society. On the other hand, she reiterated that Exco would understand if a member did get misquoted. Exco were not highhanded in their dealings with members, in fact they were continually accused of being the very opposite.

Procedures concerning comments submitted for tabling at General Meetings

On the earlier comment by Alan Owyong, Margie Hall pointed out that the circulation of Ilsa Sharpe’s comments on the e-groups had highlighted a certain problem. She herself had felt uncomfortable when comments specifically addressed to the President and Exco for tabling at the EGM had been circulated before the EGM by a third party. There would however, be nothing wrong in circulating such comments to a wider group of members, on e-groups or in other ways, so long as the comments were clearly prefaced by the author for wider circulation. She would ensure this was clarified in future when proxy forms were sent out.

Future Exco responses

Ching Chabo raised the point that whilst recent and present Excos under Dr. Geh might not wish to be highhanded or to gag members, clause 26.4 might well be used by future Excos to do so. She was also concerned about the wording of 37.4, the ban on political activity.

Standard wording

Vinayagan responded to Ching Chabo that the wording of Article 37.4 was standard wording included in the “Suggested Constitution” which is posted up on the Registrar of Societies website. He and Lye Lin Heng had taken advice, at a certain point, from other lawyers, who had suggested that they send in the entire proposed constitution to the Registrar of Societies to check in advance of the EGM. The Registrar of Societies staff had responded that they did not engage in such checking, but had drawn their attention to the “Suggested Constitution” on the website. Lye Lin Heng and he had put the article in, in order to avoid delayed submission after the EGM. However, one could, if members were very concerned, take it out at the next AGM, and then see how ROS responded. (Refer to Endnotes 1)

Both Vina and Lye Lin Heng felt that political activity meant allying with a political party or with foreign political groups.

Dr. Geh added that in applying for charity status, with MCYS, we would probably need this article. There was an ongoing study to revise the regulations, possibly leading to publication of revised articles in September 2007. However, she would note these concerns about article 37.4, and suggest dropping the article if nature conservation is considered political. (See Endnotes 1) On the other hand, worldwide, environmental issues are now an issue of social responsibility and it is not likely that we are going to be considered political for being involved in them.

Ho Hua Chew noted that we should continue pushing for conservation as we always have done, and we were likely to be okay as we always have been (apart from one instance).

“Decisions” at General Meetings

Ching Chabo asked for clarification on articles 33.13 and 34.7 where it said that all decisions at General Meetings would be by way of Resolutions. Margie Hall clarified that this referred to decisions that were intended to be binding on the Society as a whole or


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REPORTS

I) NSS Proposal for Reforming the Wild Animals and Birds Act

The review with recommendations for reforming the Wild Animals and Birds Act was finally completed and submitted to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) on 15 September 2007 with CC-copies to the Minister of National Development and National Parks Board.

The review is comprehensive and covers the following issues:

1) Definition of ‘Wild Animals’

2) Need & scope of the ‘Offences Section’

3) Extending anti-poaching measures

a) Possession offences;

b) Vicarious/employer liabilities;

c) Hurting, disturbing, harassing & torturing wild animals & birds;

d) Protection of bird nests

4) Penalties

5) Legitimate killing of wild animals

6) The use of spring guns, engines, stakes & pitfalls

7) Import & export of non-CITES listed species

8) The outlawed birds, delisting of Purple-backed Starling & Common Myna

9) Wild Animals & Birds (Bird Sanctuaries) Order

10) Consolidating & clarifying existing laws & practices on licensing.

conservation reportBy Ho Hua Chew

to direct Exco in specific ways. There was no way to be absolutely sure of what a Meeting had decided if it was not explicitly written out as a Resolution and put to the vote.

3. VOTING ON THE RESOLUTION

As it was now 3.00pm, and discussion had ensued for an hour, Richard Hale proposed putting the Resolution to the vote.

Vinayagan added that he wished to make one last round of thanks to Richard Hale for his comments on various occasions, to Margie Hall for all the administrative work on the Constitution and to her friend Rose, who had coped with the formatting; to Ho Hua Chew and to Goh Si Guim for their comments, especially to Goh Si Guim for the wording of article 33.7 in the final meeting, when both he and Margie had come to a mental standstill.

Dr. Geh proposed that Vinayagan, helped by Joe Lim, take charge of counting the show of hands. There were 32 votes for the Resolution and 1 vote against the Resolution from the floor, and 0 abstentions. Together with 19 proxy votes for the Resolution

and 4 proxy votes against the Resolution, this made a total of 51 votes for the Resolution and 5 votes against, a majority of over 90%, thus amply satisfying the constitutional requirement of a 66% majority vote for a Constitutional change.

4. CLOSING STATEMENTS

Dr. Geh thanked all for their attendance and for helping to bring this long-standing task of Constitutional change to a conclusion. Margie Hall reminded those present that volunteers were needed for various tasks and positions, as outlined in Nature News. The Meeting ended at 3.15pm whereupon members adjourned to the refreshments and conviviality outside, which continued until 4.30 pm.

Endnotes

1. Subsequent to the EGM, it has been checked that this clause is not merely a suggested clause in the ROS suggested constitution, it is a compulsory clause.

2. The clause stating that Honorary Life Members do not have a vote is not a new clause. It maintains the situation under the existing constitution.

