Description: The purpose of the Ten Strands Data Initiative is to develop and maintain an interactive database that communicates data related to scale, equity, context, and progress on indicators of environmental and climate action in schools. Join a webinar to explore the report’s findings and learn how to apply them at both broad and local levels. This report equips educational leaders and changemakers with interactive tools and data-driven insights to advance environmental and climate action in school communities.
Description: Now in its fourth year and growing, this community of practice brings together staff from a variety of roles in County Offices of Education across the state. They meet every month for networking, professional learning, and focused discussions on self-selected topics. April Topic: Youth Programs Register Here.
Description: Building Bridges: Sharing Resources, Strengthening Community
Meet with other program leaders to discuss the shifting landscape, address current challenges, and crowdsource ideas for how to best support your staff and communities. Learn valuable tips and strategies that will help CBP Program Leaders and your organization grow and thrive. April Topic: Advocacy and Messaging & Marketing Register Here.
Description: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach that works to accommodate the needs and abilities of all learners and eliminates unnecessary barriers in the learning process. UDL improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all and that gives all students equal opportunity to succeed. This course is designed to encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach to support all learners.
For more information or to register, visit the AEOE website.
Location: Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma, CA Description: This year’s theme is Roots and Branches: Strengthening Community and Expanding Impact.
Join your friends and colleagues for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun in Marin County! The conference is held Friday afternoon through Sunday lunch and includes 40+ workshops, a keynote speaker, an awards ceremony, resource fair, live and silent auction, EE Certification Program presentations, evening entertainment, and more. Lodging and meals are offered onsite starting with dinner on Friday and going through lunch on Sunday. To learn more and to register, visit the AEOE website for details.
Letter of Support Sign on deadline: March 12, 2025
Description: About SB 341 The California School Garden Coalition seeks support for SB 341 which would update and expand California’s Instructional School Garden Program (ISGP) to include instruction and maintenance so all California students can have ongoing access to garden-based learning.
Why SB 341 Matters
Despite broad support for garden-based education and proven academic, health, and environmental benefits, the vast majority of school gardens remain unused due to a lack of dedicated funding for instructional programs and maintenance.
SB 341 does not provide direct funding but creates a phased plan to bring instructional school gardens to more schools statewide.
Visit the CA School Garden Coalition website to learn more about the details of the legislation and information about providing support.
The CAELI Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub and AEOE invite you to participate in a free webinar series for environmental education program leaders. Meet with other program leaders to discuss the shifting landscape, address current challenges, and crowdsource ideas for how to best support our staff and communities.
Date: 4:00-5:30 PM, March 19, 2025 Webinar:CASE Understanding Global Change Description: Understanding the Earth as a system can help learners of all ages explain how and why our climate and ecosystems are changing and the many ways we can take action in response to these changes. Join us for an interactive virtual workshop about a local phenomenon where participants will be immersed in a data-driven sequence of learning that includes modeling practices using the Understanding Global Change (UGC) Earth System Modeling Tools. Participants will also learn how the UGC Framework can support the planning of interdisciplinary instruction to interweave global change topics across curricula. CASE invites K-12 educators to participate in this workshop series on Understanding Global Change. Jessica Bean, PhD, is a scientist and educator at the Museum of Paleontology at UC Berkeley. She is the leader of the Understanding Global Change Project and the Director of Outreach and Science for the FieldScope community science platform. She designs tools for learning about the Earth as a dynamic, interconnected system that help learners understand and engage in the process of science. Jessica studies how marine invertebrates respond to and provide records of environmental change along the California coast, has taught college and graduate level biology and Earth science courses, and partners with K-12 educators across the country to develop and implement new resources for learning about the nature of science. This workshop is offered for high school educators. Free for CASE Members, $15 for non-members Register HERE.
4. AEOE 2025 Video Contest
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Contest Theme: What is the value of environmental education? AEOE invites you to share your perspective on the vital role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future. In this contest, they want to hear from YOU—their community members—about the impact that environmental education has on individuals, communities, and the planet. Whether you’re an educator, student, advocate, or a passionate nature enthusiast, your voice matters!
Video Contest Guidelines: In your video, explore the importance of environmental education. Share how it has influenced you personally or in your work, the communities you serve, or the broader global environment. Highlight specific examples, experiences, or lessons learned from environmental education.
Click HERE to read the contest guidelines for eligibility, video length and content requirements, judging criteria, how to submit your entry, and prizes.
5. CEE-Change Fellowship 2025
Deadline: April 23, 2025 Description: The Fellowship is NAAEE’s latest initiative to support leadership and innovation in civics and environmental education (CEE) across the country. NAAEE recognizes the value in bringing together environmental and civic engagement educators to learn from each other and collaborate to scale up our impact as we work to create a more equitable and sustainable future. The CEE-Change Fellowship is a twelve-month fellowship that will provide opportunities to learn, network, and share through online professional development, technical assistance, and face-to-face training. The fellowship will also build a strong foundation for continued professional growth after the program ends. The twelve-month fellowship will take place July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, and Fellows will have the option to extend an additional six months (through December 2026). Fellows will receive continued professional development, networking support, and travel support to attend an in-person Leadership Institute in Shepherdstown, WV, from August 24-29, 2025.
