Two Jane’s Walks at Bukit Brown (Sat 02 May’15)
from a.t.Bukit Brown. Heritage. Habitat. History.
White-Crested Laughingthrush - Anting
from Bird Ecology Study Group
Singapore Bird Report – March 2015
from Singapore Bird Group
FENG ZENGKUN Straits Times 8 Apr 15;
IF YOU have seen fewer monkeys in your neighbourhood recently, you are not alone. The amount of monkey-related feedback more than halved last year, after an estimated one-third of the animals were killed.
Last year, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) received 750 cases of feedback about monkeys, including nuisance and safety concerns - a sharp drop from 1,860 in 2013.
It killed 570 monkeys in 2013, which was about a third of the estimated population of 1,800 at the time.
Residents who were plagued by the animals' presence have seen fewer of them around.
Retired lecturer Benjamin Ng, 66, said the monkeys used to chase people carrying groceries at his Bukit Timah condominium: "They also got into homes and made a mess."
He said the situation improved last year after monkey-proof bins were installed in the neighbourhood, and people stopped feeding the monkeys.
Many residents disagreed with the findings of a survey commissioned by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres).
The poll of 600 Singaporeans found that less than 15 per cent supported culling monkeys, stray dogs and wild pigs. About half of them - 42 per cent to 55 per cent - were on the fence about culling the animals.
The residents said support for culling might have been higher if the survey had focused on areas with many of the animals.
Mr Fong Kwok Shiung, 53, chairman of the Moulmein-Watten Neighbourhood Committee in Bukit Timah, said very few of the residents he had spoken to were opposed to culling. Those residents had endured monkeys chasing them and raiding their homes. "Most of us just wanted the problem solved... The population must be controlled, or things will get out of hand," he said.
The AVA said it humanely euthanises animals as a last resort, and conducts targeted removal of aggressive or nuisance-causing monkeys for public safety in response to feedback.
Relocating monkeys is not possible in land-scarce Singapore, and merely transfers problems from one estate to another, it said.
Acres, which is opposed to culling, said it is preparing a scientific paper on why culling is ineffective here. It also submitted a proposal to AVA last year on a more long-term and humane way of managing such conflicts, which involves herding the animals away from residential areas.
Simplistic to credit culling with fall in complaints
Straits Times 10 Apr 15;
LINKING the culling of monkeys causally with the fall in the number of complaints
against them would be simplistic ("Monkey complaints fall by over half after a third of them culled"; Wednesday).
Correlation is not causation, and the large-scale culling coincided with a series of actions that would also have reduced the number of complaints.
In Bukit Timah, where I live, meetings involving residents, researchers, welfare groups, grassroots leaders, condominium managements, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, the National Parks Board, the National Environment Agency and MPs of Jurong and Holland-Bukit Timah GRCs have been held.
These meetings allowed residents to express concerns.
Experts and condo management committees could then identify and address problem areas.
Monkey-proof bins have since been put in place, and the Bukit Timah Wildlife Network has been set up to educate residents and park visitors on not feeding monkeys.
The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) also set up a macaque response team in 2013.
This included a hotline that provided an alternative avenue for monkey-related feedback.
Officers respond to calls personally, educating callers on how to prevent future conflict.
Acres has also piloted "monkey-herding" operations at some condominiums, working with condominium guards to successfully herd monkeys off residential premises.
The article also said some residents were sceptical of recent survey findings that only a minority of
Singaporeans support culling, and felt that support for culling would be higher in residential areas plagued by the problem.
It is important to remember that Singapore's wildlife belongs to all Singaporeans, not just those with the privilege of living near our wild refuges.
Those who choose to live around our nature reserves and parks must be willing to co-exist with the wildlife, even if this involves some lifestyle changes, such as installing window screens and being more careful with our food and behaviour.
Agencies involved in managing conflict should take survey results as a prompt to move towards humane management strategies, focusing on changing human behaviour at the root of the problem.
Residents do not support culling per se, but may not be aware that there are other options.
As mentioned above, some alternatives to culling have already been set in motion, and we should work to maintain and foster these programmes.
Amanda Tan Wei Yi (Miss)
Efficacy of culling not clear
Straits Times Forum 10 Apr 15;
THE Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) thanks Mr Benjamin Ng for his feedback that "the survey might have shown more support for culling monkeys if it had focused on areas where there are many of the animals" ("Acres survey finds little support for animal culling"; Tuesday).
The main aim of the survey was to get a sense of what the current ground sentiments are on a variety of animal protection issues, and also at a national level. Random respondents participated in the survey, as we wanted to ensure that it was unbiased, scientific and independent.
