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Showing posts with label woodlands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woodlands. Show all posts
03 March 2015
Dead fish update: a dead monitor lizard among the fishes
This morning, Victor Tang saw a dead monitor lizard among the dead fishes washing up at Pasir Ris Park. This is worrying. It is becoming increasingly obvious that this recent mass fish death is among the worst to happen in Singapore.
There doesn't seem to be 'new' dead fishes though. But even if dead fishes stop floating up in large numbers, the danger to the ecosystem may not be over.
20 December 2014
Return to Mandai mangroves
Beautiful Mandai mangroves! I'm back for the first time since I broke my foot, and my first attempt to try to survey in soft mud.
Thanks to Sivasothi and Delicia for letting me join the Marine trash sampling exercise at Mandai today. Kwan Siong also checked on the Berembang at Woodlands Town Park, and it's crown had fallen over. Oh dear.
18 December 2010
Otter at Woodlands Park!
A magical moment: the otter looks at me, as I look at the otter!
I was quietly looking for snails in the small patch of mangroves at Woodlands Park when I heard splashing.
Special plants at Woodlands mangroves
There are some special plants in a tiny sliver of mangroves at Woodlands Park.
I decided to check out the mangroves even though the tide was a bit high. Which turned out to be very good timing, because I saw an otter there!
25 May 2010
Woodlands Waterfront promenade - a new seashore park
What natural shores are near the newly opened Woodlands Waterfront promenade?
A project by the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority), the waterfront at Woodlands will eventually span the shore from the causeway eastwards.
A project by the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority), the waterfront at Woodlands will eventually span the shore from the causeway eastwards.
20 December 2009
Sonneratia and streams on a sunny Sunday
Finally I got a real close up look at the wild Berembang flowers at Woodlands Park.
But I was out today for an entirely different reason!
But I was out today for an entirely different reason!
14 September 2009
Caseolaris check up with Brandon
Brandon Chia and I decided to squeeze in a quick look at the wild Berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) growing at Woodlands. Rushing after school and work.
Wow, the trees were still blossoming away!
Wow, the trees were still blossoming away!
05 September 2009
Caseolaris in the dark (with bats?)
Since the Berembang was blooming today at Sungei Buloh, I thought perhaps the wild Berembang at Woodlands might also be in bloom.
I decided to have a look at the trees there at first dark. And wow, they were in bloom!
I decided to have a look at the trees there at first dark. And wow, they were in bloom!
20 June 2009
Flaming lens test
It's a blue sky day and a tree is on fire!
I was looking to test run a new lens and just couldn't resist this beautiful Flame of the Forest (Delonix regia) in full bloom. It is also called the Flamboyant, which is indeed a most appropriate name for the tree when it is in full bloom.
I was looking to test run a new lens and just couldn't resist this beautiful Flame of the Forest (Delonix regia) in full bloom. It is also called the Flamboyant, which is indeed a most appropriate name for the tree when it is in full bloom.
16 May 2009
Woodlands Mangroves: Sonneratia caseolaris
The tiny sliver of mangroves at Woodlands Park is home to Berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris). The "Guide to the Mangroves of Singapore" by Prof Peter Ng and N. Sivasothi, shares that prior to 1998, only a single tree of this species in Woodlands was known of in Singapore!
Thanks to Dr John Yong who confirmed that the tree I saw during a previous visit was a Sonneratia caseolaris. I eventually learnt that there were actually three trees at Woodlands Park. Today I thought I should have a look for the other two.
What are the signs of a Sonneratia?
Big conical pneumatophores are a good clue.
Aha, the gianormous tree opposite this little stream seems to be a Sonneratia.
The tree is so huge and spreading that bits of it are falling on the side of the stream where I'm at.
There are tiny white bits that look like beansprouts, and way out in the soft mud which I can't reach, a fallen flower which looks like those of Sonneratia caseolaris.
The leaf shape and arrangement is also a good clue, but hard to see as the tree is so tall and there are many other tall trees in the way.