For more information about the 2025 CEE-Change Fellowship and eligibility, please read through the full Request for Proposals. At this time, we can only accept U.S.-based applicants for the 2025–2026 cohort.
To learn more about the Fellowship or to apply, click HERE.
6. Teach Climate Network Summer Institute
Dates: July 14-15-16, 2025 Location: Virtual The Teach Climate Network Summer Institute is a virtual, three-day conference focused on climate change education for both formal and non-formal educators.
Join Ten Strands, Climate Generation, and 20 regional climate change education leaders from around North America as we practice what it means to teach climate change as an interdisciplinary, justice-centered issue. Are you looking for a community of educational professionals and mentors who can support your climate change knowledge and teaching strategies?Our Summer Institute network is full of educators and climate change practitioners doing just that! Discover best practices, activities, lesson plans, and tools that will help you strengthen your climate curriculum and better support your learners. Whether you’re a formal classroom teacher or a non-formal educator, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your climate change education skills and connect with like-minded professionals. Plus, scholarships are available. On July 16, join us for the California Cohort Day, hosted by Ten Strands! Participants will engage in sessions focused on how to integrate trauma informed practices into climate literacy. It also features special presenters from Ten Strands’ Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program. Register HERE by June 27.
In April, we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, a special time to think about our planet. Check out some events this month to join the movement for a greener world.
In April, we celebrate Earth Day! April 22nd is a special time to think about our planet. But it’s important to remember that caring for the Earth isn’t just for one day—it’s for every day! Check out some events this month to join the movement for a greener world.
The Ocean X Young Explorer’s Programme offers an immersive and educational experience for students aged 18-22 aboard the OceanXplorer. Participants engage in 1 to 10-day adventures, exploring marine life, ocean conservation, and the latest oceanographic research. The programme aims to inspire a deeper understanding of ocean exploration and foster a sense of responsibility towards protecting marine ecosystems. Young Explorers 2024 will feature various missions taking place in Indonesia throughout July and August.
OceanXplorer, the most advanced exploration, research and media vessel is currently based in Singapore for half of year in 2024.
Applications for the OceanX Young Explorers Program 2024 are currently open and will close on the 5th of April.
The Farmer’s Market Easter Egg-stravaganza Edition is an engaging Easter event that promotes buying local and adopting eco-friendly practices. The Farm Animal Experience includes workshops on the frog life cycle, insights into the life of chickens, and an exploration of composting creepy crawlies. Additionally, the event offers a farmer’s market showcasing a diverse range of fresh produce and artisanal products.
Litter poses risks to our environment by polluting the air, water, and soil, threatening wildlife, and providing habitats for pests. Join ‘Stride with Marcel’ to actively contribute to our environment! Striding entails collecting litter while walking, running, or hiking. You can make a meaningful impact by taking part in routine clean-up activities, helping to keep our urban community clean and thriving.
The Zero • Market is a sustainable lifestyle market that offers fresh produce and sustainable goods, aiming to reduce waste with Zero Meat and Zero Plastic. It occurs every first and third weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of the month unless otherwise specified. Visit the Zero Market and remember to bring your own bag! This month’s event, Fash up by the Pond, features an open wardrobe, green products, and information sharing.
As April marks Earth month, City Sprouts is delighted to bring you their Eco-Fair at i12 Katong! From learning about upcycling fabric and other materials to discovering how to make natural scrubs and grow microgreens, the Eco Fair offers hands-on experiences for everyone interested in living more sustainably.
In conjunction with Fashion Revolution Week 2024, “Earth x Fashion 3.0: Weave Suites Midtown” is a ten-day event from April 15 to 24 focusing on sustainable fashion. It showcases eco-friendly designs, materials, and production methods. Attendees can explore trends like upcycling and zero-waste design, join workshops on circular economy principles and reducing fashion waste, and engage with experts on ethical sourcing and technology in fashion. Join us in shaping a sustainable future for fashion!
“Wasted” is a thought-provoking documentary film that explores the global issue of food waste and its environmental impact. Through compelling storytelling and interviews with experts, “Wasted” sheds light on innovative solutions and initiatives to reduce food waste and create a more sustainable food system. It challenges viewers to rethink their consumption habits and consider the environmental and social implications of food waste.
Location: Common Ground Civic Centre & Consultancy
Organiser: Moving Earth Film
Description:
“For the Love of Land” initiates a dialogue on land stewardship, spotlighting Singapore’s changing landscape. This event includes the official screening of the film “Moving Earth,” which explores themes of environmental sustainability and land conservation. The conversation will be joined by experts and activists in the field, offering insights into sustainable land management practices, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of environmental stewardship.