While the general perception is that people not affected by the macaques are not going to support culling them, the strongest support Acres received is actually from people living near the nature reserves, and they are the strongest advocates against culling the animals.
Acres is working with a number of condominiums bordering the nature reserves on alternatives that do not involve culling.
While the survey shows that only a minority of Singaporeans support culling, Acres is by no means saying that we should ignore the concerns of the minority.
We agree that there are issues with regard to stray dogs, macaques and wild boars, but the main opposition here is using culling as a solution.
There are several humane and more long-term alternatives available to address the root of the concerns raised and we hope we can work closely with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) to trial and assess the effectiveness of these alternatives instead.
Lastly, while it was reported that complaints have dropped after 570 macaques were killed in 2013, this would not be an accurate and scientifically valid statement ("Monkey complaints fall by over half after a third of them culled"; Wednesday).
As far as we know, no study has been conducted to determine if there is a correlation between the number of animals killed and the number of complaints received.
Mr Ng also stated in the article that the situation improved last year after monkey-proof bins were placed in the neighbourhood and people stopped feeding the monkeys.
Last year, Acres also responded to macaque-related feedback from the public and advised residents on humane alternatives.
Louis Ng
Chief Executive
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society
Sterilise monkeys, provide food sources deep within forest
Straits Times Forum 10 Apr 15;
I READ Wednesday's report ("Monkey complaints fall by over half after a third of them culled") with alarm and disappointment that even after repeated calls to adopt humane methods to effectively control the wildlife population, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is still resorting to culling.
The reason these monkeys venture into residential areas is the lack of natural food sources within the forested areas.
Culling is a cruel and deliberate act to end an animal's life, which can be classified under animal cruelty.
A better solution would be to gather data on monkey populations, using infrared cameras and motion sensors, and working with the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) to humanely trap the monkeys for sterilisation.
The monkeys could also be microchipped so that their movements and numbers can be monitored.
Sterilisation is the best option in controlling the population of animals in Singapore.
Since it is hard to relocate the monkeys, another option would be to install designated feeding stations inside forested areas where there are high numbers of monkeys, so that as long as there are food sources deep within the forested areas, the monkeys would not venture out.
Planting fruit-bearing trees would also help keep the monkeys within the forested areas as they would have enough to eat.
Acres' survey results show that more can be done to educate residents on the methods to properly dispose of refuse and on the benefits of sterilisation to control the monkey population ("Acres survey finds little support for animal culling"; Tuesday).
I urge the authorities to vrethink the use of culling and to seek constructive dialogue with residents and Acres to find a humane way to control the monkey problem.
Darren Chan Keng Leong
Re-evaluate reasons for culling
Straits Times Forum 14 Apr 15;
LAST Wednesday's report ("Monkey complaints fall by over half after a third of them culled") raises three important questions that we need to consider if Singapore wants to maintain its reputation of being a cosmopolitan city, with a small but thriving ecosystem of nature and wildlife.
First, what are we trying to achieve with culling the macaque population?
If it is simply a knee-jerk response to views from one group, then let us take a step back and look at the broader goal of balancing needs of residents living next to nature areas with our country's need to have nature and wildlife.
Next, is culling of this native, ecologically important species an effective solution to achieving human-wildlife harmony in the long term?
There is little ecological justification for the culling as part of a holistic wildlife management strategy that balances ecological needs and animal welfare with public safety concerns.
That said, how can human-macaque harmony be made sustainable? There are several alternatives to culling that can be implemented.
Already, the report mentions monkey-proof bins and herding of the macaques.
Our experience has been that what humans do heavily influences how the macaques behave; for example, keeping food out of sight and not feeding the macaques help keep them away.
Educating the public about macaques and their behaviour can go a long way in minimising conflict, and that is why we conduct free public walks in conjunction with the National Parks Board to help the public learn about them.
Beyond education, we need to investigate other solutions, like a buffer zone between residences and nature reserves, or having rangers in hot spots to educate and prevent incidents between parkgoers and wildlife.
While these may take a while to implement, there can be long-term benefits to both people and nature.
By defaulting to culling as an immediate solution, it creates in the public a mindset that wildlife are a nuisance to be dealt with, versus fellow inhabitants of the Earth with which harmony can be achieved.
There are many better alternatives that will help build a sustainable ecosystem of environment, animals and people.
Tay Kae Fong
President
Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore)
Forum Note: Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) is part of a global network promoting the sustainable development of environment, animals and people
Feng Zengkun The Straits Times AsiaOne 8 Feb 15;
In the year 2065, cars on Singapore's roads would be able to communicate with one another to prevent accidents and reduce traffic jams.
Areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls and MRT stations, could have smart floor mats that can convert kinetic energy from walking into electricity.
