The earlier post on the crocodile sighting at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (above) has attracted another comment from R. Subaraj, a nature consultant and bird specialist:

“Actually, from what I hear (and this needs confirmation from NParks), the croc in question just got too comfortable in its surroundings and started taking up residence in the visitor centre ponds. This is an active public zone, with lots of school kids and families at certain times and as such, the level of danger increased. As a result, the difficult decision was made to remove the crocodile altogether. At the end of the day, when public safety was compromised to such a point, NParks had to act to maintain the balance between nature conservation and public safety, I guess.

“The crocodile farm staff, who have experience in crocodile capture, were called in and the croc was caught and taken to the farm. The croc farm people were only too happy to agree as a wild caught male is difficult to come by and is ideal for breeding purposes.

“Why was the zoo not called upon? I do not know except that they may not have wanted the croc as they have enough. They often turn down many animals as they do not have the space or take them and re-release them into the central reserves (pangolins, pythons, etc.).

“Why was the croc not removed to another part of the wetlands reserve? Well, considering the relative small size of the reserve, it would probably have found it’s way back or continued to be a problem where it was as it had become too ‘tame’.

“There are several problems with the way the public and nature circles view conservation in Singapore. We cannot compare our reserves or circumstances with other countries, where their protected areas are substantially larger or their populations not so crowded into small spaces. Managing reserves here and conserving our natural treasures have to be done so in a somewhat unique fashion as the public impact is far greater for the reasons above. I do not envy NParks responsibilities and the pressures that they face. They could use all the support and advise that they can get but it should be done without undue criticism and fault-finding…..as has been the case in the press often.

“I do not speak for NParks and it may still be worthwhile seeking their views. These are merely my views based on what I have heard and seen.”

Image of reserve by YC and that of the croc by KC Tsang (who had another close encounter on 25th July 2007).

On 2nd April 2007, Tang Hung Bun wrote: “Many of us have been to Tuas marshland for birding (above). While the number of dragonfly species seen there is less than that in the sedge ponds in Marina, there are some really interesting species.

“Loong Fah, Yangchen and myself paid a visit to Tuas wetland last Saturday and saw the damselfly Mortonagrion falcatum (both males and females) (left top). This species is listed as critically endangered in the forthcoming new edition of the Singapore’s Red Data Book. Another intersting species is Lestes praemorsus, which thrives in Tuas marshland, but nowhere else in Singapore (left bottom). Tuas wetland is going to be destroyed soon for the development of motocross site. It’s really very sad.

“How nice it would be if people are willing to alter their development plans in order to protect the habitat of wildlife?”

On 30th June 2007, Hung Bun again wrote: “Construction (destruction, rather) work in Tuas wetland has begun and bulldozers are already in action (below). Today, we found that the best part of the wetland, where we found the most species of dragonflies, is already gone. The number of species seen today is 13 compared to 19 we saw in a previous trip. The critically endangered Mortonagrion falcatum could not be seen at all.

“As we were checking on the dragonflies, we noticed some orchids and pitcher plants (below: Nepenthes gracilis and habitat, top; Bromheadia, bottom left and Arundina, bottom right).

“Tuas wetland will be converted into a motocross race course (see media reports, 13th July 2007, below). Birdlife there will be gone too. Typical species there are snipes and Red-Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus).

“I believe that Mortonagrion falcatum is now extinct on the Singapore mainland. Hopefully, it still occurs in Tekong Island.”

Images by Tang Hung Bun except Mortonagrion falcatum by Cheong Loong Fah.

The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is famed for its migratory birds. But there are more than migratory birds. There are a number of uncommon resident species that can be seen, like the Stork-billed Kingfisher (Halcyon capensis) (below: top left). Common residents species include Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) (below: bottom left), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) (below: bottom right) and Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps) (below: top right). Once in a while, you may be able to see the Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea), an escapee.

Besides birds, there are a number of interesting animals like the Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus singapurensis) (below: bottom left), Common Flying Dragon (Draco volans) (below: bottom right) and the large Malayan Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) (below: top right). Sometimes you can even see the heavily camouflaged Shore Pit Viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus) (below: top left). The monitor lizard and pit viper are generally harmless, unless you go out of your way to confront them.

There is another, larger reptile that has always been lurking in the reserve for sometime now. There are conspicuous signs all around warning of the crocodiles (below top). Once in a while you can spot one in the water.

On 10th July 2007, KC Tsang was taking his morning walk in the reserve when he was confronted with a 2-metres long crocodile (below bottom). Well, the reptile did not ambush him. It was actually sleeping peacefully under some bushes. But it was still a shock to come face to face with such a large predator.

