Best of our wild blogs: 26 Apr 10

Naughty, Naughty Awana Porto Malai of Langkawi
from Nature Is Awesome

Workshop on Cruel "Animal Liberation"
from Midnight Monkey Monitor

A natural history museum for Singapore
from Toddycats!

Diving Hantu on 25 Apr
from pulau hantu and on 17 Apr

Cratoxylum arborescens: Giant of Lower Peirce Trail
from Flying Fish Friends

Special mangroves at Kranji Nature Trail
from wild shores of singapore

Showing their sharp end
from The annotated budak

ribbon jellyfish @ Pulau Hantu
from sgbeachbum

Raptors and prey that managed to get away
from Bird Ecology Study Group

ID of some unusual spiders
from Singapore Nature and Singapore tarantula

S.O.S. Files – A Journey to Sungai Pulai
from Pulau Hantu

How hornbills keep Asian rainforests healthy and diverse
an interview with Shumpei Kitamura from Mongabay.com news

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Thinking small for Singapore nuclear needs

Michael Richardson, for the Straits Times 26 Apr 10;

OFFICIALS from different agencies led by the Ministry of Trade and Industry will begin a study later this year into the feasibility of nuclear power for Singapore. The questions they will consider include whether future costs and technology advances could make nuclear generation systems more suitable for countries like Singapore with relatively small land space and electricity grids.

The answers to both questions appear promising. A recent survey of fossil fuel and low-carbon electricity generating plants found that when financing costs are low, as they are in Singapore, nuclear energy is the most competitive.

The survey, published last month by the International Energy Agency and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency, drew data from nearly 200 power plants in 21 countries. It used a standardised measure of the cost of electricity per megawatt hour (MWh) over the lifetime of a plant and assumed that there would be a carbon price of US$30 (S$41) per tonne imposed by governments to discourage carbon emissions.

The survey provided results for two interest rate levels: 5 per cent and 10 per cent. A lower borrowing cost favours nuclear because it is far more expensive to build the current generation of big power reactors than coal or gas-fired plants.

Singapore relies on gas. At the 5 per cent rate, the lifetime costs of power from gas-fired plants in OECD countries vary from US$67 per MWh for Australia, which can draw on cheap local gas, to US$105 per MWh for Italy, which like Singapore must import gas. At a 10 per cent interest rate, the costs range from US$76 per MWh (Australia) to US$120 (Italy).

At a 5 per cent rate, costs for nuclear electricity generation in OECD states vary from US$29 per MWh for South Korea to US$82 for Hungary. At a 10 per cent rate, the range is from US$42 per MWh (South Korea) to US$137 (Switzerland). These figures include costs of radioactive waste treatment and decommissioning after a 60-year lifetime.

Comparable costs for coal-fired plants at a 5 per cent interest range from US$54 per MWh (Australia) to US$120 (Slovak Republic). This is both with and without storing the carbon dioxide they release. At a 10 per cent rate, the costs vary from US$67 (Australia) to $142 (Slovak Republic).

A typical 1,000MW nuclear plant in Asia today costs between US$3 billion and US$5 billion to build. But this high upfront capital investment is expected to fall sharply as a series of smaller, safer and easier-to-operate reactors come into service over the next 20 years.

There are at least 15 different small reactors, ranging from around 30MW to 300MW in an advanced stage of development in the United States, Russia, Japan, China, South Korea, South Africa and Argentina, according to the World Nuclear Association.

Many are designed to run underground and to suit operating conditions in small states by conforming to the general rule that no single power reactor should be larger than 15 per cent of national grid capacity, which in Singapore's case is around 6,000MW at present.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has estimated global demand for small reactors could reach 500 to 1,000 units by 2040 as more cities, towns, industries and remote locations seek their own sources of reliable low-carbon power. This may create new regulatory and proliferation challenges but would help cut global warming emissions.

Another feature of small reactors is relevant to Singapore. Many are modular and can be scaled up as power demand and the size of the national grid increase.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is preparing to start the process of approving the first of seven small reactor designs from October this year.

Meanwhile, the US Energy Department announced last month that it was awarding US$40 million to two international groups to finish their conceptual designs and plans for next-generation reactors by August.