Renewable energy would have a greater role in the country, and there may even be fans placed between towering residential blocks, designed to accelerate wind speed to generate power.
These were among the visions submitted by Singaporeans to BuildSG2065 - a contest being held by The Straits Times and CapitaLand, one of Asia's largest real estate companies, to mark the country's 50th anniversary.
It requires contestants to submit their visions of what the Republic would be like in the next 50 years. The best entries stand to win prizes and could also be featured in an exhibition on the past, present and future of Singapore in the pages of The Straits Times, which will commemorate its own 170th anniversary this year.
Submissions can be made online in four categories: go green, space-age kampungs, smart spaces and weatherproof world.
Among the ideas is one by Mr Cyril Ng, 51, who said HDB blocks and carpark rooftops would have high-efficiency solar panels to provide lighting in neighbourhoods.
"Rain run-off from the solar panels will also be collected and used for block-washing and plant-watering," he said.
"Some carpark rooftops could also be used for community gardens where residents can share the fruits and produce of their labour and build closer community ties," he added.
Mr Sim Beng Tiong, 57, imagined schools having simple filtration systems to purify and re-use rainwater, a process that could teach children the importance of conserving water.
"The purified water can be used for ponds, watering plants, washing floors and even washing hands," he said.
Others like Mr Norman Ho, 38, and Ms Alisa, 24, who goes by one name, predicted a smarter transport system in Singapore.
Mr Ho said: "I envision a Singapore where we can take the majority of cars off our roads."
He suggested an above-ground personal rail transportation system using magnetic levitation technology that would enable Singaporeans, including children, the elderly and people with visual disabilities, to travel anywhere in Singapore "within 10 minutes, and safely without supervision".
He said this system would complement the MRT network, and free up roads to be green spaces, thereby allowing residents to enjoy cleaner air and a quieter environment.
Ms Alisa said with more advanced Wi-Fi technology and satellite digital mapping, cars would be able to sense and communicate with one another.
"This technology will warn drivers of oncoming cars, and cars will auto-brake when there is a danger of a collision," she said.
Dilon Ng, 13, hoped Singapore would be greener, with people planting many more trees, including on buildings and in homes.
"There will be more trees and plants here, and more reserves and parks, so people will have fresh air to breathe and can really enjoy nature," he said.
To submit your idea, go to buildsg2065.straitstimes.com from now until April 30.
Bernama 7 Apr 15;
LABUAN, April 7 (Bernama) -- The Labuan Fisheries Department (LFD) is monitoring water quality off the island in the wake of red tide phenomenon occurrence since last week.
Its director Anuar Salam Sulaiman said the department was working closely with Labuan Health Department in monitoring the situation and keeping updates to consumers and fishmongers on the latest development.
"The LFD had taken water samples last Friday and early this week in waters off Patau-Patau, Rancha-Rancha and Sg Miri Kiansam and sent them to the Likas Fisheries Research Centre laboratory for analysis.
"We hope to obtain the analysis result soon and to determine which marine life is harmful for consumption," he said here today.
He said so far no cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) had been reported.
Red tide is named after the reddish colour that toxic plankton produces and certain marine creatures that feed on the contaminated plankton had caused deaths in Sabah in the early 1980s. The phenomenon is also known in the Philippines waters.
"We expect the red tide to last for about two to three weeks and we will be providing updated information from time to time," he said.
As a precautionary measure, Health Department director Dr Ismail Ali said the public were advised to stop eating any types of shellfish or bivalves immediately.
Bivalves includes oysters, mussels, cockles and any types of clam-like seafood, and fishes like pelagic, selayang, basung, kembong and rumahan.
At present there was no medication or antidote for PSP, he said.
He said early symptoms of PSP after eating seafood included tingling of lips, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
"In severe conditions patient can develop paralysis of chest and abdominal muscles which can result in death within two to 23 hours," he said.
--BERNAMA
WWF 7 Apr 15;
The discovery of a deceased female Irrawaddy river dolphin on Cheutal Touch Island, Cambodia – close to the border with Laos – is yet another reminder of the plight of this critically endangered cetacean in the Mekong River, WWF said on Tuesday. With just five animals remaining in Laos, WWF urged Laos and Cambodia to work together on common solutions to save one of the world’s most iconic species and a major source of tourist revenue.
The dolphin, weighing 223 kilogrammes and measuring 2.4 metres in length, was believed to be one of just six remaining in a 6-km2 trans-boundary river pool that spans the Laos-Cambodia border.
Locals spotted the dolphin on the island’s beach last Wednesday and immediately alerted the river authorities, which then transferred her to Kratie, Cambodia for inspection. Although the cause of death is yet to be determined, marks on her body indicate she was elderly.