10


Parliament with the assistance of both AVA and NParks has taken commendable and far-reaching steps to protect wild animals and birds by strengthening the provisions contained in the Parks and Trees Act and the Endangered Species Act. These enactments deal respectively with the problems relating to the conservation of species in Singapore Nature Reserves and National Parks and the international trade in CITES listed species.

In order to complement these provisions we believe that parliament and the authorities should seek to strengthen the provisions of the Wild Animals and Birds Act, which remains the principal legislative enactment for the protection of wild animals and birds in Singapore.

The recommendations contained in the proposal reflect the views of a wide range of individuals from conservationists involved in the protection of wild animals and birds in Singapore to nature enthusiasts and animal (and bird) lovers who believe that Singapore’s urban landscape will benefit immensely from having an ecological element. It also represents a year of internal deliberation and consultation by the Nature Society where the views of various members were sought on the best way to protect wildlife in Singapore.

The proposal not only looks at combating poaching and associated activities in Singapore but also aims to enhance the welfare of wild animals in Singapore, including those kept in captivity. The proposal also stems from the very positive meeting that the Nature Society had with AVA more than a year ago during which we highlighted our concerns in relation to the taking of bird nests, the status of Singapore’s outlawed? birds and the practice of net fishing especially in inter-tidal areas. We are grateful to AVA for attending to our concerns, which has enabled a greater appreciation of some of the challenges faced in combating poaching.

We trust that this proposal will go a long way towards assisting AVA in dealing with the many issues that confront the protection of wildlife in Singapore.

We would like to record our sincere thanks to Alan Owyong, Ching Chabo, Gloria Seow, Hsu Chia Chi, Leong Kwok Peng, Lim Kim Seng, Margie Hall, Nick Baker, Richard Hale and Yeo Suay Hwee for taking the time to go through the proposal and for their invaluable comments and suggestions. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alfred Chia,

Amy Tsang, Ashley Ng, Cyril Ng, Ben Lee, Betty Vong, Cheong Loong Fah, James Heng, Jim Tietjen, Kelvin Chen, Kenneth Kee, Peter T. K. Wong, R. Subaraj, Serene Tang, Sutari Supari, Tang Hung Bun, Tsang Kwok Choong, Ulf Remahl, Wang Luang Keng, Willie Foo and Yang Chen Lin who over the years have brought to our attention wildlife offences committed in Singapore and who have given an insight into the problems and challenges faced in this respect.

Finally we would like to especially thank Dr. Astrid Yeo and her team at AVA for taking the time to meet us and for giving us an insight into the administrative and technical issues faced in the protection of wildlife in Singapore. We sincerely hope that this proposal will be of assistance to AVA in its continuing effort to tackle the protection of wildlife in Singapore and look forward to supporting them in this respect.

The proposal was prepared by Vinayagan Dharmarajah, Lye Lin Heng & Ho Hua Chew.

II) The Defunct Transview Golf Course (Dover Road)

A biodiversity feedback report was prepared by the Bird Group after two bird survey sessions and submitted to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on 13 September 2007. SLA has kindly forwarded our feedback to NUS, which is now planning for a university town in this area. The defunct Transview Golf Course is located between Dover Road and the AYE and is currently under the jurisdiction of the SLA.

The area is rich in birdlife for a golf-course in the suburban zone. Forty-two species, both resident and migrant, have been recorded. 32 species are resident, among which are the Spotted Wood Owl, the Changeable Hawk Eagle and the Banded Bay Cuckoo. The Spotted Wood Owl and the Changeable Hawk Eagle are nationally threatened species.

We are not against the development of the university town and have put forward our recommendations as eco-guidelines for any forthcoming development plans to be constructive towards the national goal of sustainable development.

We would like to thank the following people for assisting in the surveys and for providing suggestions and information to the feedback: Alan Owyong, Cyril Ng, Ho Hua Chew, Jimmy Chew, Sutari Supari & Willie Foo.


11

REPORTS

Kids’ Fun with Snakes

Pasir Ris Park is home to a wonderful mangrove habitat a haven for water snakes! What an ideal spot for learning about snakes. With volunteer Chim Chee Kong leading our activity, things couldn’t get any better, as Chee Kong has been studying them closely for several years.

It was a ‘snaky’ Saturday, 15 September. We started of by drawing snakes. Chee Kong got the kids to muse over the differences between humans and snakes. After a comprehensive introduction, the children were divided into four groups and proceeded to different ‘stations’ to learn more about snakes. What do they eat? How do they kill their prey? Where do they live, how do they move? How do they reproduce and grow? Which are dangerous and which are harmless and what to do if you come face-to-face with a snake? How can we help snakes?

Videos by Debby Ng of a swimming native yellow-lipped sea krait (watch it on You Tube) were viewed alongside Jake Socha’s video of paradise tree snakes gliding http://www.flyingsnake.org What the kids did not see on site, they saw as specimens (e.g., a black spitting cobra, a house snake, and confiscated python skins) or close-up photos. They learnt about moulting by trying to rub off a pair of socks from their arms, and compared specimens of puff-faced water snakes in various stages of their development.

As night fell, ‘snake mobiles’ (see pic) were coloured with the help of torchlights. With paper-snakes dangling around their necks, the kids set off on a snake hunt peering down at the mangroves from the boardwalk. Being present in the right habitat, at the

How many children (lying down) are needed to form the length of an 8 metre python?