This event serves as a fundraising platform for #GUIsBigMove. It is jointly organised by The Roving Studio and Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) with venue support by Common Ground Civic Centre & Consultancy.
9. Nature and Sustainability Tour: Energy and Water
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Sat, 27th of April
Location: Bayfront Plaza Shuttle Station, Bayfront MRT (Exit B)
Organiser: Gardens by the Bay
Description:
The “Nature and Sustainability Tour: Energy and Water” takes participants on an immersive journey through Gardens by the Bay, focusing on environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Attendees will discover energy-efficient solutions and water conservation strategies through the guided tour and interactive activities.
Repair Kopitiam is an initiative designed to combat the disposable culture by offering a platform where individuals can mend their personal belongings with guidance and assistance from volunteer “Repair Coaches”. This do-it-yourself (DIY) repair event takes place on the final Sunday of each month at different locations throughout the country. To participate, attendees need to schedule a specific timeslot and are allowed to bring up to two items for repair during each session.
Singapore Green Guardians had the privilege of having an insightful conversation with Anbarasi (Anbu) Boopal, co-CEO (Advocacy) of ACRES: Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore). In this interview, Anbu shared her deeply personal journey, offering valuable insights into her unwavering passion for animal welfare and conservation.
Prioritising Animal Welfare Through Education: A Conversation with Anbarasi (Anbu) Boopal
Singapore Green Guardians had the privilege of having an insightful conversation with Anbarasi (Anbu) Boopal, co-CEO (Advocacy) of ACRES: Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore). In this interview, Anbu shared her personal journey, offering valuable insights into her unwavering passion for animal welfare and conservation. She delved into the challenges faced by ACRES in advocating for animal welfare in Singapore, highlighting the pivotal role of education in driving meaningful behavioural change.
SGG: How did it all start for you, Anbu? What inspired you to become involved in animal welfare and conservation, and how did you come to join ACRES?
Anbu: Animal welfare has always been close to my heart. I initially wanted to become a veterinarian but couldn’t bear the thought of dissecting animals, so I shifted my focus to life sciences. While immersed in wildlife work in India, I noticed a significant oversight in conservation efforts, particularly towards certain animal species. It sparked my interest in understanding policy and governance, prompting me to study environmental management.
It was then when I encountered an illegally kept Indian star tortoise. And that’s how I came to know about ACRES. The organisation’s co-founder, Louis Ng, mentioned plans for a rescue centre, and I offered to volunteer. It was initially a two-year commitment, then I would return to India. I’ve now been with ACRES for 18 years.
Photo: ACRES
SGG: Time flies when you’re enjoying your work, doesn’t it?
Anbu: Yes, it does. Our lives revolve around animals, yet we often fail to recognise the many roles they play. Whether they are animals that are sources of food and clothing or serve as modes of transportation, our lives are deeply intertwined with theirs. Moreover, animals and their natural habitats are profoundly impacted by the choices that we make in our daily lives. I firmly believe that there is immense potential in the actions that humans can take. And that individuals can make a difference. That’s what I’m passionate about.
Photo: ACRES, Facebook, 2023
SGG: Speaking of work, could you elaborate on some recent initiatives and projects that ACRES has been working on?
Anbu: Absolutely. ACRES has been busy with several key projects lately. Our six focus areas are:
Tackling Wildlife Crime
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
Promoting Coexistence With Native Wildlife
Humane Education
Community Outreach
Promoting Cruelty-Free Living
Firstly, we’re focused on educating the public about the humane treatment of animals. This includes teaching people about responsible practices without needing constant oversight. We’ve expanded our efforts, aiming to reach a wider audience, including pre-schoolers, students, and adults.
We’ve also been tackling the problem of online wildlife trade. We’ve published reports highlighting the challenges of enforcement due to the high volume and encryption of online transactions. We’re pushing for policies to hold online platforms accountable for their role in this trade.
Photo: Online Illegal Wildlife Trade on Telegram in Singapore Report, ACRES, November 2023
On the ground, we’re running a 24-hour rescue service and expanding our sanctuary to provide better living conditions for rescued animals. We’re also working to return illegally trafficked Indian star tortoises back to their natural habitats.
In our efforts toward wildlife rescue, we’re also advocating for the regulation of harmful glue traps used for rodent control. We’ve observed a concerning trend where we’re rescuing a protected species from these traps every single day.
Photo: ACRES, Facebook, 2023
SGG: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in advocating for animal welfare in Singapore?
Anbu: Two main challenges stand out. Firstly, there’s a need for a shift in mindset towards animals. We often exhibit speciesism, valuing certain animals over others based on factors like size or charisma. For example, we may feel strongly about the trade of dog meat. But, when animals in factory farms like chickens and pigs, who are sentient or intelligent, are treated in a bad way, we may not acknowledge it because we disconnect ourselves. This mindset change is crucial for fostering compassion and tolerance towards all animals. Secondly, on the same note, perception has an impact on funding and that remains a challenge. ACRES relies heavily on public donations, and while we’re grateful for the support, more funding is needed to sustain our operations effectively. We constantly strive to bridge this gap through strategic planning and community engagement.
