Straits Times Forum 2 May 11;
I AM a member of the Nature Society (Singapore) and am aghast at Dr Wee Yeow Chin's remark that 'the loss of one nest is no big deal' ('Eagles nest on executive condo site'; last Thursday). Such views are certainly not in sync with its objectives.
Conservation and protection of all animals, birds and living organisms do not equate to protecting only those that are vulnerable or endangered. It means protecting all when they are still extant and even if they are in no imminent danger of being exterminated.
It is statements and irresponsible views like this that will gradually contribute to a decline in density of any particular species. One might ask then when will the loss of nests be a big deal? When the species numbers are in their doldrums and in danger of being exterminated.
The Nature Society and indeed all nature and animal lovers exist to care for and protect not only rare and endangered species, but also, more importantly, all species that are indigenous to our island, and most certainly those that are currently living harmoniously and freely in our environment.
Chia Yong Soong
Loss of sea eagles' nest no big deal? We beg to differ
Straits Times Forum 23 May 11;
THE Nature Society (Singapore) and its Bird Group wish to state that we do not concur with the views attributed to one of our members ("Eagles nest on executive condo site"; April 28) that the loss of the sea eagles' nest is "no big deal".
Our members and many other nature enthusiasts across the island care deeply about protecting and preserving Singapore's wildlife and the natural habitats they live in, and will certainly regret the loss of any nest of any native species. But this passion must also be anchored in sound conservation science to have traction and credibility.
The white-bellied sea eagle is listed as "common" by the internationally accepted bird-watching definition of the term - any bird that is encountered with at least 90 per cent probability in its preferred habitats. "Common" in this sense doesn't mean "abundant", it just means that if one visits a coastal area, the white-bellied sea eagle, a large bird with a considerable soaring range, can be encountered most of the time.
In fact, the sea eagle is anything but common in terms of population size in Singapore. During the Nature Society's recent Annual Bird Census on March 20, only 22 eagles were recorded, This number tallies with monthly population size counts of the species taken from September to March every year for the past four years, where the highest number was 35.
Past studies on nesting records over a one-year period yielded only nine sea eagles' nests across all of Singapore, confirming the relative scarcity of this apex predator. The loss of even one active nest of this resident sea eagle may have implications for the long-term status of the species.
We are fortunate that City Developments, being an environmentally conscious developer as well as a longstanding supporter of our society, had indicated in the article that it will be conducting an environmental study for the site as well as consulting the relevant experts to explore the best possible alternative for the nesting eagles.
Nature lovers, bird watchers, conservation scientists and all who call Singapore home should be relieved with the outcome. We feel that a broader feeling of concern and stewardship for our natural heritage will make Singapore a better place.
Dr Shawn Lum, President
Mr Alan Owyong, Chair, Bird Group
Nature Society (Singapore)