Story by Lin Qi Yue and Vilma D’Rozario

Chee Kong and Qi Yue helping kids understand how snakes adapt to their wild habitats by showing them videos of how tree snakes

glide and sea snakes swim

Read more about the event at Qi Yue’s blog:http://herediscoverybegins.blogspot.com/2007/09/fun-with-snakes-on-15-sep-2007.htmlYou can also see Singapore Snakes Blog (SLOG) http://singaporesnakes.blogspot.com/ for more on snakes!

right time proved fruitful for the snake-hunters who saw a number of dog-faced water snakes and even some rare crab-eating water snakes too!

Grateful thanks and hisses to all who took time out of their busy lives to plan and run the event: Chee Kong, Kwokwai, Helen, Andrew, Gloria, Linda, Lei Ling, Donald, Qi Yue, Donald, Haliah, Jaron, Nerissa and Nick Chen. Many thanks to Celine, Debby, Tim, Angie, Hang Chong, Bee Choo for your support. Special thanks to Kelvin Lim and RMBR for the loan of the wonderful specimens of snakes, snake eggs, skins and snake wine!

Linda and Gloria share some rare and common snakes and what to do

when one meets a snake Lei Ling tells the story of “Verdi” by Janelle Cannon, about a snake who

did not want to grow up.

Photos: Lin Qi Yue and Haliah Kwan

Kids colouring snake mobiles

12


NSS Member Adeline Foo shares her latest book

Join three children who stumbled on a secret garden in their search for Camy. Just who or

what was Camy? They discovered a mysterious tree house for little people and got lost in a maze. Was the children’s adventure real? Read the book and find out! Lost in the Secret Garden celebrates the opening of the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Be amused by the antics of Ben and Tessa, as they try to keep up with their youngest brother, Jeremy, as he runs wild in the secret garden. With Miel’s kooky drawings adding charm to the story, spot the elusive Camy as it watches over the children secretly, leading them out of trouble when Mummy came looking for them.

Get your copy from these bookstores:

Borders, Kinokuniya, Bookaburra (Forum Shopping Mall), Page One (Vivocity) and Nature’s Niche (Singapore Botanic Gardens).

Lost in the Secret Garden

About the Author & Illustrator

Adeline’s first book, Ben’s Friends from the Rainforest, won the First Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative award by National Book Development Council and MDA in 2006. The story “Camy, Ben’s Secret Friend” has also been adapted into a cartoon. Miel is an award-winning journalist with The Straits Times. His cartoons have been published in newspapers around the world, like The International Herald Tribune, Newsweek, Asiaweek, Japan Times, World Press Review and The Washington Post.

The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden opened on Children’s Day 1st October. About 1,500 people turned up on the first day itself. After the opening ceremony in the morning, children from different schools and organisations joined in for a fun and exciting discovery of plants. Walk-in visitors also took to the activities spontaneously.

The children had a field day with the interactive features such as the Sensory Garden, where they discovered plants through their senses and the Potting Garden, where they had fun trying their hand at gardening and bringing home their own potted plants. Join in the Carnival on Sunday 18 November 2007 if you missed out! (See p2, Activities)

The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden opened on Children’s Day 1st October. About 1,500 people turned up on the first day itself. After the opening ceremony in the morning, children from different schools and organisations joined in for a fun and exciting discovery of plants. Walk-in visitors also took to the activities spontaneously. The garden encourages children to learn about plants and the importance of conservation through creative play and exploration. The children had a field day with the interactive features such as the Sensory Garden, where they discovered plants through their senses and the Potting Garden, where they had fun trying their hand at gardening and bringing home their own potted plants. Join in the Carnival on Sunday 18 November 2007 if you missed out! (See p2, Activities)

From the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Opens

Children explore the wonders at the new Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden at its launch on 1 Oct. Photos Courtesy of National Parks Board

The 3rd Book in the Rainforest Friends Series by Adeline Foo & Miel


13

REPORTS

AcreS fundraising screening of Arctic TaleInformation provided by ACRES

The Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES) is building Singapore’s first wildlife rescue centre that will help save and improve the lives of wild animals that have been smuggled into our country with nowhere to go. Funds are desperately needed to finish the construction of this centre.

A special preview screening of the movie Arctic Tale was held on Tuesday 11 September 2007 to help raise funds. Tickets were priced at $10, $20, $50 and $80. This preview was a collaboration between ACRES and the movie’s local distributor, Festive Films. NSS supported the event by publicising it to its members. The screening raised a heartwarming $3,450 for ACRES.

“Arctic Tale, a film whose characters and action are inspired by nature itself, is a story of unsinkable family devotion, unfolding courage and extraordinary survival. It takes audiences of all ages on an epic adventure inside an icy kingdom at the very top of the earth where a polar bear cub, Nanu, and a walrus pup, Seela, are about to tackle the brave new world that confronts them as their ancient ways of survival are about to change.

More than fifteen years in the making, the film’s stunning and emotional images reveal the beauty and urgent dangers facing one of the most awe-inspiring, mystery-filled places on our planet. The storyteller of Arctic Tale is Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah.

A recent study suggests that summer sea ice may continue to decrease by as much as 10% per decade. Some forecasts predict that if the trend continues, there will be virtually no summer sea ice by as early as 2040, depending on the acceleration of the ice melting.

The consequences of such a massive change will be devastating for the entire Arctic eco-system. Already, shifts in temperature have resulted in warmer winters, cracked up and thinner ice, which complicates hunting and survival for animals and the local human populations alike. As the ice continues to shrink, today’s populations of polar bears, walruses and other fascinating animals are also in grave danger of shrinking.”