Photo: ACRES
SGG: Education seems to be a cornerstone of ACRES’ approach. Could you tell us more about your educational initiatives and their outcomes?
Anbu: Certainly. Our educational programs are tailored to different age groups, from pre-schoolers to adults. For younger children, we focus on fostering empathy towards animals and encouraging responsible behaviour. As they grow older, we delve deeper into topics like coexistence and advocacy, empowering them to become voices for change. We also conduct workshops for students and adults, teaching them how to engage with policymakers and advocate for animal welfare effectively. Our goal is to equip people with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in their communities.
Photo: ACRES
SGG: It’s inspiring to see how ACRES empowers people to advocate for animal welfare. How can the public contribute and actively support your initiatives?
Anbu: There are various ways for the public to get involved, from volunteering to donating. We offer volunteering opportunities in areas like outreach, wildlife rescue, and sanctuary care. Each program has specific requirements, such as public speaking skills or being comfortable working outdoors. Additionally, donations play a crucial role in supporting our work. Whether it’s through volunteering time or contributing financially, every bit of support helps us continue our mission of protecting animals and their habitats.
Photo: ACRES, Facebook, 2022
🔎 Discover how you can get involved and make a difference by volunteering. Find out more here.
SGG: Thank you for sharing your insights, Anbu. Is there anything else you’d like to add before we wrap up?
Anbu: We have an upcoming fundraising event, the ACRES Charity Gala: Wild Second Chances, scheduled to take place at Marina Bay Sands on May 18, 2024, generously supported by Marina Bay Sands. The proceeds from this event will be directed towards expanding ACRES’ sanctuary for rehabilitated wild animals and facilitating the repatriation of rescued non-native wild animals to their native habitats.
Photo: ACRES, 2024, via giving.sg
🐒 For more details about the Gala or how you can donate, click here.
About ACRES
ACRES, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore), founded in 2001 by passionate Singaporeans, is a leading charity dedicated to animal welfare in Singapore. ACRES has tirelessly advocated for wildlife protection–– symbolised by the iconic blue logo representing its first rescued vervet monkey. Since its inception, ACRES has rescued countless animals and remains committed to providing hope and sanctuary to those in distress.
To support ACRES’ vital work, individuals can get involved by reporting suspicious activities or assisting in rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Whether through volunteering, raising awareness, or supporting advocacy campaigns, every contribution makes a meaningful impact.
If you see wildlife in distress in Singapore, contact 24-hr ACRES Wildlife Rescue Hotline +65 97837782 for assistance.
Much of Singapore’s coral reefs have experienced significant impact due to extensive land reclamation and coastal development over the past five decades. From 1922 to 1993, the extent of coral reef areas was reduced by nearly 50%.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems that play a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of marine environments. These living structures serve as foundation keystone species and ecosystem engineers, providing habitat and shelter to a multitude of marine species. Despite occupying less than 1% of the marine floor, coral reefs support over 25% of the world’s marine life.
As foundation species, hard corals play a transformative role in shaping their surrounding environments by building coral reefs that many other organisms use. Coral reefs are made up of hundreds to thousands of small, delicate marine organisms known as coral polyps. These tiny coral polyps secrete a hard outer skeleton of calcium carbonate that attaches to rock or the dead skeletons of other polyps. Over time, as the calcium carbonate accumulates and corals reproduce, the size of a coral reef grows. They are built over hundreds of thousands of years.
Coral polyps live in a symbiotic relationship with a specific type of algae called zooxanthellae that live in their tissues. The coral provides the plant-like organism with a protected environment, sufficient sunlight, and nutrients in the form of the coral’s metabolic waste for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make their food. In return, the zooxanthellae produce oxygen, remove wastes, and supply the coral with the organic products it needs to grow and thrive.
Not all corals are reef builders; soft corals do not build stony skeletons and don’t have a symbiotic relationship with algae.
Corals are communal animals related to sea anemones and jellyfish. Each tiny coral polyp uses their stinging tentacles to capture creatures like zooplankton or organic debris that float by. Their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae allows them to get additional energy. Remarkably, the zooxanthellae transfer approximately 90% of the organic material they produce to the host coral tissue, enhancing the coral’s nutrient intake.
A symbiotic relationship is a close long-term relationship between two species, where one or both species benefit from the interaction. There are four main symbiotic relationships, mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, and competition.
Despite their many strengths, coral reefs are fragile and extremely sensitive to environmental conditions. They need clean, clear water to survive and have been especially vulnerable to a diverse range of human activities, including coastal changes and pollution. Today, the challenges faced by coral reefs are further exacerbated by two global trends: increasing sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification, primarily caused by climate change.