To me, I feel, the leaves of Sonneratia caseolaris are more elegant. Arranged more neatly than in a Sonneratia alba where the leaves are more messy. Sigh. That wasn't very scientific I'm afraid.
A little further along, on the same side of the stream as the big healthy tree, was a big dead one.
The remains of conical pneumatophores suggests it might have been a Sonneratia. It was really tall, and really dead. Oh dear.
The mangroves are so narrow that you can see a little of it from the busy road full of roaring trailer trucks and heavy vehicles bearing down from the Causeway.
I walked along the road and got another view of the big healthy Sonneratia caseolaris.
A little further along, I had a look at the Sonneratia caseolaris I saw on my previous trip.
Aha! It was flowering. The tree was really tall so it's still hard to take a close look. But on the road, I was at least 6m above root level so I was a little closer.
It sure looks like Sonneratia caseolaris with the red petals!
The mangroves of Woodlands Park has some great flora! Besides the two magnificently huge Sonneratia caseolaris which are listed as 'Critically Endangered' in the Red Data Book, I also checked up on the 'Endangered' Brownlowia tersa that is found here.
I didn't really look at the animals as I was constantly looking up at the tall trees. But I did notice some mounds. Are they mudlobster mounds? There were also lots of little growing mangrove seedlings on the ground.
Woodlands mangroves are in a very narrow strip, and parts are canalised.
I also came across a well trampled path to a well trampled area in the mangroves equipped with tarpulin shelters. As I was heading home, I noticed a group of young men heading to the area.
Let's hope this precious strip of mangroves continues to thrive.
References
Thanks to Dr John Yong who confirmed that the tree I saw during a previous visit was a Sonneratia caseolaris. I eventually learnt that there were actually three trees at Woodlands Park. Today I thought I should have a look for the other two.What are the signs of a Sonneratia?
Big conical pneumatophores are a good clue.
Aha, the gianormous tree opposite this little stream seems to be a Sonneratia.The tree is so huge and spreading that bits of it are falling on the side of the stream where I'm at.
There are tiny white bits that look like beansprouts, and way out in the soft mud which I can't reach, a fallen flower which looks like those of Sonneratia caseolaris.The leaf shape and arrangement is also a good clue, but hard to see as the tree is so tall and there are many other tall trees in the way.
To me, I feel, the leaves of Sonneratia caseolaris are more elegant. Arranged more neatly than in a Sonneratia alba where the leaves are more messy. Sigh. That wasn't very scientific I'm afraid.A little further along, on the same side of the stream as the big healthy tree, was a big dead one.
The remains of conical pneumatophores suggests it might have been a Sonneratia. It was really tall, and really dead. Oh dear.The mangroves are so narrow that you can see a little of it from the busy road full of roaring trailer trucks and heavy vehicles bearing down from the Causeway.
I walked along the road and got another view of the big healthy Sonneratia caseolaris.A little further along, I had a look at the Sonneratia caseolaris I saw on my previous trip.
Aha! It was flowering. The tree was really tall so it's still hard to take a close look. But on the road, I was at least 6m above root level so I was a little closer.
It sure looks like Sonneratia caseolaris with the red petals!The mangroves of Woodlands Park has some great flora! Besides the two magnificently huge Sonneratia caseolaris which are listed as 'Critically Endangered' in the Red Data Book, I also checked up on the 'Endangered' Brownlowia tersa that is found here.
I didn't really look at the animals as I was constantly looking up at the tall trees. But I did notice some mounds. Are they mudlobster mounds? There were also lots of little growing mangrove seedlings on the ground.Woodlands mangroves are in a very narrow strip, and parts are canalised.
I also came across a well trampled path to a well trampled area in the mangroves equipped with tarpulin shelters. As I was heading home, I noticed a group of young men heading to the area.Let's hope this precious strip of mangroves continues to thrive.