“Polar bears and walruses are facing the same questions we are: what will happen to our world and what can we do about it? In their own way, they will have to be strong, bold and decisive in

order for future generations to survive.”

~ Adam Ravetch, Arctic Tale’s film-makerAnimal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES) is a government-registered NGO charity with Institution of Public Character (IPC) status. ACRES rescues wild animals, conducts investigations on the exploitative use of wild animals, publishes educational materials and campaigns for a better life for all animals. Read all about their urgent work on their website: www.acres.org.sg

The first ten lucky NSS members who responded to an email flyer each received a pair of tickets for another preview thanks to the generosity of Festive Films. If you are not in the loop of such activities please send your email address to Joe Lim, at the NSS Office, [email protected] and we will put your name on the nssnaturenews yahoogroups list. You will be able to receive notice of events, activities and offers arranged at short notice .

14



15

REPORTS

We started the ramble from Hyderabad Road at 8.10am. It was a cool morning, Saturday 18 August – ideal for rambling. A pair of Common Flameback woodpeckers greeted us with their sharp calls from a nearby coconut tree.

We first embarked on the stretch through Hyderabad, Canterbury and Winchester Roads where we passed many strongly clad black-and-white colonial bungalows built in the 1930s. The touch of history added to the countryside-like atmosphere as we went through narrow winding roads. Some fine matured trees grow along these roads. Tall and huge African Mahoganies lined Hyderabad Road. One prominent tree is the Malayan Banyan with widespread branches, at the junction of Canterbury and Berkshire Roads. A huge cluster of the Simpoh Ayer (leaves used for wrapping tempeh - fermented soya-beans), clung on to a slope farther along Canterbury Road. These plants thrive on the slopes of Kent Ridge. We had a good view of Kent Ridge – overlooking the sprawling NParks Nursery.

A hidden connecting trail took us from Winchester Road to Kent Ridge Park near the pond. We had expected to see some Purple Herons and Little Egrets, which are common here, but were disappointed. Instead, we saw a female Laced Woodpecker calling

Kent ridge rambleby Ho Wah Loong

plaintively from a low tree near the pond. The 1.5km nature trail at the western part of the ridge provided us a sense of adventure away from the comfortable park roads and pathways. This newly-completed hilly trail also gave us a chance to exercise our muscles. The vegetation is uniformed - consisting of low Tiup-tiup trees and some vines.

Some wild orchids with pink purplish flowers growing on the sandy ground towards the end of the trail provided a welcomed change of colours. The only interesting bird we saw was a lone male Laced Woodpecker with its distinctive red crown calling from a low branch – probably the partner of the earlier female we saw near the pond.

After emerging from the trail, we headed for the highest point of the park where we had a good view of the harbour and sea, for a rest stop. Nearby, the NUS Sports Club was holding a run on that day and we were each offered a bottle of very refreshing cold orange juice.

Our last leg took us through the Canopy Walk where we had a reversed view of Canterbury Road which we had passed through earlier. The skies began to darken and wind picked up. Rain was imminent. We naturally increased our paced and covered the downward sloping Pepys Road in very quick time.

Ramblers on the boardwalk bridge in Kent Ridge park

Photos by Ali Jaafar

We passed the old drug rehabilitation centre (now a warehouse), built by the British, for opium addicts from which Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill) got its name. The watch-tower there is still standing. Our ramble ended at a coffee shop along Pasir Panjang road, where the twenty-five of us sat to reflect and chat. We had covered 6km that morning. A wonderfully enriching journey!

Nature Ramblers pose after the walk

16


canal. As night fell, the sights and sounds evolved, and our senses grew acutely aware of the change in the time of day. We continued our ramble towards Jalan Bahar with most members sweating and enjoying a good night’s workout. We marched on along the forested outskirts

Twenty-five excited faces gathered at the Civil Defence Academy on 8 September, for the now annual Twilight Ramble conducted by the Nature Ramblers. It was 5pm and they were joined by the happy vibes of three Ramblers Committee Members; Rehan Yusoff, Ali Jaafar and Benjamin Ho. Following a briefing, the ramble began in a jovial mood as the trek commenced along the perimeters of the Choa Chu Kang Muslim cemetery. By the evening light, we spotted many wonderful flora including the ubiquitous Rain Tree, Eucalyptus Trees, Bird’s Nest Fern, Rabbit’s Foot Fern and the Staghorn Fern. We made a few stops to look out for interesting birds and spotted, among others, the Red-breasted Parakeet, Long-tailed Parakeet, Spotted Dove and the Black-naped Oriole.

We rambled along the cemetery’s outskirts, experiencing some challenging marshy, wet and slippery terrain before stopping by Sungei Choa Chu Kang where we took a short break. Here, we did bird watching, and spotted the Laced Woodpeckers, Coppersmith Barbet and the Lineated Barbet. We continued walking along the river until we reached old Choa Chu Kang Road where I pointed out the Wild Curry Tree to members. With the sun setting, we made our way out of the cemetery area, witnessed by the migratory Common Kingfisher perching by the

countryside twilight ramble Story by Benjamin Ho

Phot

o: Re

han

Yuso

f

We were pleased at the turnout of 35 participants at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal for the Ubin Durian Ramble! So organising the boats with three groups of 12 was a piece of cake. Everyone was looking forward to the ramble, especially as the ramble coincided with the durian season.