“This is a very sad time for this dwindling population of dolphins,” said Thomas Gray, Manager of WWF’s Greater Mekong Species Programme. “There are now just five dolphins left in Laos and it is another warning that the species is facing the grave risk of extinction from the country, and also throughout the Mekong River.”
The dolphins that inhabit the Wang Paa Khaa river pool have been fighting for survival in recent decades, with the placement of gillnets and the use of illegal fishing methods such as explosives and poison seriously reducing their population. Gillnet entanglement has been identified as the major cause of dolphin mortality in the river, as local fishermen have been using these nets more and more over the last few years.
Cambodia has banned gillnet fishing in the entire pool and nearby areas on its side of the border, but Laos has only prohibited their use in the pool’s deepest parts within its territory.
Perhaps most threatening of all is the planned construction of the 260 megawatt Don Sahong Dam in Laos, just 3 km upstream from the pool. This will involve the use of explosives to excavate millions of tonnes of rock and has the potential to kill or seriously harm the sensitive hearing of the nearby dolphins.
“The small population size and high calf mortality means these rare and beautiful dolphins are facing a highly uncertain future, but there is still hope for them. Joint conservation action between both countries is paramount,” said Teak Seng, WWF-Greater Mekong Conservation Director.
Historically, as many as 40-50 dolphins are believed to have used the trans-boundary pool, with numbers falling to around 25 in the mid-1990s. Despite this, they are a massive tourism draw and attract about 20,000 visitors annually, with almost guaranteed dolphin sightings by all.
There are an estimated 85 dolphins remaining in the Mekong River, of which Cambodia is home to the vast majority.
“The key is collaboration between Laos and Cambodia,” said Seng. “It’s time to end the use of all types of illegal fishing gear and strictly regulate the use of gillnets and boat traffic. Working on these issues is the only long-term hope for the dolphin’s survival in Laos and the greater Mekong.”
Celebrating 12 Years of Outreach with 12 Nudis (and a crab)
from Hantu Blog
Robber in the Dark (with Exciting News!)
from Saving MacRitchie
Of yellow starlings and pink munias
from Singapore Bird Group
NEO CHAI CHIN Today Online 6 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE — Only a minority of Singaporeans agree with the culling of stray or wild animals and more than half of them support harsher penalties for possession and smuggling of endangered species, according to a survey by a wildlife advocacy group and a brand consultancy.
The survey, said to be the most comprehensive poll done on animal protection issues to date, polled 600 Singaporeans in January.
Only 13 to 14 per cent of respondents agreed that culling of stray dogs, wild monkeys and wild boars should be allowed. About 31 to 44 per cent — felt culling should be banned, while the remainder were neutral.
The survey was done by wildlife advocacy group, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), and brand and media consultancy Millward Brown. The respondents were recruited by a fieldwork agency and the survey was in line with market research standards, said Ms Cassandra Tan, an account manager at Millward Brown.
Of the respondents, 62 per cent were aged between 18 and 34, while 30 per cent were aged between 35 and 54. Five per cent were aged 17 and below, while 4 per cent were aged 55 and above.
ACRES chief executive Louis Ng said the survey was intended to obtain baseline data and that the aim was for the poll to be conducted annually. Due to public complaints, stray animals continue to be culled in Singapore. However, the survey showed that complaints come from a minority of people, he said.
Nearly eight in 10 of the respondents agreed that animal protection was important to them.
On whether the Government is doing enough to protect animals, 24 per cent disagreed, 36 per cent agreed, while 40 per cent were neutral.
However, more than half of the respondents felt those who smuggle endangered animal species should face harsher penalties, while only 5 per cent disagreed.
Mr Ng said the results were encouraging and ACRES could now work to address the concerns of those who support culling. Subsequent surveys would indicate if various policies are working, he added.
ACRES will announce its plans at a later date.
“We’re not saying, let’s change policies (immediately). But we’re saying, as you’ve seen in the past few years, let’s start pilot programmes,” said Mr Ng.
The cat ownership pilot project in Chong Pang, for instance, could be extended to Marine Parade. And Mr Ng expressed hope that the trap-neuter-release-and-manage programme for stray dogs on Jurong Island would be rolled out islandwide, if successful.
ACRES hopes to explore long-term humane solutions with government agencies that will address public and animal-protection concerns, he said.
When contacted by TODAY, the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said public safety and health is its first priority in the management of stray animals, even while it works with other stakeholders on public education, surveillance and other measures. It supports rehoming and relocation efforts and said animals are humanely euthanised only as a last resort.
