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WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE Conserving Biodiversity A Sustainable Future For Wildlife Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in the region for many years. We take a sustainable approach to park operations to ensure that wildlife and resource conservation, community engagement and economic stability are all given significant and equal consideration. We are currently embarking on the development of a fully audited sustainability report that will enable us to track and manage the impact of our activities on the environment. This process includes the first carbon footprint study and is in line with our goal of becoming a leader in the sustainable management of wildlife entertainment and education facilities. As a first stage in the development of the report, this document outlines our approach to sustainable management and highlights current key initiatives. It also outlines future plans and frameworks for conserving biodiversity and resource management. The three key sustainability components discussed in this document are: • CONSERVATION FOR ALL • ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY • SUSTAINABILITY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Contents 02 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 04 LEADERSHIP TEAM 06 CONSERVATION FOR ALL • Conserving Biodiversity • Conserving Resources 08 ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY • Education • Community Outreach and Involvement • Volunteering Opportunities • Community and Staff Well-Being 10 SUSTAINABILITY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE • Setting Frameworks and Goals for Sustainable Developments • Sustainable Development of River Safari PHOTO: DAVID TAN Chairman’s Message “When we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world.” ~ John Muir, naturalist and conservationist Yours Sincerely, Claire Chiang CHAIRMAN, WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE WRS LEADERSHIP TEAM Inspiring wildlife conservation Linda Chew, Director, Operations Steven Tan, Director, F&B Linda Tan, Assistant Director, Retail/ Travel Kumar Pillai, General Manager, Night Safari Isabel Cheng, Director, Sales, marketing & Communication Dr Serena Oh, Assistant Director, Veterinary Thang Koon Tee, Director, Finance Lim Poh Guan, Head, IT Freddy Ong, Chief Operating Officer Isabella Loh, Group CEO Lim Kai Huat, Director, Human Resources Cham Tud Yinn, Director, Exhibit Design & Development Lok May Kuen, Director, Education Melanie Wong, Director, Compliance & Control Desmond Tan, General Manager, River Safari Melvin Tan, Director, Horticulture Raja Segran, General Manager, Jurong Bird Park Serene Law, Director, Sales Daisy Ling, Director, Corporate Services & HSSE Zac Lim, Special Executive Assistant to CEO Barry Chong, Assistant Director, Maintenance Conservation For All The first pillar of WRS’ sustainable approach is an understanding that conservation is not just about the preservation of animals and their habitats but also about the efficient use of natural resources and a reduction in waste production and carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change. Our holistic approach to conservation focuses on: • CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY • CONSERVING RESOURCES PHOTO: WILLIAM NAI Conserving Biodiversity WRS’ vision is to be the foremost wildlife institution in the world. WRS not only offers a safe haven for wildlife but also champions the protection of wildlife, especially endangered species, in their natural habitats. EX-SITU CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH: Breeding and managing endangered and threatened species in captivity WRS breeds endangered and threatened species not only to maintain the animal collection but also to participate actively in animal exchange programmes with other reputable zoos, enhancing the genetic diversity of animal collections around the world without drawing on wild populations. Since 2000, WRS has achieved 375 successful births for 35 endangered species – a testimony to good animal husbandry and excellent veterinary care. WRS strives to realise its vision through: • Ex-situ conservation and research • Highest management standards for captive wildlife care • Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund (WRSCF) WRS promotes research on the husbandry and reproductive biology of various endangered South East Asian animal species that few other zoological facilities have successfully kept or bred. This team-effort involving the Zoology and Veterinary staff has proven to be a unique success at the Night Safari where the Park is the first zoological institution to breed the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) in captivity. • Local and regional projects • Inspiring future conservationists • Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation • Sharing best practices and capacity building At the Jurong Bird Park we are proud to have succeeded in the artificial incubation of two great pied hornbills (Buceros bicornis), the yellow-billed stork (Mycterbia ibis) and the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo). • Sharing