Zooxanthellae, in addition to supplying corals with vital nutrients, contribute to the distinctive and vibrant colours observed in many stony corals. When corals undergo physical stress, such as high temperatures, they expel their symbiotic zooxanthellae, losing their main food source. They also lose their colour, resulting in a bleak white appearance. This is commonly described as “coral bleaching”. Prolonged periods without zooxanthellae (and if bleaching events happen too frequently) can lead to the death of the coral colony.
The first global bleaching event occurred in 1998 and killed about 8% of the world’s coral. In the last four decades, there has been a noticeable decrease in the abundance of corals, accompanied by a more frequent occurrence of bleaching incidents and an increase in algae levels within our oceans, which suggest a decline in the overall health of coral reefs. Recent studies, however, have found that reef systems do not respond uniformly to bleaching events and post-bleaching recovery can occur at different degrees.
What do we know about coral reefs in Singapore?
Much of Singapore’s coral reefs have experienced significant impact due to extensive land reclamation and coastal development over the past five decades. From 1922 to 1993, the extent of coral reef areas was reduced by nearly 50%. Consequently, these activities led to a rise in levels of turbidity and sediment in the marine environment.
Surprisingly, Singapore’s waters host a remarkably diverse array of marine life, boasting a diverse range of over 250 species of reef-forming hard corals that are habitat to over 100 species of reef fishes. Most of the coral reefs are found along the southern shores of Singapore––surrounding the islands, on tidally-exposed areas along the Singapore Straits, and along the last remaining rocky shore on Labrador Beach. There has also been unexpected diversity along man-made seawalls, which cover over 70% of Singapore’s coastline.
Turbid coral reefs, characterised by high levels of turbidity, are often found in shallow coastal waters close to urban areas like Singapore. They have shown an incredible ability to endure and survive under chronic sediment stress and low-light environmental conditions. It has also been suggested that Singapore’s urbanised reefs can recover quickly from thermal stress events, compared to reefs in more remote areas.
As climate change continues to drive increases in ocean temperatures, the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves and severe bleaching events are also on the rise. Additionally, rising sea levels are resulting in deeper waters above shallow reefs, reducing the amount of light that reaches the corals, and potentially threatening reefs around the world.
While our coral reefs demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability in coping with challenging conditions of reduced light and high temperatures, there can still be negative impacts on their overall health and growth. The survival of these vital marine ecosystems depends on our proactive and innovative measures and solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. By acting now, we can work towards preserving and safeguarding these valuable ecosystems.
How can you contribute to protecting and conserving our coral reefs?
Practice responsible snorkelling and diving. Avoid touching or stepping on corals and maintain a safe distance from marine life
Choose reef-friendly sunscreen. Use mineral-based sunscreen that is free of harmful chemicals known to cause coral bleaching.
Reduce pollution and waste to prevent pollutants from entering the marine environment.
Support sustainable seafood practices to reduce the demand for destructive fishing practices.
Respect marine protected areas. Observe and adhere to regulations when visiting Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.
If you come across coral reefs in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app, or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
With their voracious appetite, dragonflies help regulate the populations of insects that potentially carry diseases, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies play a crucial role in ecosystems––their roles as predators and indicator species contribute to environmental health.
Dragonflies are a predatory species that eat all types of small insects. They primarily feed on mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. They are extremely skilful as hunters and catch up to 95% of the prey they go after–– much higher than other predators. Their impressive success rate is attributable to their exceptional flying skills, spectacular eyesight and lightning-fast neural systems.
Dragonflies have two pair of wings that extend out horizontally at rest, much like an airplane. They can flap and beat their fore and hind wings independently and hover and fly in any direction, including backwards. They see much faster than we humans do. Each compound eye covers most of the dragonfly’s head, and allows it to see almost 360 degrees around it. Once dragonflies focus on a prey, they can predict its future location and swoop in on it with great accuracy.
Even as nymphs, baby dragonflies eat small aquatic creatures like mosquito larvae, worms, tadpoles, and even small fish!
With their voracious appetite, dragonflies help regulate the populations of insects that potentially carry diseases, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. A team of researchers from Nparks and the National University of Singapore are conducting a study on how to maximise the potential of dragonflies as natural pest control to combat dengue in Singapore.
Dragonflies play a vital role as indicator species. They are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat conditions, and dragonfly larvae require clean, unpolluted water to thrive. By monitoring dragonfly populations in certain areas, scientists can assess the health of aquatic ecosystems. A decline in the population or a decrease in diversity may be a sign of pollution, habitat loss, or other environmental disturbances. On the other hand, a good population of dragonflies is an indication of a healthy ecosystem.
The presence, absence, or abundance of an indicator species reflects on a specific environmental condition. They can signal that something has changed or is going to change in the ecosystem and diagnose the health of an ecosystem.
Dragonflies also serve as an important food source for other animals including a wide range of birds, fish, frogs, and spiders. Their larvae are often prey to fishes and frogs.