Last year, the AVA received 750 pieces of feedback on monkey-related issues and, to ensure public safety, removed aggressive or nuisance-causing monkeys. Studies have shown that these animals cannot be simply relocated as they may be driven out or killed if placed in areas where other monkeys are living. The AVA added that indiscriminate release transfers problems from one estate to another.
The authority received 2,500 pieces of feedback on stray dogs last year and said stray dogs should be rehomed. Last year, 280 were rehomed, compared with 170 in 2013. Impounded dogs that cannot be rehomed are euthanised as a last resort, it said.
The AVA also called on animal lovers to be mindful of the interests of others who may not share the same views.
Minority of Singaporeans support culling of animals: ACRES
Nadia Jansen Hassan Channel NewsAsia 6 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE: Only a minority of people in Singapore support the culling of animals, according to a survey by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) released on Monday (Apr 6).
ACRES partnered brand and communications consultants Millward Brown Singapore for the survey which saw 600 Singaporean respondents. It showed that only 14 per cent of them agreed to the culling of stray dogs. Similarly, only 13 per cent and 14 per cent of respondents agreed to the culling of monkeys and wild pigs, respectively.
"The results are very encouraging. It really shows that Singaporeans do care about animals, and that animal protection is very important to them," said ACRES Chief Executive Louis Ng. "But it also reveals that there is actually only a minority of people that are complaining, that are asking for the culling of these animals, and that the vast majority are actually okay with having these animals, or coexisting with the animals."
In addition, 5 per cent of the respondents were not supportive of harsher penalties for trading of endangered animals. But just 36 per cent of the respondents felt that the Government is doing enough to protect animals.
"We look forward towards working closely with the Government on exploring and implementing alternative long-term humane solutions that will address both public and animal protection concerns," said Mr Ng.
Other findings of the survey included 79 per cent of the respondents agreeing that animal protection is important to them, and that 49 per cent felt that the consumption of shark’s fin should be banned.
There was also stronger support from younger respondents on animal protection issues.
"Eighty-three per cent of Gen Y Singaporeans (aged 18 to 34), as compared to 70 per cent of Gen X Singaporeans (aged 35 to 54), agree that animal protection is important to them," said ACRES.
ACRES said it might be because they use social media more frequently, which means they are exposed to more information that could affect how they react to such issues.
ANIMAL WELFARE GROUPS STEP UP EFFORTS TO AVOID CULLING
SOSD, formerly known as "Save Our Street Dogs", has been stepping up efforts to avoid culling. SOSD believes sterilisation is an effective way to curb the stray population.
Said SOSD President, Dr Siew Tuck Wah: "Animal welfare groups work very hard with stray feeders on the ground to catch animals - stray animals, homeless animals - sterilise them and return them to where they are. By doing this, it prevents the dogs from reproducing and prevents their numbers from increasing."
"Culling does not help. By culling, the new animals will replace the numbers that have been taken away, therefore the numbers will never decrease," he said.
SOSD has also been rehoming more dogs as another alternative to culling. It rehomed 160 dogs in 2014 - an increase from the previous year's 130.
- CNA/ct/xq
Acres survey finds little support for animal culling
Feng Zengkun The Straits Times AsiaOne 7 Feb 15;
Stray dogs, wild pigs and monkeys may have been in the news for wandering near homes and disturbing people, but only a small minority of people actually want the animals killed.
In fact, a substantial group of people think the authorities should be banned from culling the animals, while a slightly larger proportion are on the fence.
These were some of the findings of a survey commissioned by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres).
The animal welfare group had approached consultancy firm Millward Brown Singapore to conduct an independent survey of Singaporeans from Jan 26 to Feb 8, to better understand their thoughts about animal protection here.
The firm did so pro bono.
Of the 600 people who filled out an online survey form, less than 15 per cent said culling should be allowed when asked about each of the animals.
About half of the respondents - 42 per cent to 55 per cent - could not decide.
Acres chief executive Louis Ng said the results were encouraging, as they showed "a strong sense of compassion" among Singaporeans. While the authorities justified killing the animals in the past due to complaints and public safety risks, "the findings show the complaints are from a minority of Singaporeans", Mr Ng added.
He said the survey, which he called the first comprehensive public survey on animal protection issues here, would help Acres and other animal welfare and conservation groups to refine their strategies. The results, for example, showed that some people support culling the animals because of public hygiene and health risks.
"We want to work on strategies that will address these concerns so that, hopefully, when we do this survey again, the number of people who support culling would have dropped," he said.
He added that the wide swathe of undecided people was another opportunity. "We can engage these people and better understand why they do or do not support culling, and change our strategies accordingly," he said.
Acres said it plans to do the survey annually.
