Scientists estimate millions of plant and animal species remain unknown, especially those in this region - with a vast number constantly being discovered. The National Parks Board and the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research reveal what they have uncovered here.
ALTHOUGH the Giant Mud Creeper is widespread in tropical Asia and the Pacific, it has never been found in Singapore or Peninsular Malaysia.
In South-east Asia, however, it has been found in Indonesia, the Philippines and southern Thailand.
Up to 19cm in length, the creeper is abundant and conspicuous in the mud of mangroves, and more generally in brackish coastal areas of the Indo-West Pacific. It is extensively collected for food in many places.
The discovery of the species in two of our southern islands - Pulau Semakau and Pulau Pawai - by a survey team from the National Parks Board (NParks) represents a new record for Singapore.
The team also found that the population of this species in these two islands is very small.
It is recommended for listing as an endangered species so as to guide conservation efforts.
CAI YIXIONG, SENIOR PROGRAMME OFFICER, NPARKS BIODIVERSITY CENTRE