According to Nparks, there are over 123 dragonfly and damselfly species in Singapore. Dragonflies and damselflies belong to same order of insects called Odonata, meaning toothed jaws. Sometimes, they are both collectively referred to as dragonflies. You can tell a dragonfly from a damselfly by looking at how its wings look like at rest. Unlike the dragonfly, whose wings rest horizontally, the damselfly’s wings fold back in line with its abdomen. Damselflies also have a thin body and smaller eyes than the dragonfly.
Common dragonfly species you may spot in Singapore:
The Crimson Dropwing is a common native dragonfly species that can be found in urban wetlands––in ponds and lakes. The males are a luminous fuchsia pink and females are golden yellow with black markings on the side.
The Blue Dasher is an abundant native species. They live near still calm bodies of water and particularly like lotus ponds. The males are a chalky blue colour with a black tip at the end of its abdomen and females are black with yellow stripes along the side and top.
The Common Scarlet is a common native species and are one of the larger red dragonflies found in Singapore. The males are red from head to tail and the female is light brown. Both males and females have a dark vertical line down the centre of their abdomen.
The Common Parasol is the most common dragonfly species in Singapore. The males are reddish brown with maroon wings and transparent tips. Females are a dull brown with clear wings.
The Yellow-barred Flutterer, also known as the Yellow-striped Flutterer, is common throughout Singapore and have been spotted far away from water. Swarms of the Yellow-barred Flutterer are often seen fluttering over grassy field in search from prey. Both males and females look similar. They are dark with a metallic sheen and have distinctive yellow and black bars on the base of their hind wings.
If you come across dragonflies in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app, or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
Seagrasses are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and are vital for climate change mitigation. Seagrass ecosystems can sequester up to twice as much carbon from the atmosphere as land forests.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Seagrass
Seagrasses are underwater plants that are commonly found in both tropical and temperate coastal waters. Seagrass is often confused with large seaweed. Unlike seaweeds, which do not have a root system and reproduce by releasing spores, seagrasses are true flowering plants and belong to the same group of plants as land grasses and lilies. They have leaves, roots and veins, and produce flowers and seeds––the roots absorb nutrients from soft sediment and the leaves make food through photosynthesis. Seagrasses thrive in shallow, protected coastal waters with sufficient sunlight. They can exist as a few plants or clumps, but generally form dense underwater meadows.
Seagrass habitats provide crucial services such as acting as shelters and nursery areas for numerous species––including animals like seahorses and juvenile fishes of larger commercially valuable fishes and marine creatures, contributing to nutrient cycling, improving water quality, stabilising sediments for coastal protection, and playing a big part in carbon sequestration by retaining carbon within their leaves and roots.
In addition, seagrasses support a complex food web. They serve as the primary food source for sea turtles and dugongs in our waters. Sea turtles and dugongs eat seagrasses, including the seeds of the plants, and play a role in seed dispersal as they pass the seeds through their digestive systems and excrete them. Seagrasses also indirectly contribute to the food chain by hosting microscopic algae on their leaves. Smaller animals feed on these algae and, in turn, are prey for larger animals.
Seagrasses are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and are vital for climate change mitigation. Seagrass ecosystems can sequester up to twice as much carbon from the atmosphere as land forests. They store large amounts of carbon through photosynthesis by trapping them in their stems. And when parts of the plants die and decay, they collect on the seafloor, eventually getting buried in sediment and effectively trapping carbon for hundreds of years. Although seagrasses account for less than 0.2% of the world’s oceans, they sequester roughly 10% of the carbon stored in ocean sediment annually.
Over the past fifty years, there has been significant and widespread decline in global seagrass cover, primarily attributed to human activities such as changes in land-use, coastal changes, dredging, and declining water quality. They are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems, experiencing an annual loss of approximately 1.5%. and accelerating in recent decades. It is estimated that at least 29% of the global coverage of seagrass meadows have been lost. The ecosystem services they provide make seagrasses a high conservation priority.
Seagrasses were previously abundant on Singapore’s shores, but their diversity and extent were never rigorously documented until recently. There are three major seagrass meadows in Singapore. They are at Chek Jawa Wetlands, Pulau Semakau, and Cyrene Reef.
There are about 72 different seagrass species in the world. These are some of the species that are found in Singapore.
Common name: Tape Seagrass
Scientific name: Enhalus acoroides
Tape Seagrasses have long ribbon-like leaves that can grow up to 150cm long. They are often found close to mangrove forests. Tape Seagrasses are abundant at Pulau Semakau and Cyrene Reef.
A key consideration when visiting seagrass meadows:
The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of seagrass are often buried in sand or mud. When trampled on, the underground stems can damage and take a long time to recover. So keep off the seagrass!
Join a conservation initiative!
Consider becoming a part of Team Seagrass–– a volunteer team working in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Centre of the National Parks Board and Seagrass-Watch. Help contribute to the monitoring of seagrasses along Singapore’s shores!