Several questions got people to respond about their feelings on anti-culling statements such as "I feel that stray dog culling should not be allowed".
Asked if this might have led to biased results, a Millward Brown representative said it had wanted a scaled question format - with which people could agree, disagree or be on the fence - for more nuanced results.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority received 750 cases of feedback regarding monkey-related issues last year, including nuisance and safety concerns, compared with 1,860 for 2013.
Mr Benjamin Ng, 66, a retired mathematics lecturer, said the survey might have shown more support for culling monkeys if it had focused on areas where there are many of the animals.
He lives in a Bukit Timah condominium where the residents, until last year, experienced many problems caused by the monkeys.
"If you don't live in an area where you are affected by the monkeys, of course you're not going to support culling them," he said. He said he was on the fence about killing the animals.
"There are other ways to control the monkeys rather than killing them. But if they are really overrunning a place, some culling may be needed," he said.
Carolyn Khew The Straits Times AsiaOne 5 Apr 15;
SILVER ferns and brake ferns are more than just plants that decorate the gardens.
They are capable of making water safe for drinking by filtering out toxic arsenic, researchers have found.
The team from the National Institute of Education (NIE) found that the two types of ferns - both native to Singapore - were able to "hyperaccumulate" arsenic.
Greenhouse experiments showed that the plants were capable of reducing the level of arsenic in water to 10 micrograms per litre (mcg/l) or less. The World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended limit is 10mcg/l.
"We wanted to find a sustainable method to help those who are in developing countries," said Associate Professor Tan Swee Ngin from NIE's Natural Sciences and Science Education Academic Group, who is one of the researchers. "For those who are poorer, they may not be able to afford the expensive filtration systems."
Current methods for removing arsenic from water include the use of special adsorbents and filters which are either expensive or require high maintenance.
In contrast, silver and brake ferns are more cost-efficient and easier to maintain - they need only be trimmed every month. When the ferns are no longer able to filter out the arsenic, they have to be disposed of in special bags for hazardous materials to prevent the toxin from leaching out.
Associate Professor Jean Yong, who was also involved in the research, said the ferns have certain enzymes that make the colourless arsenic less harmful to the plant, or even convert the toxin into something useful that the plant can use.
Arsenic is a trace metalloid that can be naturally occurring in soil or geological materials like volcanic rocks and stones used for landscaping, said Prof Yong, who is now with the Singapore University of Technology and Design. Arsenic can become harmful once it crosses safety limits.
According to the WHO website, inorganic arsenic compounds, such as those found in water, are highly toxic, while organic arsenic compounds, like those found in seafood, are less harmful to health. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly through contaminated water and food prepared with the water, can cause harmful effects such as skin cancer, said the WHO.
Arsenic can leach off naturally over time from concrete found in buildings and geological materials, which can "contribute to the inevitable increase in external arsenic concentration around very urbanised places", said Prof Yong.
In Singapore, more than 350,000 tests are conducted annually on more than 300 parameters, including arsenic, to ensure that water here is safe for drinking, said national water agency PUB.
Said a spokesman: "PUB's drinking water is well within the WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality and is safe for drinking directly from the tap.
"In reservoir raw water, arsenic is usually undetectable or occasionally detected at trace levels (less than 8mcg/l). Our water treatment process is able to remove arsenic and it is not detected in our drinking water."
While arsenic in water is less of a worry in Singapore, as an added measure to keep water clean, silver and brake ferns can still be planted along reservoir banks to remove arsenic run-off, said Prof Yong.
The NIE study also found that low-cost iron oxide nanoparticles from rust can take up arsenic even more efficiently. The researchers found that a piece of cotton wool coated with rust solution can reduce the arsenic level in water from 50mcg/l to below 10mcg/l.
Prof Tan said she hopes the team can test the experiment findings in arsenic-contaminated sites in other countries.
"We hope to conduct more extensive arsenic remediation trials using real samples in the field," she said, adding that funds will be needed for manpower cost, chemical analyses and for securing experimental sites overseas.
Antara 6 Apr 15;
Palangka Raya (ANTARA News) - The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation plans to make Salat Nusa Island in Pulang Pisau district, Central Kalimantan province, a new habitat for orangutans that cannot be released in the wild.
The island is an ideal orangutan habitat as it has well-preserved vegetation throughout the year, Nyaru Menteng Program Manager Denny Kurniawan stated here on Monday.
"There is no wild orangutan population in Salat Nusa Island, so it is a suitable location for orangutans that cannot be released in the wild," he noted.
He forecast that nearly 10 percent of the orangutans being rehabilitated by the BOS Foundation cannot be released in the wild due to various reasons, including the presence of high-risk diseases, physical handicap, and lack of skills to survive in the wild due to prolonged captivity as a result of being kept as pets for protracted periods of time.