expertise through publication For many years WRS has contributed to the conservation of Asian elephants through animal exchange programmes, research and scientific collaboration. Night Safari recently celebrated the birth of a male elephant after a hiatus of nine years. The Park has also collaborated with Perth Zoo on the complex procedure of artificial insemination to help Australia in its efforts to develop sustainable captive elephant groups. Singapore Zoo is one of the leading zoological facilities for the captive management and breeding of endangered Asian primates. Recent highlights included the births of two Sumatran orang utans (Pongo abelii) and six critically endangered cotton top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus). Singapore Zoo has also been very successful in breeding highly endangered reptile species such as the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and the critically endangered river terrapin (Batagur baska). CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 11 Number of animals bred (1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011) 350 336 300 hatchings 250 200 204 vertebrate births & hatchings Night Safari Singapore Zoo vertebrate births & hatchings 150 100 229 50 0 Jurong Bird Park Nila Utama is the first elephant calf born to Night Safari after a hiatus of nine years. He is named after the Palembang prince who founded the kingdom of Singapura. The upcoming Breeding and Research Centre will enable Jurong Bird Park to breed more endangered bird such as these hyacinth macaws. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y The cotton-top tamarin is among the critically endangered species successfully bred by Singapore Zoo. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Night Safari recorded the first successful birth of a Sunda pangolin conceived in captivity. Sunda pangolins can be found in the forests of Singapore. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Significant hatchings: •Great pied hornbill •Oriental pied hornbill •Plain pouch hornbill •Black hornbill •Bar-pouched hornbill • White-crowned hornbill •Blue-eyed cockatoo •Black palm cockatoo •Moluccan cockatoo •Hyacinth macaw •Scarlet macaw •Malay fish owl •Eurasian eagle owl •Roseate spoonbill •Rhea CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Significant births: • Sunda pangolin • Asian elephant CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Significant births: •Douc langur •Proboscis monkey •Siamang gibbon •Sumatran orang utan (critically endangered) •cotton-top tamarin (critically endangered) •white rhino •pygmy hippo Significant hatchings: •River terrapin (critically endangered) CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 13 HIGHEST MANAGEMENT STANDARDS FOR WILDLIFE CARE or hide areas, pools, logs and artificial objects such as toys and termite mounds form an integral part of the exhibits at WRS. Respect and care for wildlife are among our core values and WRS provides the highest levels of animal care systems through industry-leading zoological management and modern veterinary practice. Food is often used as an enrichment tool. It can be hidden, scattered, given as whole pieces or in puzzle feeders to encourage problem solving and exploration. Novel food items, not part of the daily diet, are also given as a surprise treat for the animals. • Animal Acquisition And Welfare WRS adopts a sustainable approach in animal acquisition, which is carried out with other reputable zoological institutions or agencies approved by the relevant CITES regulating bodies. WRS’ animal welfare and ethics policy is adapted from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). At all times, WRS acts in accordance with national and international laws and maintains the highest standards in husbandry, exhibit standards, retreat facilities, veterinary care, animal training and all other aspects involving the wellbeing of the animals. The Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee (AWEC) conducts reviews on the policy and also plays an advisory role to WRS. The main focus of WRS’ animal shows is to convey conservation awareness of endangered fauna and flora, cultivate love and respect for nature and animals, and foster a greater understanding of sustainability. The shows and training are based on the animals’ natural behaviour and their spontaneous interaction with humans. Animals are stimulated by items that evoke their senses. Food or water is sometimes mixed with approved flavouring to vary tastes; scents from different herbs, oils, spices or perfume are sprayed onto exhibit furniture to stimulate olfactory exploration. Right: Food is often hidden in puzzle feeders to encourage the animal to explore and solve problems. Below: Chimpanzees using twigs to ‘fish’ out honey from an artificial termite mound. WRS adheres to the five basic principles of animal welfare: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from thermal and physical discomfort; freedom from pain, disease or injury; freedom to express normal behaviour; freedom from fear and distress. • Environmental Enrichment Environmental enrichment is gaining importance as a way