Best of our wild blogs: 17 Apr 11

Life History of the Horsfield's Baron
from Butterflies of Singapore

Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker foraging
from Bird Ecology Study Group

Lim Chu Kang (16 Apr 2011)
from Mega Marine Survey of Singapore

Strange mangrove anemones!
from wild shores of singapore

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Singapore's a tweet place for Polly

Nature Society's first parrot count yields snapshot of over 500 birds from seven species, four of which were introduced to the Republic
Grace Chua Straits Times 17 Apr 11;

This urban jungle of ours is home to three species of the parrot family. There are also the 'foreign talons' flying around, some of which are escapees from pet owners' homes.

The Nature Society recently decided it was time to do a 'parrot count'. And so, on a soggy Saturday evening in January, a handful of the society's members traipsed around known haunts of the colourfully plumed birds, which include cockatoos, parakeets and lorikeets.

Areas covered in this first local parrot count included 'wilder' spots like Changi and Brickland Road in Choa Chu Kang. Urban locales were on the list too.

As it turned out, the most sightings were right in the urban area, next to Buona Vista MRT station.

Mr Yong Ding Li, 27, one of the birders, was assigned to a spot near a shop next to the station. Between 6.45pm and 7.30pm, he saw about 150 parrots from five species.

'When I left my spot, they were still coming here but I was heading to Holland Village for a beer,' said Mr Yong, a junior college lecturer.

How do you avoid double counting?

'We only count those that are in flight,' he explained. 'Once they land, we don't count those.'

He said the numbers are an estimate. The count is not a formal study but a snapshot of the local parrot presence.

Mr Yong has seen parrots in the Kent Ridge and Buona Vista areas since his student days at the National University of Singapore, where he read biology.

At Buona Vista, red-breasted parakeets, which are small green birds pink in the chest, were the most abundant, followed by rainbow lorikeets.

These two species may have escaped from pet owners and started to breed. Neither is native to Singapore, which has three native species: the long-tailed parakeet, the blue-crowned hanging parrot and the forest-dwelling blue-rumped parrot, which is rare.

Others in the parrot family seen here include the tanimbar corella and yellow-crested cockatoo, a number of which were spotted at sites like Changi Village and Eng Neo Avenue.

The Buona Vista area is particularly hospitable to the birds, Mr Yong said, because of its sea almond and African tulip trees, which provide plenty of food for these flower-eating nectar-drinkers.

The Nature Society's count was part of the World Parrot Count organised by the parrot research group of the International Ornithological Union, an international bird-research association.

The world count focuses on introduced parrots that have begun to breed, especially in cities. If the parrots are endangered in their native habitat, these urban numbers could have conservation value.

For instance, yellow-crested cockatoos are critically endangered in their native Sunda and Sulawesi islands in Indonesia and in Timor Leste. But, here, there are viable breeding populations around Eng Neo Avenue and Changi Village.

Veteran wildlife consultant Subaraj Rajathurai explained that some parrots such as the red-breasted parakeet have done so well here they compete with native species like the long-tailed parakeet for food and could even be considered pests.

And blue-crowned hanging parrots, also native here, are starting to spread across the island.

Parrots can be noisy, Mr Subaraj admitted. But as they are popular pets, 'you're going to hear them around anyway'.

In all, 546 parrots of seven species were counted during the Nature Society's parrot count, but they are just a 'snapshot' of what is here, Mr Yong stressed.

caiwj@sph.com.sg

SPOTTED IN SINGAPORE

Blue-crowned hanging parrot

One of Singapore's three native parrot species seen at the Botanic Gardens. The other two are the long-tailed parakeet and the rare forest-dwelling blue-rumped parrot.

Red-breasted parakeet

The most abundantly found species at Buona Vista is believed to have escaped from pet owners and bred in the wild.

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'Pinocchio Frog,' 'Yoda Bat' Top Cool Creatures List

Our Amazing Planet 14 Apr 11;

To celebrate 20 years of field work, a conservation group has named their 20 biggest "RAP stars."

Walking shark. Credit: © Gerald Allen.

But don't look for Kanye West or Jay-Z on the list. Instead, the list is filled with amazing critters found through work in some of the least-known wildernesses on Earth, during what is called the Rapid Assessment Program (or RAP).