The problems could be overcome by creating a special habitat, which is not accessible to wild orangutans, he explained.
"The land in Badak Besar and Badak Kecil areas in Salat Nusa Island has not been exploited. We hope that we could use the land," he pointed out.
Only 665 hectares of the islands total area of 3,419 hectares would be developed into a new habitat for the orangutans, he said.
The plan had received the support of both the local people and government, he added.
Furthermore, the local people have agreed to the compensation amount to be paid for their land and plantations, which would be transformed into a new habitat for orangutans deemed unfit for release in the wild.
(Reported by Jaya Wirawana Manurung/Uu.INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Steve Gorman PlanetArk 7 Apr 15;
A record 2,250 sea lions, mostly pups, have washed up starving and stranded on Southern California beaches so far this year, a worsening phenomenon blamed on warming seas in the region that have disrupted the marine mammals' food supply.
The latest tally, reported on Monday by the National Marine Fisheries Service, is 20 times the level of strandings averaged for the same three-month period over the past decade and twice the number documented in 2013, the previous worst winter season recorded for Southern California sea lions.
Scientists believe the animals are suffering from a scarcity of natural prey that has forced nursing mothers to venture farther out to sea for food, leaving their young behind to fend for themselves for longer periods of time.
The shift in the food chain around the marine mammals' principal rookeries off Southern California is believed to be triggered by warming waters linked to unusually weak winds along the West Coast.
Stronger winds normally help pull nutrient-rich cooler water from the depths of the Pacific closer to the surface, and with it larger supplies of sardines, smelt, squid and other prey for the sea lions, said Michael Milstein, a spokesman for the Marine Fisheries Service.
Experts theorize this winter's mild El Nino effect, which alters ocean currents and temperatures, may be compounding the food shortage for Southern California sea lions.
The same factors appear to driving adult male sea lions by the thousands into the Pacific Northwest, where they have been congregating on docks and jetties to gorge on an unusual abundance of prey in places like the mouth of the Columbia River, Milstein said.
Meanwhile, the surge in Southern California strandings has inundated marine mammal rescue centers from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Rescue teams work to save, rehabilitate and ultimately return the animals to the wild.
The weaker winds and rising ocean temperatures off Southern California have been occurring since 2013, when an earlier surge in strandings prompted the agency to declare an "unusual mortality event."
Milstein said scientists studying the phenomenon consider the elevated stranding numbers during the past three years to be one continuous trend, even though the tally so far this year far exceeds anything previously documented.
The 2,250 strandings encompass only sea lions found alive and brought into rescue centers; they do not include an as-yet unknown number of animals that have died, Milstein said.
But with a total California sea lion population estimated to be 300,000 animals, of which roughly 60,000 are juveniles, "the overall mortality this year could be significant."
The fisheries service, an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, began closely tracking sea lion strandings off California in 2004, he said. The tally of stranding for March, 1,050, represents the largest number recorded for a single month since then.
(Editing by Sandra Maler)
Yellow-vented Bulbul and Singapore Rhododendron fruit
from Bird Ecology Study Group
The Violet Cuckoo in Singapore
from Francis' Random Yaks, Articles & Photos
Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat (Cynopterus brachyotis) @ East Coast Park
from Monday Morgue
AsiaOne 5 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE - The National Parks Board (NParks) is inviting the public to contribute ideas towards shaping the design of Jurong Lake Gardens - Singapore's new national gardens in the heartlands.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Communications and Information Lawrence Wong launched a public engagement roving exhibition for the new gardens on Sunday. Mr Wong, who is also Chairman of the Jurong Lake District Steering Committee, also launched a new micro-site on Jurong Lake Gardens that will showcase the plans for the new gardens.
The new exhibition at Jurong Point will allow members of the community to learn more about Jurong Lake Gardens and submit their suggestions on what the new garden could be like.
It will be held at Jurong Point till April 7 before it is moved to various locations including the HDB Hub (April 11-12); Parkland Green at East Coast Park (April 18-19); and VivoCity (April 25-26).
During the exhibition, the public can then share their thoughts on what they would like to see at the new gardens, how the public spaces could be used, the types of activities they would like to participate in, and how they would like to contribute to the gardens.
Plans for the 90-ha Jurong Lake Gardens were first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at last year's National Day Rally.
The Gardens will be made up of Jurong Lake Gardens West (renamed from Jurong Lake Park); Jurong Lake Gardens Central (including the Chinese and Japanese Gardens); and Jurong Lake Gardens East (including the grounds of the new Science Centre).