to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the animals in WRS. This process involves enhancing the environment to encourage the animals to display natural behaviours, explore, play and solve problems. Well-designed exhibits and holding facilities are extremely important in maintaining exploratory activities in animals. At WRS, a full-time Enrichment Officer works closely with the keepers to design facilities to meet the natural needs of the animals. Climbing structures, vines, rest CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 15 • Fresh Fodder For Leaf Lovers WRS maintains a 4.7 hectare farm in Lim Chu Kang. About 90% of the farm land is used to grow mulberry and the rest, for plants such as ipi ipi, hibiscus, guava and wild tea. Each day 150 to 180 kg of leaves are harvested to provide fresh fodder for over 21 species of primates and 14 species of herbivores in Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. The operation of the fodder farm is guided by green environmental practices which include collection of rain water in two ponds for irrigation, the use of herbivore dung as fertiliser/mulch and the avoidance of pesticide usage. Above: WRS maintains a 4.7 hectares farm in Lim Chu Kang to provide fodder for its herbivores. Every month, about 10 tons of herbivore dung, mainly from elephants, are recycled as fertiliser for the plants. Left: The sustainable approach is used to maintain the park. Instead of using potable water, rain water collected in the ponds is used for irrigation. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Jurong Bird Park opened the only avian hospital in Southeast Asia to provide the best possible veterinary care for birds and to share best practices with wildlife institutions in the region. • Wildlife Healthcare WRS opened the Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre in Singapore Zoo and a world-class avian hospital in Jurong Bird Park in 2006 to provide the best possible veterinary care for its animal collection as well as rescued animals. The Avian Hospital of Jurong Bird Park and the Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari provide a high level of veterinary service through a specialised team of veterinarians, vet nurses and hospital animal keepers. The WRS veterinary clinics are equipped with modern diagnostic tools such as a digital X-ray machine and equipment to carry out ultrasonograpic and endoscopic examinations. A fully furnished laboratory allows a wide range of inhouse tests and together with the in-house pathology department provides an outstanding platform for biomedical research. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 17 WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE CONSERVATION FUND (WRSCF) Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund (WRSCF) was registered in July 2009 as a charity and an institution of public character, with the primary purpose of conserving endangered native wildlife. WRS contributes 20 cents from each admission ticket towards the WRSCF. Funds raised are channelled to education and the preservation of biodiversity in Singapore. PROJECTS FUNDED BY WRSCF Since its inception in July 2009, WRSCF has granted funding for the following projects and workshops: Human-macaque conflict has become a serious concern in Singapore. • Singapore wild marine mammal survey Recent sightings have confirmed five different marine mammals in Singapore and regional waters. This project aims to assess and monitor the population of these marine mammals. This will be achieved through field studies and the involvement of members of the public by establishing a volunteer network and a robust reporting system, which will supply information on the abundance, distribution and behaviour of marine mammals to a central database. • Population monitoring and feeding analysis of the banded leaf monkey (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) in Singapore This species was believed to be on the verge of extinction with only 10 to 15 individuals left in Singapore. The research, spearheaded by Ms Andie Ang, yielded a much more encouraging result - there are now at least 40 banded leaf monkeys in our nature reserves and they are reproducing. The green crested lizard is rarely seen now because it has been displaced by an introduced species, the changeable lizard. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y • Ecology of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in relation to natural and artificial food resource preference and availability Human actions have altered the feeding behaviour of the long-tailed macaques, and has resulted in human-macaque conflict. This research project investigates how the long-tailed macaque’s feeding ecology and range are influenced by preference and availability of artificial and natural food resources, and the implications for human-macaque interactions. This project is conducted by John Sha Chih Mun, PhD candidate (dissertation) Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University. The project was conducted in collaboration with the National University of Singapore and National Parks Board Singapore and completed in December 2011. This project is conducted by Dr Elizabeth Oh