If you come across seagrass in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app, or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
Hornbills, also known as forest farmers, play a vital ecological role in their natural habitats, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This nickname aptly describes their significant contribution to the spread and germination of seeds, especially those from big-fruited forest trees.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Hornbills
Hornbills, also known as forest farmers, play a vital ecological role in their natural habitats, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This nickname aptly describes their significant contribution to the spread and germination of seeds, especially those from big-fruited forest trees. There are around 60 species of hornbills found in Africa and Asia.
These large black and white birds with contrasting-coloured beaks are not to be mistaken for toucans. Hornbills and toucans are both tropical fruit-eating birds and do the same job of spreading seeds to keep forests healthy, but their similarities end there. Most hornbills have a distinctive beak feature called a casque.
Three species of hornbill are believed to be native to Singapore––the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, and Helmeted Hornbill. These birds flourished in the 1800s, but gradually disappeared from the landscape to the point of local extinction, falling victim to hunting, habitat loss due to deforestation, and other human activities.
In 1994, a pair of wild Oriental Pied Hornbill, believed to be visitors from Malaysia, was spotted at Pulau Ubin. Later on, the first local breeding was observed in 1997.
Hornbills nest in suitable holes in a tree. When a female hornbill is ready to lay eggs, she seals the entrance with mud, fibres, and regurgitated fruit delivered to her by the male. She leaves a narrow opening through which the male brings food to her and their young and breaks out only after a few months when the nestlings are fully fledged.
Natural tree holes for nesting are limited in Singapore’s natural environment. In an effort to encourage wild hornbills to breed, over 20 artificial nest-boxes were installed within trees all over Singapore. Since their re-introduction, Oriental Pied Hornbills have multiplied and thrived in Singapore. They are the only true wild hornbills in Singapore.
The Oriental Pied Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with mostly black plumage with a distinctive white patch on its face, a pale yellowish bill and a small casque. Females have a smaller bill. It mainly feeds on fruit but also prey on small animals, such as small birds and reptiles.
They can be found in wooded areas, forest edges, mangroves, gardens, and parks around Singapore. Most Asian hornbills require large areas of forest to survive, but the Oriental Pied Hornbill has demonstrated an ability to adapt to urban environments, making use of the remaining patches of forests within the city. They have been spotted in urban areas that border green spaces and can tolerate a moderate level of human presence and activity. Their population is currently stable and is not a concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Visitors spotted in Singapore
Non-breeding wild visitors from neighbouring countries have been sighted on our shores and offshore islands. It is suggested that the degradation of regional forests is driving these species to search for new suitable habitat. They include the White-crowned Hornbill and the Black Hornbill.
Common name: White-crowned Hornbill
Scientific name:Berenicornis comatus
For the first time this year, a female White-crowned Hornbill was sighted on Pulau Ubin. It is a large hornbill with a bushy, upright white crest and a white tail. Males are white from the head down to the belly, and females are predominantly black, with only a white crest. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Black Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with black plumage and broad white tips on its outer tails. Males have a pale yellow bill and casque; and females have a black bill and casque. It has been spotted within Woodlands and on Pulau Ubin. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Some of these insights into the population and distribution of the Oriental Pied Hornbill attributed to data from eBird and iNaturalist, collected and submitted by the community. You, too, can contribute to research by providing valuable data.
If you come across hornbills in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app, the eBird app, or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
In the current era where climate change is a pressing concern, mangrove forests stand out for their remarkable ability to efficiently sequester carbon, trapping significant amounts of carbon dioxide by storing carbon in their biomass and the surrounding soil.
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
Mangroves
Mangroves are a group of shrub and tree species that live along shores, rivers, and estuaries in the tropics, subtropics, and even some temperate coastal areas. Although used to describe the species, plant, or forest, the term mangrove is also commonly used collectively to describe the unique ecosystem these plants form.
These inter-tidal forests, comprising salt-tolerant trees featuring a partially exposed network of roots, are possibly the world’s most productive type of wetland. They provide shelter and food for an immense diversity of wildlife. They physically protect coastlines. They provide sustenance, raw materials, and medicine to communities who continue to depend on the land for their livelihoods. They are extremely resilient and are able to withstand the worst of storms, hurricanes, and flooding.
During high tide, the roots of mangrove plants are completely submerged in seawater. And during low tide they are exposed to the sun. While the distinctive roots of mangroves play a crucial role in facilitating the respiration of these plants, their significance extends beyond that singular function.
Mangrove root systems provide a safe haven for fish fry and juvenile animals and host a variety of species, including mudskippers, otters, and water monitor lizards.
Their roots act as natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants, and enhancing water quality. They protect marine life, and provide a natural buffer against storm surges and coastal erosion.
In the current era where climate change is a pressing concern, mangrove forests stand out for their remarkable ability to efficiently sequester carbon, trapping significant amounts of carbon dioxide by storing carbon in their biomass and the surrounding soil.