NParks said that the new Jurong Lake Gardens will be conceptualised and developed around four key design principles: Preserving nature & memories, co-creating show gardens, integrating science & nature and vibrant programming.
The Gardens' first phase of development will focus on Jurong Lake Gardens West, which is currently in the concept stage and will be ready in 2017. The rest of the Gardens will be completed in phases from 2020 onwards.
The design of Jurong Lake Gardens West has been conceptualised based on public feedback obtained earlier in 2012 during NParks' public engagement exercise for the City in a Garden vision. NParks had announced in 2012 that it would be developing Destination Parks to attract Singaporeans from all over the island, and Jurong Lake Park (to be renamed Jurong Lake Gardens West), was identified as one of three Destination Parks to be developed.
The new public engagement exercise will the help NParks further refine its concept, the authority said.
In addition, NParks will also be seeking ideas from the community for the rest of Jurong Lake Gardens, including Jurong Lake Gardens Central (current Chinese and Japanese Gardens). These ideas will be incorporated into the brief for a design competition that NParks will be launching later in the year.
NParks has also been consulting other stakeholders on their views and feedback on Jurong Lake Gardens since the end of 2014. These include the grassroots and residents from the Jurong district; Community in Bloom (CIB) ambassadors, gardeners and volunteers; design professionals including planners, architects and landscape architects; as well as nature groups.
The public engagement exercise is expected to continue till May 2015.
First public exhibition on Jurong Lake Gardens West at Jurong Point
Eileen Poh Channel NewsAsia 5 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE: Playgrounds featuring water and nature-themed play areas, boardwalks bringing visitors close to the water's edge to observe birds feeding, and a new community and water sports facility - these are just some of the proposed concept ideas unveiled at the first public exhibition on Jurong Lake Gardens West.
The exhibition, launched on Sunday (Apr 5) at Jurong Point mall, allows members of the public to feedback on the suggested plans. The concept ideas were collated through a series of public road shows and online channels in 2012.
The roving exhibition will be held at Jurong Point till Apr 7. It will then travel to HDB Hub (Apr 11 - 12), before making stops at Parkland Green at East Coast Park (Apr 18 - 19) and VivoCity (Apr 25 - 26).
The public can also submit their feedback via a microsite on the Jurong Lake Gardens: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/juronglakegardens. Through these channels, National Parks Board will also be seeking ideas from the community for the rest of Jurong Lake Gardens - Jurong Lake Gardens East and Central.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, who is Chairman of the Jurong Lake District Steering Committee, said the central part of the gardens can be a place for community show gardens.
"For the Jurong Lake Gardens East, this will be the location of the new Science Centre. So we think that this part of the gardens can feature science and nature, and it can provide a better linkage to the Science Centre. For example, we can showcase horticultural projects with new, innovative features at the Jurong Lake Gardens East," said Mr Wong.
Works on the Jurong Lake Gardens West are expected to be completed in 2017. The other parts of the gardens will be completed in stages from 2020 onwards.
Some residents are looking forward to the developments. Malaiya Maran, who has been living in Jurong for 20 years, said: "We are really excited about what is coming up. For many of the programmes, they are trying to make them as interactive as possible, so it is not just walking through the park and enjoying the breeze. There are things we can get involved in."
"People can go there and grow things they like. I think a lot of youngsters grow up in an environment which is very urbanised. They don't have a chance to grow things and see them bloom," added the 52-year-old.
Raymond Tan, a father of two and who has been staying in Jurong since he was a child, said: "In the past, we will travel to Malaysia, or out of Singapore, to view the butterflies and natural sights, which we hardly have in Singapore. I think this (Jurong Lake Gardens) will be very good. And having kids now, I think it is good for them as part of their education."
But there are concerns that the gardens will lose its tranquility, or become a gathering point for foreign workers. "In fact near Jurong Point, there's a Jurong Central Park. Over the weekend, I hardly see locals there enjoying the facilities. I think one of the main reasons is there are a lot of non-locals there," said Mr Tan.
"Slowly this area is turning away from what it used to be - very quiet, laid back and a lot of greenery. We may have to make way for some of these greenery to be transplanted in another area. But we have to give up something to gain something, we can't have it all," said Malaiya.
Mr Wong said: "Many of you have given us feedback that you want to maintain the tranquility and the natural surroundings of Jurong Lake Gardens. At the same time we have also heard feedback and suggestions from residents that you want the place to be more vibrant, you want to have more activities and programmes; you want more spaces for communities and families to come together.
"So we are trying our best, and we will do our best, to get this balance right - to retain the natural beauty of the Gardens and at the same time provide more programmes and more spaces for communities and families to come together. We will try to achieve both objectives."
- CNA/by/ir
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