Taylor, Tropical Marine Science Institute. • Effects of habitat disturbance on canopy amphibians and reptiles in Southeast Asia There are 19 endangered or critically endangered arboreal amphibian and reptile species in Singapore. These species rely on forest canopies to survive. Data from this study will complement those that have already been collected on forest animals and will be used for making conservation recommendations for arboreal animals in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Preliminary results showed that there is a greater variety of amphibian and reptile species in low disturbance forest compared to high disturbance forest. This project is conducted in collaboration with Brett R. Scheffers, PhD candidate at the National University of Singapore, and the National Parks Board. • Re-introduction of rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) in Singapore Through breeding and re-introduction efforts, this pioneer project aims to re-establish a sustainable rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros rhinoceros) population in Singapore. It will be the first re-introduction programme in the world for this species after local extinction. To introduce and to maintain large birds in tropical forests in the presence of high human density and activity is a true challenge and these efforts will be very important to bird conservation. So far aviaries for 2 pairs of rhinoceros hornbills have been built and we are now awaiting the arrival of 3 rhinoceros hornbills from Thailand. This project is conducted in collaboration with Prof. Ng Soon Chye, Marc Cremades and Nathalie Lai Hui Min from the Singapore Hornbill Project. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y It is hoped that re-introduction of the rhino hornbill in Singapore will enjoy the same encouraging outcome as for the Oriental pied hornbill. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 19 • Ecology and conservation of leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Singapore The critically endangered leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) was last seen alive in the wild on mainland Singapore in 1968. This project studies various aspects of the ecology of the leopard cat in Pulau Tekong and the possible population in the western catchment, including their population size, distribution, diet and genetic variation. The leopard cat was thought to have become extinct in Singapore. In June 2001, a roadkill was found along Mandai Road raising hope that a small population still roams in our forests. This project is undertaken by Chua Aik Hwee Marcus MSc candidate, National University of Singapore • Biodiversity of vertebrate scavengers in Singapore: Implications on conservation and nutrient cycling Secondary forests are often considered to have little conservation value and may consequently be cleared for development projects. Over 85% of the forested areas in Singapore are composed of secondary forests, so it is imperative to document the biodiversity residing in the various forest types to support the need for forest protection in Singapore. This project focuses on functions of scavengers in Singapore forests and the ecological role they play. • The Conservation of Asian Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles - Setting Priorities for the Next Ten Years In recent years, the population of many tortoise and turtle species has been declining at alarming rates. This 4-day workshop brought together over 70 specialists and experts to review activities for the past decade, set out conservation plans for the next 10 years and discuss the management of confiscated tortoises and turtles, as well as the captive facility designs. A detailed report with recommendation and conclusions from the workshop will soon be published so that the outcomes from the workshop can be shared among wildlife institutions. Programme Partners: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in collaboration with IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, IUCN Red List, San Diego Zoo Global and Turtle Survival Alliance) This project is conducted by Norman Lim T-Lon, PhD candidate University of California, Davis. • Enhancing wildlife habitat and accelerating forest recovery in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve encompass a mosaic of primary forests, slowly-recovering secondary forests, and fern-dominated areas. Regeneration of disturbed areas within this mosaic shows stagnation. This project seeks to understand the ecological factors facilitating the regeneration of disturbed forest mosaics in Singapore’s nature reserves. This project is conducted by Chua Siew Chin, PhD candidate, University of California, Berkley. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 21 LOCAL AND REGIONAL PROJECTS • Monitoring of migratory birds and disease surveillance at Sungei Buloh Jurong Bird Park assisted NEA and AVA in conducting disease surveillance on West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis. Both of these viruses belong to the flaviviridae subgroup and can be transmitted from their usual hosts such as birds to humans via mosquitoes and ticks. The ongoing project involves overnight mist-net trapping, the collection of biomaterials and ringing of migratory birds in Sungei Buloh. Jurong Bird Park is also contributing biomaterial samples of donated wild migratory birds to this important disease surveillance effort. In addition to funding projects through WRSCF, WRS collaborates with conservation partners, NGOs and agencies in support of local and regional projects. The re-introduction programme and provision for nest boxes have yielded encouraging results – sightings of the oriental pied hornbill have reported a significant increase. Captured on film! A common palm civet found in the urban area of Siglap, eastern part of Singapore. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y • Singapore Hornbill Project The Singapore Hornbill Project, started six year ago, is a joint initiative by Jurong Bird Park, Singapore National Parks Board and the Singapore Avian Conservation Project team. Its objective is to enhance the population of wild hornbills in Singapore. The first reintroduction of a pair of oriental pied hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) into Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in December 2008 was a milestone in local bird conservation. Artificial “intelligent nests” were used to monitor the hornbills at Jurong Bird Park and Pulau Ubin. The nests were fitted with cameras, a weighing scale and a temperature and humidity analyser. Data gathered allowed better understanding of the nesting and breeding behaviour of the hornbills, as well as physical parameters within the nest cavity. The project has resulted in a significant increase in sightings of birds at Pulau Ubin and mainland Singapore compared to 15 years ago. • Common Palm Civet Rescue and Relocation The common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) is one of the few remaining mammalian species in Singapore. Despite urbanisation, a healthy population can still be found in the Siglap area. These creatures prefer to consume fruits from house gardens. While most residents are tolerant of them, some are bothered by their existence. As a result, many palm civets had to be rescued and brought to WRS. Working with National Parks Board and the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), most rescued civets were relocated, and those unfit for release were absorbed into WRS’ collection. Ongoing surveys are being carried out to monitor Singapore’s civet population. Public education programmes were conducted to encourage Siglap residents to live alongside this native species. In October 2010 a common palm civet exhibit was completed at the Night Safari to provide a home for those animals unfit for release as well as to raise more public awareness through education. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y • Saving the Metallic Caerulean Butterfly The closure of Mandai Orchid Garden in early January caused great concern for the Butterfly Circle. The flowers of mature clumps of torch ginger in the garden have been the food source for the caterpillars of the metallic caerulean butterfly. Fearing that the species may become locally extinct if the area is cleared for future development, the Butterfly Circle approached Singapore Zoo to transplant the torch ginger plants. 10 clumps were transplanted to Singapore Zoo’s Fragile Forest area to create a new breeding site for the metallic caerulean. With urbanisation, the metallic caerulean butterfly finds it increasing difficult to locate mature torch ginger, which is the food source of its caterpillars. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 23 • Firefly Conservation Fireflies are winged beetles, which are also called “glow worms” for their conspicuous crepuscular use of bioluminescence to attract mates or prey. They are mostly found in wetlands and mangrove areas. Owing to habitat destruction, fireflies are becoming an extremely rare sight in Singapore. WRS has been working with the National Parks Boards on a firefly breeding programme to conserve the remaining population of fireflies in Pasir Ris Park. WRS is also currently establishing a colony at Night Safari to educate the public on the plight of wild fireflies. The Tonkin snubnosed monkey is one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world, threatened by habitat destruction of its forest home. • Mitigating Human-Elephant Conflict in Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra The elephants from Way Kambas National Park travel to villages located along the park’s perimeter and raid crops almost every night during peak harvest season. Villagers suffered heavy economic losses and retaliated by shooting the elephants. To mitigate the conflict, WRS and Wildlife Conservation Society assisted to develop fish farms along the routes taken by the elephants to serve as a partial physical barrier and “watch-zone” for the villagers who fish at these farms. The fish farms also provide an additional source of income for the villagers. • Tonkin snub-nosed monkey Conservation Project WRS continued its support for Vietnamese Le Khac Quyet’s study on the behaviour and ecology of the critically endangered Tonkin snub-nosed monkey. The latest research results show that the population