The program has helped communities, businesses and nations make smarter development decisions about land and water use to better preserve the habitat of unique species, said the group, Conservation International, in a statement on April 13.

The group's "RAP stars" include some of the most surprising, unique, or threatened discoveries of the teams' surveys. The stars include poster species that have captured the public's and media's imagination with popular nicknames such as the "Pinocchio frog," the "Yoda bat," the "Walking shark" and the "ET salamander."

The list was selected from the 1,300 new or rarely seen species that RAP surveys have observed over the past two decades. These discoveries are highlighted in the new book "Still Counting…" (University of Chicago Press, 2011). The book is part memoir, part historical report, part methodology guide, and features more than 400 color photographs of rare and exciting species from around the globe.

"It's been an amazing adventure," said Leeanne Alonso, director of CI's Rapid Assessment Program, who has coordinated and led surveys for the past 13 years. "Despite the pressures we put on nature, it continues to mystify, inspire and teach us with a wealth of hidden treasures and ecosystem services that people rely on, and that we're still only beginning to understand."

RAP is basically "an ecological SWAT team that could accurately assess the health of an ecosystem in a fraction of the time it would normally take," said Peter Seligmann, Conservation International's founder, chief executive officer and chairman.

Participating in a RAP survey is no easy feat. The most remote and difficult RAP surveys often require several days of strenuous hiking, usually up steep mountainsides through dense, wet forests.

RAP's pioneering team of four included legendary field biologists Ted Parker and Al Gentry, who lost their lives several years later during a field accident, but left an enduring scientific legacy that lives on today.

By conducting RAP surveys in places under consideration for industrial development, RAP is able to create a record of rare species that otherwise could have lived and disappeared without anyone's knowledge.

"By publicizing their existence, we dramatically increase their chances of survival," Alonso said in a statement.

Strange species almost lost to extinction
Weird and wonderful new creatures which have been saved from extinction over the last 20 years were revealed yesterday, as scientists warn they still risk being lost forever.
Louise Gray The Telegraph 13 Apr 11;

Strange species like the ‘yoda bat’, the ‘walking shark’ and the ‘Pinocchio frog’ were all found in the last 20 years in remote areas threatened with destruction. Even a new mammal the chinchilla tree rat, was found near Machu Picchu in Peru.

The goliath bird-eating spider, that is as large as a human hand, the huge emperor scorpion and the tiger ant, have all been seen before but are extremely rare.

But as demand grows for land to plant food and the climate changes, conservationists fear many of the plants and animals will go extinct.

Conservation International have brought together a top 20 list of the most biologically surprising, unique, or threatened species to emerge in the last 20 years.

All were discovered as a result of CI’s Rapid Assessment Program, where scientists go into remote areas in danger of being destroyed, such as rainforests threatened by illegal logging.

Over the years the ‘RAPs’ have unveiled remarkable biological finds in some of the least-known wildernesses left on Earth and in so doing helped to protect the species in the future.

A new book “Still Counting …”, featuring more than 400 colour photographs, argues there are still more rare species to discover.

There are approximately 1.9 million documented species of animals, but it is estimated that as many as 10- 30 million species yet to be discovered and scientifically described.

Many disappear before scientists ever have the chance to discover and study them, a process known as Centinelan extinction.

Leanne Alonso, Director of RAP, said the book is an example of what could be lost if endangered areas are not protected.

She said RAP surveys in places under consideration for industrial development, create a record of species that otherwise could have lived and disappeared without anyone’s knowledge.

“By publicising their existence, we dramatically increase their chances of survival”, she said.

“Despite the pressures we put on nature, it continues to mystify, inspire and teach us with a wealth of hidden treasures and ecosystem services that people rely on, and that we’re still only beginning to understand.”

Many of the discoveries highlighted, such as the “ET salamander” or suckermouth catfish were picked up by the public for their “freaky appearance”, although other more normal-looking plants and animals can be just as important to the ecosystem.

Over the years CI has carried out 80 surveys in 27 countries in forests, rivers and coastlines. The RAPs have discovered 1,300 species new to science. More than 500 have been formally described by taxonomists, but many more are currently being processed.

Some 400 globally threatened species have been recorded and information on over 2,000 species collected. The programme has also led to 21 million hectares of land being protected or improved and millions of pounds being invested innational economies as the international community see what is in danger of going extinct.

