Chang Ai-Lien, Straits Times 22 Nov 07;
30ha of greenery in Mandai has been set aside for a new attraction near the Zoo and Night Safari, and the idea is already drawing varied reactions
Ok, if... it could make eco systems richer if care is taken to develop it properly, says nature expert
LUSH, but with caution. And it could become a true wildlife haven, if developed properly.
The proposed 30ha Mandai facility could even provide cover and protection surpassing the secondary forest covering the area now, said nature expert Peter Ng.
The head of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research suggested that the area be transformed into Singapore's "forest of old" - like the primary jungles which covered the island 200 years ago.
The plant and animal life could be made far richer than it is now, and biologists and botanists could be asked to select the right plants and animals to repopulate the site.
Chalets or hotels put up discreetly within the forest would allow visitors a rare glimpse into the heart of the virgin jungle, he added.
Among the creatures they could hopefully catch sight of are the elusive leopard cat, the scaly pangolin and the delicate mouse deer.
"Imagine having a slice of Malaysia's Taman Negara National Park here, that's what it will be like," said Professor Ng, who was among a panel of experts and interested parties consulted by the Singapore Tourism Board before the decision was made to develop the plot.
But would any sort of development, however "green", drive the already delicate ecosystems of the surrounding nature reserves over the edge?
"Yes, there are still animals pottering around the outskirts, and we have yet to study the degree of diversity there, or the impact on it," he admitted.
"But we have to be practical. This is not part of our gazetted nature reserves but unprotected government land which could be used for any purpose.
"We have to draw the line somewhere."
So, going lush with caution when developing the area would mean getting the best of both worlds, he said.
"By all means, develop the land into a nature resort for eco-tourism. But we must do it right."
"This will be a grand experiment, and something unique to this part of the world," he said.