of about 250 monkeys in Khau Ca, Vietnam, is healthy and reproducing. There were at least nine newborn monkeys between 2009 and 2010. • Saving the Bali Mynah The Bali mynah (Leucopsar rothschildi) is the only surviving endemic animal species in Bali. As a result of poaching and illegal pet trade, it has become critically endangered with fewer than 50 birds surviving in the wild. Since 2009 the Jurong Bird Park has been supporting the conservation efforts of the Begawan Foundation in Bali. Through financial support, direct participation in population surveys and captive breeding and exchange programmes, this ongoing collaboration is an important step towards creating a sustainable wild mynah population in Bali. Fireflies have special light organs located under their abdomens. Very little is known about the life cycle of our local species and it is therefore challenging to breed them. Right: Students from Zhangde Primary School releasing fireflies, bred at Night Safari, in Pasir Ris Mangrove Park. WRS hopes to repopulate fireflies in Singapore for all to enjoy their magical glow. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Jurong Bird Park has been successful in breeding the critically endangered Bali Mynah, and is working toward enhancing the wild population in Bali. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 25 INSPIRING AND SUPPORTING YOUNG CONSERVATIONISTS WRS inspires youths to take positive actions in protecting biodiversity by supporting, facilitating and supervising student projects such as: • Breeding behaviour of the lesser bird of paradise (Paradisaea minor minor) The lesser bird of paradise has very low breeding success in captivity. Jeremy Koh from Temasek Polytechnic conducted a study to examine the mating and nesting behaviour of the species with the objective of enhancing breeding success. Factors such as availability of nest baskets and multiple perches, variation of feeding locations and stimulation of a communal hierarchy were investigated. Results showed that poor nesting locations and limited male selection could be important factors affecting breeding success • Dietary and digestive differences in primates at the Singapore Zoo Jeslyn Ho and Beverly Xue from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) conducted a study of the dietary and digestive differences of 10 species of primates at Singapore Zoo to examine their natural and adaptive strategies in captivity. Results showed that the captive primates retain much of their evolutionary taxonomic characteristics in relation to food intake and digestive transit and retention times but have high adaptive abilities to food selection to satisfy nutritional requirements. WRS will continue to inspire the youth to play an active role in nature conservation and provide a platform for them to share their knowledge with members of the public. • Habitat selection and web pattern of the spiny orb-weaver spider Gina Goh from River Valley High School conducted a study to investigate environmental factors influencing habitat selection of the spiny orb weaver spider. The study confirmed that environmental factors like wind, humidity, temperature and light intensity significantly influenced the occurrence of spiny orb-weaver spiders. • Providing biomaterial for external projects In addition to supporting student research projects done inside our parks, WRS also assists external research projects by providing biomaterial for various studies: PROJECT Survey of soil and leaf litter faunal diversity in Singapore’s forests. National University Of Singapore Phylogeography, population genetics and comparative morphological study of raccoon dog in East Asia. Conservation Genome Resource Bank for Korean Wildlife Genetic Analysis of Asian Golden Cat Population Fordham University and the American Museum of Natural History Singapore Zoo has one of the world’s most varied and valuable collections of primates, which are great research subjects for primatologists. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y INSTITUTION CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 27 WILDLIFE RESCUE Wildlife Rescue In Action WRS Parks function as official wildlife rescue centres in Singapore and over the past 40 years, have attended to more than 20,000 animals. Donated and confiscated animals are absorbed into WRS’ collection as far as possible. Those that cannot be integrated for various reasons are maintained off-exhibit until a suitable home is found for them in another wildlife facility. Elvis, the king cobra was rescued from a drain along Thomson Road by WRS staff. After careful consideration, Singapore Zoo decided to include Elvis in its reptile collection to prevent him from ‘trespassing’ on urban areas again and risk getting killed by alarmed members of the public. King cobras, the world’s longest venomous snake, are found naturally in Singapore. Vets give Elvis a thorough health check after he was rescued and brought to Singapore Zoo. Native animals that arrive injured or in poor health are nursed back to health, following which WRS works with the National Parks Board to release them back to the wild. In some cases, especially where a large number of animals are