Pulau Ubin without fail provides its rustic charm complimented by the sweet euphony of birds, all over the island. Among the birds we heard and saw, were the Red Junglefowl, Straw-headed Bulbul, Black-naped Oriole, Olive-backed and Crimson Sunbirds, and the Laced and Flame-backed Woodpeckers. From the jetty, spotting some Chinese kampong houses, reminded me

Pulau Ubin durian rambleReport by Yap Chung Kui

of the countryside in mainland Singapore in the 1960s. Fruit and durian orchards, coconut groves and belukar patches abounded the island. It was the perfect tranquil ambience for a Sunday morning. Goh Si Guim’s presence was an asset, as he explained the island’s flora.

Enroute, we stopped at Encik Ahmad’s house at Kg. Melayu for a rest and refreshments. Then, Encik Ahmad brought out the long-awaited durians. It was a durian feast! Pulau Ubin durians are reputed to be one of the best in this region. Everyone dug in with gusto. I had actually done a prior recce trip on the island and had booked the durian buffet with Encik Ahmad.

After the durian indulgence, we proceeded to Kg. Maman and rambled along the Orchid farm towards Kg Noordin beach, in the north. We rested awhile here, amidst the nice views of neighbouring Johor and the Straits of Johor. We could also see Pasir Gudang port in the distance. After the break, we rambled back to the Ubin jetty via Sg. Besar track, traversing the middle of the island and by noon, we were onboard the boats heading back to Changi Village for lunch. Overall, it was an enjoyable morning with plenty of sweat, aching muscles and burping durian breaths all the way back to Singapore!

Twilight ramble commences

of the NTU campus, straining to listen for nightjars and owls. We also looked out for snakes along the canal. By 8.45pm, our walk ended at the Chinese Heritage Centre, where I gave a brief history of Nanyang University and we ended our walk around the historic Nanyang Lake. Overall, I would say, it was a nice yet slightly challenging ramble in the western part of the island.

We hope more members would join us next time to take in the sights!

Digging into the durian feast

Phot

o: Re

han

Yuso

f NATURE NEWS Nov-Dec 2007

17

REPORTS

Our 8th Mid-Year Bird Census (MYBC) was conducted on the weekend of 14-15 July 2007 and saw 48 people participate. A total of 25 sites were covered, one less than last year. Bishan Park and Bukit Brown were reinstated after being missed in 2006 but Simpang and Khatib, now under the control of the Ministry of Defence, could not be surveyed, as permission to enter was not granted. Similarly, Marina City Park was not counted because it was closed to the public. Other sites like Gambas and Sunset Way were left out as well due to lack of counters. We hope coverage will improve as more birders become aware of the need for consistent counts of our wild birds.

MYBC2007 saw a tally of 7,280 birds comprising 116 species compared with 7,158 birds from 124 species. In short, numbers are up (by 122 birds) but diversity is down (by 8 species). Looking at the overall data over the last eight years, the species diversity of MYBC 2007 was slightly below the mean of 117 while species abundance was significantly below the mean of 7,679.

Site-wise, the richest in terms of both numbers and diversity was Ubin Central (same as last year) with 736 birds and 50 species. Following closely behind in species richness was Neo Tiew Lane 2 and Halus both with 46 species. Sites with the lowest bird diversity included Bukit Brown with the other 18 species, followed by Telok Blangah Hill Park (23) and Kent Ridge Park (24).

In terms of abundance, the richest sites after Ubin Central were Bishan Park (467 birds), Botanic Gardens (466) and Sungei Mandai (455 birds). In contrast, the lowest in terms of numbers was Nee Soon with just 135 birds counted. Sites with lower numbers included Telok Blangah Hill Park (147 birds) and Bukit Brown (152 birds). Of the 116 species recorded, two were migrants and included both Little and Great Egrets. Surprisingly, there

were no migrant shorebirds, terns or passerines. The rest were resident.

Once again, the White-vented Myna remained the most numerous as resident with 1,242 birds counted. In second place and quite a distance behind was the Asian Glossy Starling with 599 birds. Next in the top five were the Yellow-vented Bulbul (436), the Grey Heron (a whopping 345!) and the Pink-necked Green-pigeon (292). The list of birds and their sighting record is in the accompanying box. Of mention, is the Striped Tit Babbler (162), which made it to the Top Ten for the first time.

In the 11th to 20th positions, most noteworthy was the Cattle Egret, which came from 47th position in 2006 to hit 17th position (106 birds), due to the presence of naturalised populations present in the northwest of Singapore. Other than the Grey Heron, none of the nationally threatened species made it to the Top 20.

Of 114 residents counted, 19% were nationally threatened species. Some of these included Red Junglefowl, Lesser Whistling-duck, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Violet Cuckoo and Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. Most noteworthy perhaps were a Mangrove Pitta at Pulau Ubin and a Greater Paintedsnipe at Neo Tiew Lane 2. The most threatened resident was the Grey Heron (345), mostly from Pulau Ubin. The globally threatened Straw-headed Bulbul maintained its stand dropping slightly to 47. Likewise, Oriental Magpie-robin numbers fell from 40 to 33 birds.

Of the seven raptor species recorded, White-bellied Sea Eagle was most numerous (32) island-wide. A lone Crested Honey Buzzard recorded at Bukit Batok West, was interesting as it was too early to be a migrant and indicated the presence of resident populations in or near Singapore.