Both groups are proposing to build small reactors cooled by helium gas, which reaches high temperatures of about 850 deg C. The heat can be used not just to drive steam turbines to generate electricity but also for industrial and district heating.

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu has described small modular reactors as 'one of the most promising areas' in the nuclear industry. Although somewhat more expensive per kilowatt of power, they will be much easier to finance than big reactors that take far longer to build.

A new small reactor could be installed within three years to start generating income from sale of electricity and heat to pay for the next and subsequent modules as needed.

A combination of improved safety and lower capital investment costs may help remove two of the main barriers to the spread of nuclear power generation.

For Singapore, this may turn out to be a case of small is beautiful.

The writer is a visiting senior research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.

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WWF Malaysia proposes new policy on environmental education

The Star 26 Apr 10;

JOHOR BARU: The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has proposed a new policy on environmental education to the Education Ministry to enable a more permanent and structured environmental syllabus for subjects in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

WWF senior environmental education programme officer Nor Shidawati Abdul Rashid said the policy would make environment education a vital part of the school syllabus by bringing it into the classroom.

“Under the current National Education Policy, environmental education is carried out on an ad hoc basis. Based on the proposed policy, we hope that elements of environmental education will be included in school subjects like English, Bahasa Malaysia, Geography and Biology,” she told reporters during an Earth Day seminar held at Sunway College Johor Baru.

Nor Shidawati said a study was carried out together with Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to get evidence to lobby for the environmental education policy.

“We presented the draft to the Education Ministry last December,” she said, adding that she hoped the ministry would look into the draft by June this year.

She explained that teaching environmental education on a more permanent basis would be pivotal in spreading awareness on nature conservation especially to the future generations.

Nor Shidawati commended the college for its efforts in raising awareness for Earth Day which is observed annually on April 22.

“It is good to see institutes of higher learning and corporate bodies doing their part for nature and environmental conservation,” she said.

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Dugongs die in abandoned fishing net off Cairns, Australia

Daniel Bateman, The Cairns Post 24 Apr 10;

A CAIRNS navy vessel delayed its journey to Cooktown to participate in an Anzac Day service after crew spotted four dugongs trapped in a net off Cairns yesterday.
Three of the dugongs pulled from the water were dead, while a fourth was still alive and released back into the water by navy crew.

A shovel nosed shark also trapped in the net was freed as well.

Conservationists have applauded the crew’s actions but branded the killings a dark day for Far North Queensland’s wildlife.

Two of the dead dugongs were about 2m long while the largest to have died measured 3m, indicating it was a mature adult capable of breeding.
The landing vessel HMAS Labuan had just left port bound for Cooktown when the trapped animals were spotted by crew about 3.5 nautical miles offshore around 3pm.

Lt Steven Noakes said rough weather had created difficult conditions for the rescue.

While one of the dugongs was able to be saved, Lt Noakes said some of his crew were greatly upset by the kills.

"They’re a great bunch of guys and I think there will be some guys on board who will feel a bit disappointed to see what we’ve got here today," he said.

"It’s obviously very upsetting."

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers met the vessel at port and hoisted the three dead dugongs on to the back of a truck to be taken away for an autopsy.

The net appeared to be a fishing net which, given the tide and wind, was presumed to have drifted out from the Cairns harbour.

Department of Environment and Resource Management regional marine manager Richard Quincey said the department would work with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Royal Australian Navy and Fisheries to investigate the incident further.

Cairns and Far North Environment Centre co-ordinator Steve Ryan described the incident as a disaster.

More photos of the dugong deaths.

Queensland government investigates dugong net
Darren Cartwright Sydney Morning Herald 25 Apr 10;

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AAP

Queensland authorities are investigating the origins of a net used to trap and kill three dugong off Cairns.

Sailors aboard HMAS Labuan discovered the net and trapped dugongs on Friday.

They released one live dugong and brought the three dead ones ashore.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said several government departments were attempting to trace the origins of the net.

"The investigation into the incident is continuing with a number of government agencies involved," Ms Jones told AAP.

"If there is any evidence that there is a breach of the legislation then we will be using the full force of the law to take action.