confiscated, WRS will work with the Singapore Avian Conservation Project and other relevant organisations/authorities to repatriate the animals to their country of origin. Number of animals rescued (1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011) Singapore Zoo & Night Safari 1339 971 368 Total Confiscations Donations Jurong Bird Park 675 370 1045 Total Confiscations Donations 0 CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y 300 CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y 600 900 CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y 1200 1500 CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 29 Wildlife Rescue In Action Wildlife Rescue In Action In June 2011, WRS sent 36 Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) to Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, in a partnership with the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA). TSA, a US-based conservation group, supports and manages recovery programmes for endangered turtles and tortoises around the world. Most are donations from the public or confiscations from the police and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore. Some of these tortoises have been kept in Singapore Zoo for nearly two years, as it is illegal to keep Indian star tortoises as pets in Singapore. In November 2010, three bird of prey species were released in a forested area at Lim Chu Kang. The crested serpent eagle and changeable hawk eagle were donations from SPCA, while the crested goshawk was received from the public. Prior to release the birds underwent thorough medical examinations and were tested for contagious diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle’s disease. They had also been conditioned to hunt and eat live prey while being rehabilitated in the Hawk Centre. Such measures are extremely important as they enhance the chances of survival of these birds in the wild. Native to India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Indian star tortoise is one of the most prized breeds in the international exotic pet trade because of its beautifully coloured patterned shell. Jurong Bird Park collaborated with National Parks Board to release 113 confiscated zebra doves in Dairy Farm in February 2011. Prior to release the birds were quarantined and tested for avian diseases. Assistant curator Bernard Santhosh scans one of the tortoises to ensure it is the correct one slated for this shipment. All WRS animals are microchipped for record keeping and easy identification across borders. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 31 SHARING BEST PRACTICES AND CAPACITY BUILDING SHARING EXPERTISE THROUGH PUBLICATIONS To share the best practices and to facilitate exchange of ideas among regional zoos in particular, WRS hosted a number of capacity-building workshops in recent years. By hosting such events, WRS hopes to be the catalyst in improving wildlife captive care standards and welfare, and enhancing wildlife conservation efforts in the region, which is among the richest in biodiversity. Since 2002, a total of 170 papers, reports, book chapters and books authored or co-authored by WRS staff, guest researchers, students have been produced, of which 28 were published in scientific journals. YEAR TITLE AUTHOR INSTITUTION PROJECT TYPE PUBLICATION TYPE 1 2004 Can Proboscis Monkeys Be Successfully Maintained in Captivity? A Case of Swings and Roundabouts Agoramoorthy G, Sam Alagappasamy and Minna.J. Hsu Wildlife Reserves Singapore Staff project Journal Zoo Biology 2 2004 Habitat use by Malay Tapir (Tapirus indicus) in West Sumatra, Indonesia Wilson Novarino, Santi N Karimah, Jarulis, Muhammad Silmi, Muhammad Syafri Andalas University, Indonesia Funding support (regional) Journal - Tapir Conservation 3 2005 Population, diet and conservation of Malayan flying Lemurs in altered and fragmented habitats in Singapore G. Agoramoorthy, John Sha, Minna Hsu Tajen Institute of Technology, Singapore Zoological Gardens, National Sun Yat-sen University Staff project Journal Biodiversity and Conservation 4 2005 Impact of fruit production cycles on Malayan sun bears and bearded pigs in lowland tropical forest of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo Siew Te Won, Christopher Servhee, Laurentius Ambu and Ahmad Norhayati Funding University support of Montana, Sabah Wildlife (regional) Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 5 2005 Field study on the use of inactivated Serena Oh, Paolo H5N2 vaccine in avian species Martelli, Oh Soon Hock, Sonja Luz, Chris Furley Wildlife Reserves Singapore Staff project Journal Veterinary Record 6 2006 Proboscis monkey odyssey John Sha and Henry Bernard Universiti Malaysia Sabah Funding support (regional) Article Malaysian Naturalist 7 2006 Limestone Karsts of Southeast Asia: Imperiled Arks of Biodiversity Reuben Clements, Navjot Sodhi, Menno Schilthuizen, and Peter Ng National University of Singapore, Universiti Malaysia Sabah Funding support (regional) Journal BioScience Number of participating zoos and agencies 2011 2010 2008 The Conservation of Asian Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles Setting Priorities for the Next Ten Years (funded by WRSCF) The first