Spotting them Glorious Birds – a look at the Mid year Bird census

by Lim Kim Seng

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White-crested Laughing Thrush

Also called Jay-thrush these thrushes are from the species of the Asian genus Garrulax, which are large, strong-billed, sometimes strikingly patterned song-babblers. They belong to the Timaliidae family. The name laughing thrush is sometimes used for the song-babbler group generally. These shy birds form sizable flocks and reveal their presence by cackling and screaming loudly.

Phot

os: R

icha

rd L

im

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is a resident breeder usually found in broadleaved forests. They are aggressive and fearless birds and will attack much larger species if their nest or young are threatened. The adult Greater Racket-tailed Drongo has spangled metallic green-blue plumage, and a large bill. The tail is long and shallowly forked, with the shafts of

the two outermost feathers greatly extended and ending in the rackets which give this species its name. There is a head crest, prominent in the Indian race, D. p. grandis, but much reduced in some other subspecies. The young bird is duller and uncrested. Jim Corbett in his book “Jungle Lore” mentions that the Drongo can imitate the calls of most birds and of one animal, the Cheetal, to perfection and has a great sense of humour.

nSS Member richard lim shares his finds at Bukit Batok Nature Reserve on Oct 14, 2007

We are grateful to the following participants who helped either as leaders/assistants in MYBC2007:

Doreen Ang, Arturo Baluyot Jr, Cai Yixiong, D Chan, Chan Kim Cheng, Paul Chan, Alfred Chia, Avian Chia, Andrew Chow, Lena Chow, Grace Chua, Geoffrey Davison, Vinayagan Dharmarajah, Con Foley, Willie Foo, Leslie Fung, Goh Si Guim, Margie Hall, James Heng, Ho Hua Chew, Ali Jaafar, Kenneth Kee, Maurice Kwan, Nessie Khoo, Danny Lau, Ben Lee, Lee Ee Ling, Lim Kim Keang, Lim Kim Seng, Lin Yangchen, Cyril Ng, Alan Owyong, Peng Ah Huay, Gloria Seow, Soon Tze Chien, Sutari Supari, Tan Ju Lin, Tan Kok Hui, Tan Siew Kwang, Tan Soon Im, Wee Sau Cheng, Wing Chong, Wong Chung Cheong, Yang Pah Liang, Margaret Yeo, Sunny Yeo, Jess Yip and Rehan Yusoff.

Once again, thanks to everyone for making MYBC2007 a success! We hope to see you again at the next census in 2008!

The following are the top 20 birds of MYBC 2007 for Singapore:

2007 RANKING

SPECIES 2007 COUNT

2006 COUNT

2006 RANKING

1 WHITE-VENTED MYNA 1242 1076 1

2 ASIAN GLOSSY STARLING 599 673 2

3 YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL 436 516 3

4 GREY HERON 345 116 13

5 PINK-NECKED GREEN-PIGEON 292 369 4

6 PACIFIC SWALLOW 241 223 6

7 SPOTTED DOVE 199 173 9

8 HOUSE CROW 183 193 7

9 BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE 179 231 5

10 STRIPED TIT-BABBLER 162 98 18

11 COLLARED KINGFISHER 149 147 11

12 LONG-TAILED PARAKEET 141 75 23

13 EURASIAN TREE SPARROW 130 190 8

14 COMMON IORA 123 169 10

15 SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA 121 86 20

16 OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD 120 138 12

17 CATTLE EGRET 106 25 47

18 STRIATED HERON 103 79 22

19 BROWN-THROATED SUNBIRD 102 108 16

20 COMMON MYNA 96 55 18


19

REPORTS

along the mangrove area. These groups were further divided into teams of 3-4 persons, and each team, young and not so young, conscientiously went about gathering manmade litter, recording the types and quantities, and discarding them into trash bags. The rich, melodious bubbling call of the Straw-headed Bulbul was heard among the trees but Singapore’s largest Bulbul remained elusive. Some teams ventured deeper into the mangroves and retrieved lengths of thick rope, pots and tires. Nets, enmeshed among the mangrove roots, were cut free and 55-gallon drums were dug from the mud. Some became quite engrossed in tackling the endless litter, and it was neither time nor tide, but the sudden heavy downpour that forced them to stop.

The rain provided a short break to eat and drink. Later, the teams finalized their record sheets and the final breakdown of litter types was collated. Styrofoam pieces topped the numbers list. The collected trash was weighed, as the rain petered out. A total of 864 kg. These data was submitted to Andy Dinesh, our ICCS zone representative. Details can be found at: http://coastalcleanup.nus.edu.sg/index.html

The job done, some of the volunteers made their way back to Ubin Village for lunch and back to mainland. Some stayed for a guided tour of the Chek Jawa Wetlands with Hang Chong. With everyone playing their part, excellent teamwork and cooperation, the event was enjoyable and satisfying, marking a wonderful re-introduction of NSS to this worthy annual event.

Our appreciation and thanks goes out to the following without which this event would not have been possible: Margie Hall - for initiating the idea of NSS’s re-involvement in the coastal cleanup, Prof Avadhani - for soliciting sponsorship from Rotary International, our Site Coordinators - Gloria Seow/ Goh Si Gium/ Lee Hon Chuan/ Juliana Kiu/ Serene Tang/ Vina Dharmarajah and all the selfless volunteers!