References
- Ng, Peter K. L. & N. Sivasothi, 1999. A Guide to the Mangroves of Singapore I (Plant Diversity). Singapore Science Centre. 168 pp.
- Davison, G.W. H. and P. K. L. Ng and Ho Hua Chew, 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened plants and animals of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore). 285 pp.
Woodlands Mangroves: Brownlowia tersa
The first time I saw this plant, I didn't realise it was THAT special. Dr John Yong confirmed that it is Brownlowia tersa, which is listed as 'Endangered' in the Red Data Book.
The plant was still flowering today like it was when I first saw it. I was hoping to see fruits, but I didn't see any. I only saw several stumpy stalks like the one in the lower left photo. Are the flowers not setting into fruits?
There are two (or maybe three) large bushes in the centre of the mangroves which is a little more open to the sunlight. They are about 3m tall.
The bushes were flowering, even shorter branches that are covered in silt were producing blossoms.
I came across this gathering of tiny little grasshoppers near a flowering stem.
Alas, I also noticed several broken off stems with dried dead leaves.
A closer look suggests that the stems were not broken off by the wind.
The stems look like they were peeled. By some sort of animal?
Nearby, next to a large tree, was another small bush.
Let's hope these special plants continue to do well in this tiny mangrove. I also checked up on the Sonneratia caseolaris trees in these mangroves today.
The plant was still flowering today like it was when I first saw it. I was hoping to see fruits, but I didn't see any. I only saw several stumpy stalks like the one in the lower left photo. Are the flowers not setting into fruits?There are two (or maybe three) large bushes in the centre of the mangroves which is a little more open to the sunlight. They are about 3m tall.
The bushes were flowering, even shorter branches that are covered in silt were producing blossoms.
I came across this gathering of tiny little grasshoppers near a flowering stem.
Alas, I also noticed several broken off stems with dried dead leaves.
A closer look suggests that the stems were not broken off by the wind.
The stems look like they were peeled. By some sort of animal?
Nearby, next to a large tree, was another small bush.
Let's hope these special plants continue to do well in this tiny mangrove. I also checked up on the Sonneratia caseolaris trees in these mangroves today.
08 April 2009
Weekday Woodlands Mangrove Muckabout
There's a patch of mangroves at Woodlands Park, and I've been trying to have a look at it. During the weekends, though, it's impossible to find a parking lot as the carpark is free and the New Town is jammed with people.
I've been wanting to make a weekday trip there, and today an opportunity arose.
Woodlands Park is all pretty with palms and pines, and arching bridges in a kitschie 1960s kind of way.
In the Park, it's all trim and neat and safety is a big concern.
But lurking at the edges of this Disneyesque park, is a Real Mangrove!
All stinky, mosquito-ridden and FULL of amazing plants and animals!
It meanders on towards a wooded portion where the vegetation is more freshwater. Amazing!
There were LOTS of Sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) everywhere. They were blooming and fruiting, and so of course, there were also lots of Cotton stainer bugs (Dysdercus decussatus) which feed on the seeds. The adults are handsome in black and red with wings, while the juveniles are all red, smooth and wingless.
It was also a thrill to see lots of HUGE Pong-pong trees (Cerbera odollam) that were growing on the mangrove side and not the park side. So perhaps they are our very own native Pong-pong trees.
A closer look at the tree with the white flowers and round fruits. I didn't see any with pink-centred flowers, so alas, they didn't seem to be the rarer Cerbera manghas.
And while wandering inside the mangroves looking at some special plants, I came across a whole bunch of these odd-shaped snails (Pythia sp.)
These snails are only found in mangroves, and breathe air (instead of through gills like most other marine snails). They in fact lack an operculum or door, to close the shell opening.
They were out and about! I so rarely get to see the animal.
Hmm ... they are really out and about. Perhaps making new snails?
Alas, a less pleasant find were several balloons in the mangroves.