"The investigation includes analysing the net and testing the dugongs as well."

Queensland Seafood Industry Association president Michael Gardiner said the net did not belong to commercial or professional fishermen.

"I want to make it very clear that this net and these dugong have nothing whatsoever to do with commercial fishermen," Mr Gardner said.

"I think most people in the Cairns region probably realise what's going on with the deliberate killing of dugong, but whenever an incident like this involves a net, commercial fishermen can still suffer some collateral damage."

He said local fishermen had confirmed the net was not of a type used by commercial fishermen and had been made specifically to catch dugong."

State opposition environment spokesman Glen Elmes said the illegal trade in dugong and turtles was rife.


Poachers blamed for death of endangered dugongs
3news.co.nz 27 Apr 10;

Illegal poachers are being blamed for the deaths of three dugong off the coast of north Queensland.

Authorities are investigating the origins of fishing nets which trapped and killed the marine mammals on Friday, The Brisbane Times reported.

Upon making the discovery, sailors were able to release one dugong but three others had already died.

State opposition environment spokesman Glen Elmes told the newspaper the endangered species were most likely destined for the black market.

“The net picked up by the navy appears to be black cotton of the type used in the illegal trade of dugong meat,” he said.

“The illegal trade in dugong and turtles is out of hand and needs to be stopped,” he said.

Queensland Seafood Industry Association president, Michael Gardiner, told the newspaper the net appeared to have been made specifically to catch dugong.”

Authorities will analyse the net as well as testing the dugong.

It is believed no more than 7500 of the vegetarian mammals remain off the Queensland coast, the newspaper reported.

Dugong kill disgusts town leader
Daniel Bateman, The Cairns Post 28 Apr 10;

AN Aboriginal leader is appalled by the deaths of three dugongs off Cairns, calling for the harshest penalty to be handed down to those involved.

The deaths of three dugongs that were trapped in a net off Cairns has triggered outrage from politicians, conservationists and the fishing industry.

The dugongs were spotted in the net about 3.5 nautical miles offshore from the city on Friday afternoon by crew onboard the navy landing vessel HMAS Labuan.

A fourth dugong trapped in the net and still alive was released back into the water by the crew.

Several Queensland authorities are investigating the origins of the net.

The net appeared to be a fishing net which, given the tide and wind, was presumed to have drifted from the Cairns harbour.

Yarrabah Mayor Percy Neal said whoever was responsible for the illegal netting should be punished to the full extent of the law.

"I don’t think that sort of nonsense should be tolerated," Cr Neal said.

"There’s only one way of catching dugongs and it’s a traditional way, not setting nets."

Cr Neal said the incident had sparked outrage across the community.

"I’m appalled," he said. "I don’t support it at all. And if there is any way of stopping these things, there should be.

"If it’s any of our people doing it, we’ll catch them.

"They should be given the highest punishment or penalties. It shouldn’t be tolerated in any society."

Fisheries Queensland, the state department responsible for regulating netting in Queensland, confirmed the mesh size of the net that entangled the dugongs on Friday was larger than permitted, making it illegal for commercial or indigenous fishers.

A department spokeswoman said the net was not marked and it was likely it was unattended, which was why it had come adrift.

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Sighting of spotted leopards in Malaysia ‘nothing new’: Malayan Nature Society

The Star 26 Apr 10;

JOHOR BARU: The existence of spotted leopards in the country has been confirmed long before their images were captured on camera traps in the Endau-Rompin National Park, says Malaysian Nature Society Johor.

Its branch adviser Vincent Chow said he had received photographs of a spotted leopard here seven years ago.

“One of the rangers at the park even showed me the photographs in 2003,” he said.

He added that the animal, which had injuries to its rear due to shotgun pellets, had been rescued and sent to the Malacca Zoo.

Chow was commenting on a recent article quoting Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia programme director Dr Melvin T. Gumal as reporting the first official documentation of the animal based on captured images using state-of-the-art camera traps at the Endau-Rompin national park.

Chow said the sightings of the animal were nothing new although the species remained on the endangered list.