As KC continues, “Last year there was one that went up to the visitors center and was taken away… This one is quite far away at the other end of the park, and hopefully it will stay away from the visitors center.

“These must be the ones that may have escaped from the croc farms when Kota Tinggi area got flooded, and are now slowly floating down stream.”

KC has never taken the croc warning signs seriously, like everybody else, but not so now – especially after he came face to face with a big one.

According to R. Subaraj: “Actually the crocs have been around at Buloh for a few years now and we believe that they may be wild as photos appear to show genuine Estuarine Croc (Crocodylus porosus) rather than the hybrid estuarine/Siamese variety in most croc farms.

“We just don’t talk too much about their presence because many people are paranoid about crocs and elsewhere in Singapore, most croc sightings become a hunt to get rid of them. They are the top mangrove predators and along with the Smooth Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata), their return to Buloh is a good sign that the habitat there is maturing well and the protection afforded to the reserve is reaping rewards. There is an ample supply of easy-to-catch fish and the crocs and otters are never hungry.

“The large individual that was caught last year actually crawled on to the main bridge to sun-bathe and that caused a panic. It probably just got really comfortable with his new home! Anyway, he was driven back into the river…

“There should not be a bias toward the presence of crocs at Buloh. They are very much part of the mangrove ecosystem and if left alone, they will do likewise. Following the rules of the reserve and not wandering off the designated paths and boardwalks will ensure the safety of all who visit Buloh.”

KC has this to say: “…from a safety point of view, I think Sungei Buloh should now educate visitors about crocodiles in the reserve. Anyways, Sungei Buloh being a wildlife sanctuary, the crocodiles should be well protected from poachers and others. Then we can have more crocodiles there. Maybe the staff at the entrance should also alert visitors about the possibilities of being bitten by a Shore Pit Viper if they come in their shorts and slippers etc… So what I am saying is that visitors to Sungei Buloh should be made more wildlife savvy.”

And according to Keith Hiller who do volunteer guiding there, “On all the guided tours we also give this warning (about crocodiles).”

The last say came from Subaraj who wrote: “…more can always be done to educate the public about the need to be careful while enjoying the joys of nature. The general public still does not understand the difference between a created public park and a nature reserve/park and behave the same way at both. …School kids running wild, treasure hunts and huge family days are not entirely appropriate in our limited and fragile nature reserves.”

Images by KC.

“This week the Guttensohn’shome at Bukit Batok St 25 received a surprise guest (above). It’s just the kind of “squatter” we’ve been dreaming of. An Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) had chosen my “highrise garden” to build a home. My daughter Tia first noticed the completed nest and I confess I missed it whilst rushing to work in the mornings and returning home late.

“I did observe some strands of dried leaf material dangling from the longer branch of our Powder-puff tree (Calliandra emarginata) earlier, but assumed it was part of the plant or that wind had blown fluff onto the plant. Fortunately, I did not clear it (important lesson here). Perhaps the “puff” provides soft nesting material?

“The sunbird can be seen peeking out of the nest at various times of the day (left bottom). It is simply adorable and a wondrous feeling altogether. We felt it was important not to disturb the sunbird too much, and did not spend any length of time recording its coming and going, which would require us to hang around the corridor. We try to minimise noise going in and out of our house.

“I admit I was rather tempted to ‘help’ with some extra nectar by putting out some ‘honey water’, but after wisely discussing with Andrew Tay, I decided instead to do it the natural way by transferring an extra pot of flowering Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus columnea) from my living room balcony. I know they do love that plant. Of course, it is organic nectar for them as I only do organic gardening. Small wildlife can be sensitive and easily harmed, or even killed by chemical pesticides and fertilisers.

“What I’m extra happy about is that this proves that growing a wildlife garden on the 15th floor of an apartment block, even with very limited space, can attract wildlife and provide a safe home for our winged friends. After advocating “Grow a Wildlife Garden” through a series of Nature Society (Singapore) outreach posters that I had helped to design together with Andrew Tay, Vilma D’Rozario and Angie Ng, this was a reward for me. In fact I had put the very words ‘Invite Birds as Garden Guests: Grow plants which will provide food for feathered friends in your garden, patio, terrace or highrise balcony. Lovely birds like sunbirds, flowerpeckers and bulbuls will soon be paying you a friendly visit.’

“What’s great too is that it’s an excellent learning opportunity and I’ll encourage my daughter Tia (11yrs) and her neighbourhood friends to do very, very, quiet observation and study. Now we look forward to keeping you posted on future fledglings!”

Teresa Teo Guttensohn
17th July 2007