Balloons are fun and colourful, and people love to celebrate with them. Unfortunately, people forget about them when the balloons float or blow away. Out of sight, out of mind. But the balloons don't disappear. They become part of the huge and ever growing problem of marine litter; and marine litter kills.
What is even more tragic is when balloons are PURPOSELY released into the environment in a DELIBERATE activity. I still fail to understand how such wanton littering can be seen as part of celebration or fun.
I've been wanting to make a weekday trip there, and today an opportunity arose.Woodlands Park is all pretty with palms and pines, and arching bridges in a kitschie 1960s kind of way.
In the Park, it's all trim and neat and safety is a big concern.But lurking at the edges of this Disneyesque park, is a Real Mangrove!
All stinky, mosquito-ridden and FULL of amazing plants and animals!
It meanders on towards a wooded portion where the vegetation is more freshwater. Amazing!
There were LOTS of Sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) everywhere. They were blooming and fruiting, and so of course, there were also lots of Cotton stainer bugs (Dysdercus decussatus) which feed on the seeds. The adults are handsome in black and red with wings, while the juveniles are all red, smooth and wingless.
It was also a thrill to see lots of HUGE Pong-pong trees (Cerbera odollam) that were growing on the mangrove side and not the park side. So perhaps they are our very own native Pong-pong trees.
A closer look at the tree with the white flowers and round fruits. I didn't see any with pink-centred flowers, so alas, they didn't seem to be the rarer Cerbera manghas.And while wandering inside the mangroves looking at some special plants, I came across a whole bunch of these odd-shaped snails (Pythia sp.)
These snails are only found in mangroves, and breathe air (instead of through gills like most other marine snails). They in fact lack an operculum or door, to close the shell opening.
They were out and about! I so rarely get to see the animal.
Hmm ... they are really out and about. Perhaps making new snails?Alas, a less pleasant find were several balloons in the mangroves.
Balloons are fun and colourful, and people love to celebrate with them. Unfortunately, people forget about them when the balloons float or blow away. Out of sight, out of mind. But the balloons don't disappear. They become part of the huge and ever growing problem of marine litter; and marine litter kills.What is even more tragic is when balloons are PURPOSELY released into the environment in a DELIBERATE activity. I still fail to understand how such wanton littering can be seen as part of celebration or fun.
Woodlands mangrove surprise: Brownlowia?
As I wandered in the mangroves at Woodlands Park, I came across this small bush (sorry, I was too close to take a big picture of the whole bush).
At first I thought it was a short Avicennia alba, but I took a closer look at it and realised it was something else altogether!
Could it be a Brownlowia? The description from Giesen seems to fit, especially the description and drawing for Brownlowia tersa: "A shrub 1.5-2 m tall. Leaves narrow, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate, rigid and thin or leathery, 2-5 by 6-20 cm, with a rounded base and a pointed tip. The upper surface is glossy and smooth, while the lower surface is grey-green and covered with a dense layer of tiny, hairy scales.
"The flower heads occur in axils or at the ends of branches, few-flowered, and are up to 4 cm long. The calyx is bell-shaped and 5 mm long, with 3-5 lobes. The corolla is pink with a yellow base, slightly longer than the calyx (about 6 mm), with 5 petals." In addition, Hsuan Keng mentions that the leaves are spirally alternate.
I didn't see any fruits but these are said to be "a woody capsule or nut, 15 mm long, bilobed or heart-shaped (alternatively: shaped like a golf putting-club), and is pale greyish-green, covered with small, brown warts."
There are two species of Brownlowia recorded for Singapore. According to Hsuan Keng, Brownlowia argentata grows on brackish tidal sandy soil and is rare, and was recorded at Kranji. While Brownlowia tersa grows in mangroves and was recorded for Kranji and Sungei Mandai.
According to the Red Data Book, Brownlowia argentata is considered 'Presumed Nationally Extinct' while Brownlowia tersa is 'Endangered'.
Of course it could be something else entirely. Will need expert help to sort this out!