“The animal has been known to roam the forests here. This is a well-known fact among scientists and nature conservationists,” he said.

He also believed that national park authorities should be more discreet about the numbers of animals roaming there as it could spark the interest of poachers.

“Information about the whereabouts of these animals should be kept secret.

“A well-connected poacher can walk across state borders and into national parks in search of these animals, most of which are seriously endangered,” he added.

Chow urged the authorities to step up their efforts to keep these animals safe for them to be appreciated by future generations.

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Riau to have Sumatran tiger study center

Antara 23 Apr 10;

Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - The Sumatran Tiger Conservation Program Foundation will establish a Sumatran tiger study center in Riau Province.

The study center was aimed at monitoring and preserving the remaining endangered Sumatran tigers as their population continued to decrease annually, Bastoni of the Sumatran Tiger Conservation Program Foundation, said, here, on Friday.

"The first study center will be set up in Sinepis, Rokan Hilir District, as a model. And later, if it runs well and shows concrete benefit, similar study centers will be established in other conservation area," he said.

The study center will be established with the cooperation of forest concession holders in Riau.

Around 20 to 25 tigers live in Sinepis conservation area. The study center is also expected to prevent any tiger attack or encroachment in human settlement areas in Rokan Hilir District.

"The study center will also monitor the movement of the Sumatran tigers in Rokan Hilir as they get wilder due to food shortage in the conservation area," he said.

Inhabitants of Pasir Limau and Sungai Daun villages recently reported that a number of
goats and chicken had disappeared following tigers` attacks in their villages.(*)

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Hungry tigers attack Riau villages

Antara 23 Apr 10;

Rokan Hilir, Riau Province (ANTARA News) - A Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), attacked Pasir Liamu Kapas and Sungai Daun villages, Rokan Hilir District, Thursday.

Inhabitants of Pasir Limau village had reported that a goat was gone following the tiger`s attack, Bastoni of the Sumatran Tiger Preservation Foundation, said here Friday.

A similar complaint was also received from residents of Sungai Daun village, he said.
The tigers were believed have been driven by hunger due to the lack of food available in their habitat.

"After investigating the matters, we suspect that the tigers came from the Sinepis conservation area. The attacks probably happened because there is a food shortage in
the conservation area," he said.

Bastoni said he had coordinated with the Raiu Nature Conservation Agency (BKSDA), to anticipate further tiger attacks in order to prevent human casualties.

"As a preventive measure, we will release wild boars in the conservation area as food for the tigers," he said.

Johni (34), a Pasir Limau inhabitant, said he and other villagers were scared as a number of their goats and chickens had disappeared.

The tiger attack was the first to have happened and frightened the local villagers, he said.(*)

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Developing nations want global climate accord by 2011

Yahoo News 25 Apr 10;

CAPE TOWN (AFP) – Four major developing countries meeting in South Africa on Sunday called for a global, legally binding agreement on climate change to be finalised by next year at the latest.

Environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India and China met in Cape Town to discuss on how to speed up a process of finalising a global agreement that would require rich nations to cut carbon emissions and reduce global warming.

"Ministers felt that a legally binding outcome should be concluded at Cancun, Mexico in 2010, or at the latest in South Africa by 2011," ministers from the developing world's powerhouses said in a joint statement, referring to United Nations climate talks.

The Copenhagen meeting, held last year and aimed at thrashing out a new climate treaty to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, was widely criticized for failing to produce a new treaty to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

"Developing countries strongly support international legally binding agreements, as the lack of such agreements hurts developing countries more than developed countries," the statement said.

The ministers also called for developed nations to fast track the release of a 10-billion-dollar fund to help poor countries "to develop, test and demonstrate practical implementation approaches to both adaptation and mitigation."

Meanwhile, the environmental lobby group Greenpeace urged the ministers to seize climate leadership in the run-up to the next UN Climate summit in Cancun, Mexico, at the end of the year and help break the current deadlock in the climate negotiations.

"Greenpeace urges the governments gathered in Cape Town to take the opportunity to make a clear and unanimous call for a fair, ambitious and legally binding deal to avert catastrophic climate change," said Greenpeace Africa political advisor Themba Linden in a statement.

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