However, the combined impacts of rising sea levels and activities such as agriculture, aquaculture, urban development, and harvesting have resulted in the erosion and deforestation of mangrove forests, causing the loss of more than a quarter of these vital ecosystems in the past 50 years. In the 1820s, mangroves accounted for 13 percent of Singapore’s land area. Today, less than 1 percent of the mangroves in Singapore remain.
The most extensive expanse of mangrove area on mainland Singapore is loacted within Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. They can also be found within areas such as Mandai, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Pasir Ris Park, as well as offshore islands like Pulau Semakau and Pulau Ubin.
The Bakau Minyak is one of the two most common mangrove species in Singapore and native to Singapore. They have the potential to grow upwards of 30 metres or more. Boasting a smooth dark grey bark that can reach up to 50cm in diameter, the bakau minyak is distinguished by its characteristic arching prop or stilt roots connected to the trunk, along with aerial roots emerging from its branches.
The Bakau Putih, also known as Black Mangrove, is another common mangrove species and native to Singapore. These mangroves can reach heights of up to 20 meters but are frequently spotted on nature trails as compact shrubs or modest trees ranging from 2 to 3 meters in height. The trees have a greyish bark and are notably recognised for their lateral roots that stick out from the mud surface, bearing a resemblance to a person’s bent knees.
Common name: Nipah Palm, Water Coconut, Mangrove Palm, Attap
Scientific name: Nypa fruticans
You may already be familiar with this plant based on your knowledge of a popular local dessert. Ice kacang is a local favourite of red beans, creamed corn, grass jelly and the gem of all gems––attap chee, topped with a mountain of ice drizzled with gula melaka. Attap chee is the fruit of the nipah palm. And gula melaka (palm sugar) is made from its sap. The Nipah Palm is a mangrove palm native to Singapore. It is a medium to large-sized stemless palm that frequently grows in small clumps, characterized by its expansive leaf fronds.
If you come across mangroves in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
These small agile birds, measuring 9 to 15cm long, are a common sign in the island’s green spaces––in gardens and nature parks. Here are a few sunbird species that you might encounter in Singapore:
In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.
The Sunbird
Have you seen a sunbird flitting from flower to flower and thought… hummingbird?
These small agile birds, measuring 9 to 15cm long, are a common sign in the island’s green spaces––in gardens and nature parks. They live primarily on nectar and sometimes feed on small insects. Because of their small size and nectar-feeding behaviour, it is easy to mistake them for hummingbirds.
But you won’t find hummingbirds in this part of the world. Unlike hummingbirds, sunbirds rarely hover while feeding and usually perch to feed.
Sunbirds have long, curved bills that can reach deep into flowers, making them effective pollinators––particularly tubular flowers that bees and butterflies find difficult to access. By aiding in pollination, sunbirds help to maintain the beauty and diversity of plant life in Singapore, contributing to the balance and health of the local ecosystem. Their bills also allow them to feed on fruits when flowers are unavailable and hunt for insects and spiders to feed their young.
Sunbirds are Old World birds from the family Nectariniidae. They are native to Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
In tropical regions, sunbirds mate and breed throughout the year. The males are brightly coloured, almost iridescent, and often larger than females. They build hanging purse-like nests and usually lay two eggs at a time.
They are often seen in pairs and are monogamous, meaning they have only one partner and mate for life. You might even see them in small family groups! Sunbirds live up to 7 years in the wild and generally stay in one area from birth to death.
Here are a few sunbird species that you might encounter in Singapore:
Common name: Olive-backed Sunbird, Yellow-breasted Sunbird
Scientific name: Cinnyris jugularis
The Olive-backed Sunbird, also known as the yellow-bellied sunbird, is the most common sunbird found in Singapore. They often build their nests on the tip of branches or on fences. Males boasts a vibrant metallic-blue forehead, throat and breast, olive-green upperparts and a contrasting yellow chest; females are yellow with dull olive brown upperparts.
Common name: Brown-throated Sunbird, Plain-throated Sunbird
Scientific name: Anthreptes malacensis
The Brown-throated Sunbird is another common sunbird that can be spotted in coastal areas, mangrove habitats, parks, and gardens. Males display a distinctive brown throat, a metallic-green head and neck, purple wings, and a lemon-yellow belly; females are dull olive.
The Crimson Sunbird has earned the unofficial title of Singapore’s national bird, resonating with the moniker “the little red dot” often used to describe the island on world maps. Males exhibit a bright red colour with a grey belly and greenish-black tail; females are dull olive-green with a pale yellow belly and dull-green tail.
The Copper-throated Sunbird is one of the larger species of sunbirds. They are found predominantly in coastal areas and mangroves. It prefers to feed on the nectar of flowers of Bruguiera trees. They are in danger of habitat loss in Singapore due to the degradation and destruction of mangroves. Males appear dark all over with an iridescent green crown and shoulder, copper-coloured throat and upper breast; females are olive with a yellow belly, a pale-grey head and throat and an incomplete white eye ring.
If you come across a sunbird in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.
Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!
📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.
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