References
At first I thought it was a short Avicennia alba, but I took a closer look at it and realised it was something else altogether!Could it be a Brownlowia? The description from Giesen seems to fit, especially the description and drawing for Brownlowia tersa: "A shrub 1.5-2 m tall. Leaves narrow, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate, rigid and thin or leathery, 2-5 by 6-20 cm, with a rounded base and a pointed tip. The upper surface is glossy and smooth, while the lower surface is grey-green and covered with a dense layer of tiny, hairy scales.
"The flower heads occur in axils or at the ends of branches, few-flowered, and are up to 4 cm long. The calyx is bell-shaped and 5 mm long, with 3-5 lobes. The corolla is pink with a yellow base, slightly longer than the calyx (about 6 mm), with 5 petals." In addition, Hsuan Keng mentions that the leaves are spirally alternate.I didn't see any fruits but these are said to be "a woody capsule or nut, 15 mm long, bilobed or heart-shaped (alternatively: shaped like a golf putting-club), and is pale greyish-green, covered with small, brown warts."
There are two species of Brownlowia recorded for Singapore. According to Hsuan Keng, Brownlowia argentata grows on brackish tidal sandy soil and is rare, and was recorded at Kranji. While Brownlowia tersa grows in mangroves and was recorded for Kranji and Sungei Mandai.
According to the Red Data Book, Brownlowia argentata is considered 'Presumed Nationally Extinct' while Brownlowia tersa is 'Endangered'.
Of course it could be something else entirely. Will need expert help to sort this out!
References
- Hsuan Keng, S.C. Chin and H. T. W. Tan. 1990, The Concise Flora of Singapore: Gymnosperms and Dicotyledons. Singapore University Press. 222 pp.
- Davison, G.W. H. and P. K. L. Ng and Ho Hua Chew, 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened plants and animals of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore). 285 pp.
- Giesen, Wim and Stephan Wulffraat, Max Zieren and Liesbeth Scholten. 2006. Mangrove Guidebook for Southeast Asia (PDF online downloadable). RAP publication 2006/07 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Bangkok.
More Woodlands Mangrove surprise: Sonneratia caseolaris?
Are there Berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) at Woodlands Park? In the "Guide to the Mangroves of Singapore" by Prof Peter Ng and N. Sivasothi, there is tantalising mention of "a few trees at Woodlands Town Garden".
I scan the canopy and peer at the undergrowth for Signs of Sonneratia. High high up, I notice some intriguing leaves ...
Here's a closer look.
And an even closer look. Those leaves and their arrangement on long stalks sure look like Berembang.
Then I look down, and AHA! Conical pneumatophores!
I scoot over the mud to have a closer look under the tree. The tree is GIANORMOUS. It must be 10-15m tall. The trunk is nice and wide, and the pneumatophores are tall and sturdy, though there are not a lot of the pnematophores. The ground was firm and rather sandy.
Under the tree were some leaves. No pinkish bits anywhere.
And a bunch of fallen flowers/fruitlings. The insides were not pink like for Perepat (Sonneratia alba).
And there was a broken fruit.
I'm a rather lame Mangrove Tree Detective. So I'm giving up now and shall patiently wait for expert help.
I scan the canopy and peer at the undergrowth for Signs of Sonneratia. High high up, I notice some intriguing leaves ...
Here's a closer look.
And an even closer look. Those leaves and their arrangement on long stalks sure look like Berembang.Then I look down, and AHA! Conical pneumatophores!
I scoot over the mud to have a closer look under the tree. The tree is GIANORMOUS. It must be 10-15m tall. The trunk is nice and wide, and the pneumatophores are tall and sturdy, though there are not a lot of the pnematophores. The ground was firm and rather sandy.
Under the tree were some leaves. No pinkish bits anywhere.
And a bunch of fallen flowers/fruitlings. The insides were not pink like for Perepat (Sonneratia alba).
And there was a broken fruit.I'm a rather lame Mangrove Tree Detective. So I'm giving up now and shall patiently wait for expert help.
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