Ever imagined how the world looks like if you were a thousand times smaller? Let us explore how life is for the tiny critters that also call planet Earth their home – insects. Overview of Insect Biodiversity Insects are the world’s most diverse and largest group of animals. Probably more than one million species have…
The World of Insects at a Glance Read More »
You walk by us everyday on your way to your favourite bubble tea shop, to school and in the parks. You have probably smelled some of our seductive scents, luring you in to take a peek at us ladies. We are the show-stopping, eye-catching and attention-seeking flowers you pass by everyday. But it seems like
Ladies, Let Us Introduce Ourselves Read More »
370 million years ago (that’s 37 followed by seven zeros!), a fish-like creature stalked the shallow waters of the ocean. It had eyes on the top of its head, allowing it to remain submerged while looking out for its prey that lived above the water. It had fins that had turned feet-like, allowing it to
What are Amphibians? Read More »
Singapore sits in a geographical region of diversity — of peoples and biodiversity — called Sundaland. This is the home-range of the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), a scaly and elusive mammal that thus calls the tropical rainforests of Singapore home. You may have heard of pangolins, given their reputation as the most trafficked mammal in
Have You Seen A Pangolin in Singapore? Read More »
Introduction Singapore has undergone rapid transformation in the past 200 years before becoming the bustling hub that it is today. Have you wondered what most of Singapore was like prior to 1819? Perhaps the answer is closer than you think. One would not have to look beyond our own Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the most
Lowland Dipterocarp Forest Read More »
When you hear the term “non-native species”, what comes to your mind? For me, I think of a dangerous, aggressive, and foreign animal, one that displaces native biodiversity and damages the local ecosystem. However, do they deserve such a harsh reputation? Before we make any judgement, let’s address some terms we commonly see. Non-native species
What have Non-Native Species done to Singapore? Read More »
Additional readings: Before & After Pictures Show How Deforestation Has Changed Singapore _______________________________________________________ Glossary: Dipterocarp: A family of similar species of trees that are found in mainly tropical lowland rainforest. Trees from the Dipterocarpaceae family are among the tallest tree species in Asia._______________________________________________________ Once upon a time, in its pristine state, the island of Singapore
Changing Canopies: Transformation of Singapore’s Forests Read More »
Although we don’t have more renowned mammals such as bears, giraffes, and elephants, Singapore is still home to a diverse array of mammals that often go unnoticed. But, before we delve deeper into the unexpected hairy creatures that roam our ecosystems… What is a mammal? Mammals are “warm-blooded” homeothermic creatures that give birth to live
Motherland Mammals Read More »
You might have heard the cacophony of bird calls coming from the tall trees that tower over the bustling lighted up streets of Orchard road at dusk. Or maybe even seen some majestic wings in the sky upon looking up from your room’s window. What are these birds? Crows? Eagles? Let’s find out! In this
Feathers – Friend, Foe? Read More »
The theme for World Wildlife Day 2021 is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.” Very aptly titled, our forests are incredibly important to sustaining all life on Earth. From providing food, shelter, energy, and medicines for us humans (especially the many indigenous communities) to being home to many animals and plants that help maintain it,
Happy World Wildlife Day! Guest Starring: Our Favourite Animals Read More »