Despite the sprightly 7am meeting time, the 70-strong NSS contingent, including 13 Sukyo Mahikari volunteers, 17 students and 1 teacher from Bedok View Secondary School, converged at Changi Point Ferry Terminal on Saturday 15 September for the International Coastal Clean-up, Singapore 2007.

The fresh sea air on the ferry trip to P. Ubin helped clear any lingering mist of sleepiness. Ubin was awakening to the routine of a new day as we stepped off the jetty, and the taxi-vans were awaiting us as planned. The short ride through the greens and browns of this rural outpost heightened our anticipation as we arrived at Chek Jawa, our entrusted clean-up area. This little niche of biodiversity, tucked at the eastern tip of P. Ubin, was recently spared “development” by thoughtfully equipped boardwalks and the restored Tudor-style cottage, as a visitor centre, giving a new lease of life to the Chek Jawa Wetlands.

With all the volunteers gathered, Tan Hang Chong, our contingent leader, gave an overview of this international effort and Singapore’s 16-year participation in it. He briefed on the tasks ahead stressing that the aim was not just about clearing litter from our shores but also the gathering of this litter-data. It is hoped that from their personal participation and the statistics generated, both in Singapore and internationally, participants and all who care, will become aware of our impact (humans) on our seas and shores.

The volunteers were divided into 4 groups, each with a team leader, and assigned to the beaches on either side of House No.1 (the visitor centre), and

iccS 2007 at chek JawaBy Hsu Chia Chi

Weighing the clean-up materials

Volunteers recording rubbish collected

Photos by Goh Si Guim

20


Executive Committee and Council News, September – October 2007

Application for Charity Status This is still in process with the MCYS.

Proposed Fund Raising Officer for Harapan Since there has been no hoped-for review of regulations in relation to charities being able to collect for projects abroad, we have had to put the idea of a Fund-Raising Officer for the Harapan Project on hold for the moment while we reformulate our strategy. However, we have some potentially exciting developments which we hope to inform members about fairly soon. In the meantime, we appreciate the interest of some members who wish to apply for this position but currently we are not able to call for applications yet.

nSS round Up by Margie Hall

Revised Constitution passed at the EGM It has been clarified with the Registrar of Societies that this will follow the administrative route of going first to the MCYS, and then to the Registrar of Societies for approval, after which it should come into effect.

Reporting on proposed collaborations and activities of all types Chairpersons of Special Interest Groups and Committees have been reminded that it has always been the practice to inform Council before or in the early stages of collaborations or activities. This long-standing practice was also codified in Articles 28.9 and 29.4(3) of the Revised Constitution. Special Interest Groups and Committees have also been reminded that the NSS logo and name should be on all their publications.

international SeAGA Forum on Southeast Asian Futures: is Geography destiny?

Held in Conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN, this forum was held on 28th July 2007 at the National Library Building. The event’s partners were Humanities and Social Studies Education Academic Group, NLB and NIE.

Dr Shawn Lum, Deputy President (NSS) and Assistant Professor, National Institute of Education presented a session under the topic Media, Education and the Environment. The other workshop sessions were Urban Futures, Economic Futures, Political Futures: Role of NGOs in Singapore and Southeast Asia, Geography Education Futures and, Southeast Asian Cultures and Futures.

His session was titled Urban schools and nature conservation - is there a link?

It focused on how increasingly we are calling urban areas our home. Not only are people and wealth concentrated in cities, so are the schools that will nurture a disproportionate number of our future leaders. As critical natural habitats shrink and the

depletion of natural resources such as fisheries and forests, accelerates, more and more of the people making policies that determine the fate of these areas will not have grown up in or near wilderness areas. Shawn addressed the point of how do we reconcile this potential disconnect between experience, education, policy-making, and nature conservation? In Singapore, we consider the possible outcomes of growing up and learning in an urban setting on one’s attitudes toward nature. In addition, to what extent does an awareness of nature translate into conservation related action in our immediate setting.

The forum included discussion of themes ranging from urban, environmental, economic, cultural and education futures within the ASEAN region. These issues were not only restricted to scholars and policy makers but also addressed teachers, other educators, professionals and practitioners in debating the future of ASEAN as a region and a people.


21

NEWS

the Bird Group invites yOU!If you are keen to share with fellow members your knowledge about birds and birding skills, these positions may suit you: Birdwatching Trip Leaders and Speakers for Bird Chat. Please register your interest with Siew Kwang at [email protected]

We welcome you onboard our exciting ‘bird calls’!

The Vertebrate Study group (VSG) especially encourages all members and friends to report sightings of interesting and uncommon vertebrates (mammals, reptiles, amphibians and freshwater

fish) towards the knowledge base of Singapore’s wildlife. This helps us to understand what vertebrates we have and determine the habitats that need protection and conservation. Log on to www.ecologyasia.com/html-menu/vertsightings.htm and tell us what you saw!

The Vertebrate Study Group (VSG) continues in its gathering of information on bats; where they ‘hang’ out and their other preferences! Do keep an eye out for bats as nightfalls. The following should be especially observed:

1. Note where they have flown out from (eg. from caves, trees, buildings, under bridges or other manmade structures)

2. Note the location of the roost site and if you can, the species of the bat.

3. Report your observations online at www.ecologyasia.com/html-menu/vertsightings.htmThis information can help NSS seek protection for our many vulnerable and native bat friends.