Dr. Russ Mittermeier, CI President, said hundreds of local scientists are trained who will become the “ecological superstars of the future”, responsible for protecting the new species.

He said the RAP process was changing how field work is carried out at a time when more and more areas urgently need protection.

“In spite of all that we have learned, there is still much to do,” he said. “The pressures on the countries richest in biodiversity have not diminished, and many regions still remain unexplored. Knowledge has already helped to conserve some of the world’s highest priority sites and regions, and knowledge will continue to be our strongest tool in ensuring the future of life on our planet.”

Top 20 strange species near extinction
Conservation International have discovered new species or observed extremely rare animals over the last 20 years. Here is a list of the top 20 most unusual.
Louise Gray The Telegraph 13 Apr 11;

The Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko - First described in 1888 and re-discovered in Madagascar in 1998. It is the smallest of 12 species of nocturnal bizarre looking leaf-tailed geckos. They are only found in primary, undisturbed forests in Madagascar, so their populations are very sensitive to habitat destruction.

ET salamander - Discovered in Ecuador in 2009.This genus of salamanders has fully webbed feet which help them climb high into the canopy of tropical forests; they also have no lungs and breathe instead through their skin.

Pinocchio frog - The frog was discovered in 2008 during an expedition to the Foja Mountains in the Papua province of Indonesia. The frog has a long, Pinocchio-like protuberance on its nose that points upwards when the male is calling but deflates and points downwards when he is less active.

Large tree frog - The six inch long tree frog with enormous eyes was discovered next to a clear running mountain river in Papua New Guinea’s in 2008. It belongs to a group of frogs with an unusual vein-like pattern on the eyelid and its tadpoles have enormous sucker-like mouths that allow them to graze on exposed rocks in torrential stream environments.

Chinchilla tree rat: Discovered between 1997 and 1998 in the mountains of Peru. The chinchilla tree rat was discovered in the Vilcabamba mountain range, very close to the world famous ruins of Macchu Picchu. The discovery was certainly very unique as typically it’s unusual to discover a species of this size (similar to that of a domestic cat).

Tube-nosed fruit bat - This is a previously seen but still undescribed species endemic to Papua New Guinea found by researchers in 2009. It is likely restricted (endemic) to hill forests on the island. Fruit bats are important seed dispersers in tropical forests.

Smoky honeyeater - Also found on an expedition to the Foja Mountains of Papua province, Indonesia, on the island of New Guinea in 2005. The honeyeater was discovered at an altitude of 1,650 m (5,445 feet) above sea level, This medium-sized, sooty-gray songbird has a short black bill, and each eye is surrounded by an orange-red patch of bare skin, below which hangs a pendant wattle. It is these features that distinguish it from the more widespread Common Smoky Honeyeater.

Gola malimbe bird - Flocks were discovered in Guinea, Africa in 2003. Previously it was known only from eastern Sierra Leone, Liberia, and western Cote d'lvoire.

Walking shark - Discovered in Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia in 2006. The shark can swim. However, it prefers to walk along the shallow reef flats on its fins, preying on shrimp, crabs, snails, and small fish.

Colurful paracheilinus nursalim fish - Discovered in west Papua, Indonesia in 2006. The males go through an amazing courtship ritual in which "electric" colours are flashed periodically to attract nearby females.

Suckermouth catfish - The catfish was discovered during a survey in Suriname in 2005. The suckermouth exhibited by these catfish allow them to adhere to objects in their habitats, even in fast-flowing waters.

The Peacock katydid - Observed in Guyana's Acarai Mountains in 2006. It is a large rainforest insect that employs two effective strategies to protect itself from predators: at a casual glance it looks just like a dead, partially damaged leaf, but if threatened is suddenly reveals a pair of bright eye spots and starts jumping excitedly, which gives the impression of a giant head of a bird suddenly pecking at the attacker.

The RAP katydid – Discovered in 2002 in Ghana and Guinea. The species is a sit-and-wait predator, hiding on the underside of leaves, and attacking small insects that make the mistake of landing on the leaf.

Colourful platycypha eliseva dragonfly - Discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2004. Males of this species have a unique combination of colors which differentiate it from other species.

Simandoa conserfariam beetle – These interesting insects are known from a single cave in Guinea's Simandoa Range, where they were discovered them in 2002. They feed on the droppings of giant fruit bats that inhabit the cave.