Ongoing vert Study Group Bat roost Project

Sighted an unusual snake, or frog or any wild vertebrate lately?

October 15 was set aside as Blog Action Day. This beautifully captured collage was spotted on the Bird Ecology Study Group’s blog at http://besgroup.talfrynature.com/

A celebration of birdsPosted by YC on 15 Oct 2007 Today is Blog Action Day. All bloggers have been encouraged to set aside this day to write something on a specific theme: Environment.

BESG is celebrating Blog Action Day with a montage show-casing some of the birds that can be seen in a typical urban area – a downtown mini park, the planted areas around a cluster of high-rise apartment blocks, your very own private little garden or the garden around your condominium.

Singapore’s urban areas are alive with birds and wildlife. Numerous species of birds have made such areas their homes, filling the air with their melodious calls and brightening the greenery with their colourful plumage.

The presence of birds in urban Singapore does not just happen. It is the direct result of more than five decades of continuous tree planting along roads, followed by landscaping the spaces between trees and most open areas. In fact, we are a virtual Garden City, fast

becoming a City within a Garden. Now how many species can you identify from the above montage?

Images courtesy of Johnny Wee, Chan Yoke Meng, KC Tsang and Wee Yeow Chin.

Blog Action day

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22

NATURE NEWS Nov-Dec 2007 ANNOUNCEMENTS

nature Matters What would all the money in the world be

worth if we can’t enjoy a walk in a wooded park, breathe

clean air or have access to good water? Where would we

draw our inspirations from? What will give us food and

medicine? Where will our children play?

Financial donations to NSS are tax-exempt. Please make

your cheques out to “Nature Society (Singapore)”.

Individual donors, please write your full name, telephone

number and NRIC/FIN number on the back of your

cheque. (Giving us your NRIC/FIN number means tax

deduction claims will be done automatically in your tax

assessment.)

NSS wishes all its members a festive Deepavali/Diwali, Hari

Raya Haji, Christmas for 2007 and a very happy new year

for 2008! We look forward to another year of renewed

Nature interest in conservation and preservation, and

thank you for your invaluable support!

Upcoming Public holidays: 8 Nov – Deepavali;

20 Dec - Hari Raya Haji; 25 Dec - Christmas Day; and 1

Jan 2008 - New Year 2008

nSS Stamp Fund: The NSS Stamp Fund now stands at $14,632.21. The

Stamp Fund is boosted by members and friends who

collect and send us used postage stamps. (There is no

need to soak the stamps from the envelopes, simply

cut the stamps off the envelopes without damaging the

stamps). Keep sending these stamps to the NSS office in

an envelope marked “Stamp Fund”!

Our grateful thanks to everyone who donated their time,

effort and money to our funds!.

contributions for nature news Please send in your contributions for the Jan/Feb 2008 issue by 3 December 2007. Send it to [email protected] All digital images should be of an original minimum size of 500KB if not 2MB or higher. The Nature News Editorial Committee reserves the right to select and edit appropriate contributions for use.

Patron PROF TOMMY KOH

President DR GEH MIN - Office: 6732-9693

Vice President DR SHAWN LUM - Office: 6790-3835

Honorary Secretary MS MARGIE HALL - Mobile: 9730-5562

Honorary Treasurer MR JOEL LEONG - Mobile: 9623-3211

Executive Committee Members MR GOH SI GUIM, DR HO HUA CHEW,

MR TIMOTHY PWEE

Finance Committee Members MS EVELYN NG, MS CHING CHABO

Co-opted Council Members ASSOC PROF P N AVADHANI, MR STEPHEN LAU

DR HSU CHIA CHI

Honorary Legal Advisor MR. VINAYAGAN DHARMARAJAH - Mobile: 9637-4415

NSS Advisory Council Members MR IAIN EWING, MR RICHARD HALE,

MR WARREN KHOO, PROF KOH KHENG LIAN, MR KWEK LENG JOO, MR LIM JIM KHOON, MR LIU THAI KER, PROF NG SOON CHYE,

MR SIM WONG HOO, MR MASON TAN

BirdLife International Coordinator MR WILLIE FOO — Mobile: 9675-1089

NSS DIRECTORY

Bird Ecology Study Group Chairperson DR WEE YEOW CHIN Home: 6466-0736

Bird Group Chairperson MR LIM KIM KEANG Mobile: 9739-1142 Secretary MR WILLIE FOO Mobile: 9675-1089

Butterfly Interest Group Chairperson MR SIMON CHAN Mobile: 9748-5465

Conservation Committee Chairperson DR HO HUA CHEW Home: 6457-1196

Education Group Chairperson DR VILMA D’ROZARIO Mobile: 9825-4467

Marine Conservation Group Chairperson MR LEONG KWOK PENG Mobile: 9766-7047

Plant Group Chairperson DR SHAWN LUM Office: 6790-3835

The Nature Ramblers Chairperson MR REHAN YUSOF Mobile: 9674-8283

Vertebrate Study Group Chairperson MR R SUBARAJ Mobile: 9650-5183 Secretary MS CELINE LOW Mobile: 9693-2554

nSS SUBGrOUPS (in alphabetical order)


23

ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTORY

Documents

NEWSLETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE… · NEWSLETTER OF THE NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE) MICA (P) 106/08/2007 ... Check out Sutari’s account of his trip to Tj. ... NSS Proposal