Fish-hook ant - Observed in Virachey National Park, Cambodia in 2007. The large ant, measuring 1.5 cm, has a curved spine that can easily slice through skin and tend to hold on for a while.

Tiger ant - Observed in Papua New Guinea in 2009. This ant may not be as big as a tiger but it's just as ferocious and dangerous to small invertebrates in the leaf litter of rainforests. This tiny ant (about 2 mm long) walks around with its mandibles held wide open so that it can capture small invertebrates with a lightning fast snap.

The Emperor scorpion - An 8-inch long scorpion observed in Ghana in 2006. Despite their enormous size they feed primarily on termites and other small invertebrates, and its venom is not particularly harmful to humans.

Goliath bird eating spider - The largest spider in the world, reaching the weight of 170g and leg span of 30 cm was observed by scientists in Guyana in 2006. They live in burrows on the floor of lowland rainforests and despite the name feed primarily on invertebrates.

Atewa dinospider- An ancient arachnid discovered during a a 2006 expedition to Ghana’s Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The strange little creature looks like a cross between a spider and a crab, and males have their reproductive organs on their legs. They are considered quite rare, with only 57 other species known from this group throughout the world.

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Indonesia: Reckless fishing threatens coral reefs in Central Tapanuli

Antara 16 Apr 11;

Medan, North Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Reckless fishing by irresponsible fishermen in the waters of Central Tapanuli district is threatening the existence of coral reefs in the region, a local government official said.

Amiruddin Marpaung, head of Public Relations Office of Central Tapanuli district, said here on Saturday that excessive fishing had become the biggest causes of coral reef destruction as fishermen using various ways of destructive fishing, including use of explosives.

"The Central Tapanuli district government is working hard to preserve and protect coral reefs in our region," Marpaung said, adding that the coral reefs preservation hinges on program outlined by the Coremap (Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program).

The policy of Coremap in managing coral reefs in the area is based on the balance between taking the advantage of them and preserving them, said Marpaung. The program has been designed in a synergic and integrated fashion enabling participation of the government, the public, business circle, universities and NGOs.

Coremap is a long-term program initiated by the Government of Indonesia with the objectives to protect, rehabilitate, and achieve sustainable use of the Indonesian coral reefs and their associated ecosystems which, in turn, enhance the welfare of the coastal communities.

The Executing Agency of Coremap is Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry with the Indonesian Science Institute (LIPI) carrying out two components of the program, namely scientific information and training and education.

In implementing the program, the executing agency cooperates closely with relevant institutions in the central government, as well as provincial and district governments such as with Central Tapanuli regency government.

Editor: Priyambodo RH

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Rare quake rocks Australia's Barrier Reef coast

Yahoo News 16 Apr 11;

SYDNEY (AFP) – Australia's Barrier Reef district was rocked by an unusual 5.2-magnitude earthquake Saturday, but laid-back locals said they had barely felt a thing.

The tremor struck about 3.30pm local time (0530 GMT) about 124 kilometres southeast of Townsville at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey.

A low rumbling was felt at Magnetic Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland and part of the Great Barrier Reef, according to a hotelier at the All Seasons resort, where it briefly interrupted a wedding on the beach.

"Some of the guests felt a bit of a shake, nothing much. It wasn't major, no-one fell over and nothing was damaged," she said.

"It was just like a shudder, my office backs onto the laundry and I said 'Oh, that was a big spin cycle.' It hasn't stopped the world up here.

"We are alive and well at the moment and please God that's how we are going to stay."

There were no immediate reports of damage and no tsunami alert was issued.

In Townsville, a tropical city renowned for its easygoing lifestyle, residents said they hadn't felt a thing.

"Look, we're pretty laid-back around here and it'd take something more than that to shake us up," a publican at the local Molly Malone's Irish Bar told AFP.

Geoscience Australia seismologist David Jepsen said the epicentre was about 60 kilometres west of Bowen town, which was in the path of top-intensity Cyclone Yasi earlier this year.

"Fortunately this is a sparsely populated part of Queensland. We couldn't see much in the way of towns (in the quake zone), so that's a good thing," said Jepsen.

Australia rarely experiences significant earthquakes, its land mass being some distance from the boundary of the Indo-Australian tectonic plate.

Jepsen said that quakes of a magnitude 5.5 happened statistically once a year on average but Australia had experienced a "lull" in recent years.

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