Southeast Asian Animal Training & Enrichment Workshop The Asian Pangolin Conservation Workshop 39 20 15 Journal - Journal of Tropical Ecology 0 102030 40 CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 33 8 2007 Home range, activity cycle and natal den usage of a female Sunda pangolin Manis javanica (Mammalia: Pholidota) in Singapore Norman Lim and Peter Ng National University of Singapore Funding support (local) Journal Endangered Species Research 9 2007 Further twists in gastropod shell evolution Reuben Clements, Thor-Seng Liew, Jaap Jan Vermeulen and Menno Schilthuizen World Wildlife Fund, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, National Museum of Natural History, Nationaal Herbarium Nederland Funding support (regional) Journal - Biology Letters Nanyang Technical University, Singapore Hornbill Project, Jurong Bird Park, NUH Funding/ Facility/ collection support 10 11 2007 2008 Infanticide-cannibalism in the Chan YH, Zafirah Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros M, M. Cremades M. albirostris Divet, Teo C HR Teo and Ng SC Journal - Forktail Take-off and landing kinetics of a free-ranging gliding mammal, the Malayan colugo (Galeopterus variegatus) University Greg Byrnes, Norman T-L Lim and of California, Andrew Spence Berkeley, National University Singapore, Royal Veterinary College Facility/ collection support Journal Proceedings of the Royal Society 12 2008 Branching out for Cape Buffalos Gurusamy Permalo Wildlife Reserves Singapore Staff project Article - Shape of Enrichment 13 2008 Swiveling PVC pipe feeder for giraffe enrichment Isa Hamzah Wildlife Reserves Singapore Staff project Article - Shape of Enrichment CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y 14 2008 Enrichment contest at Singapore Zoological Gardens Diana Marlena Wildlife Reserves Singapore Staff project Article - Shape of Enrichment 15 2008 Spinning PVC puzzle feeder for maned wolves Rajan T. Wildlife Reserves Singapore Staff project Article - Shape of Enrichment 16 2008 Horsing around with recycled items Syarif. A Zainuddin Wildlife Reserves Singapore Staff project Article - Shape of Enrichment 17 2009 A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) prisca Bryan Fly et al. University of Melbourne Biomaterials support Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 18 2009 Attempted predation on a tadpole by a painted bronzeback, Dendrelaphis pictus T. M. Leong, C. Yeong and R. Subaraj National University of Singapore, Singapore Zoo Facility support Journal - Nature in Singapore 19 2009 Asthenodipsas laevis A snake record for Singapore that was almost forgotten Francis L. K. Lim Singapore Zoo Staff project Journal - Nature in Singapore 20 2009 Status of the long-tailed macaque in Singapore and implications for management. Biodiversity and Conservation Sha CM, Gumert M, Lee P Y-H, Fuentes A, Rajathurai S, Chan KL, Jones-Engel L Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, National Parks Board Singapore, University of Notre Dame, University of WashingtonNPRC Staff project Journal Biodiversity and Conservation CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 35 21 2009 Macaque-human interactions and the societal perceptions of macaques in Singapore 22 2010 Proceedings of the 5th International Hornbill Conference 23 2010 Proboscis monkeys on Borneo: who “nose” what the future holds? 24 25 2010 2011 Behavioural Development in Captive Red-shanked Douc Langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus) Visitor effects on zoo orangutans in two novel, naturalistic enclosures CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Sha CM, Fuentes A, Gumert MD, Jones-Engel L, Chan KL, Lee BPYH Biswajit Guha and John Sha Yeong C, Tan C & Meijer L. Yuanting Choo, Peter Alan Todd, Daiqin Li CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, National Parks Board Singapore, University of Notre Dame, University of WashingtonNPRC Staff project Journal American Journal of Primatology National Parks Funding/ Board, Wildlife workshop Reserves Singapore Journal supplement Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Wildlife Reserves Singapore Book Chapter Building a Future for Wildlife, Zoos and Aquariums Committed to Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife Reserves Singapore National University of Singapore CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Staff project Staff project Facility/ collection support Book Chapter - Conservation of Primates in Indochina. 26 2011 An Obedient Orangutan (Pongo abelii) Performs Perfectly in Peripheral Object-Choice Tasks but Fails the Standard Centrally Presented Versions Nicholas J. Mulcahy and Thomas Suddendorf University Of Queensland Facility/ collection support Journal - Journal of Comparative Psychology 27 2011 Asian Tapirs Are No Elephants When It Comes To Seed Dispersal Ahimsa CamposArceiz, Carl Traeholt, Razak Jaffar, Luis Santamaria and Richard T. Corlett National University of SingaporeThe University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Night Safari, Copenhagen Zoo, Institut Mediterrani d’Estudis Avancats Facility/ collection support Journal Biotropica 28 2011 The king cobra, Ophiophagus hannah (cantor) in Singapore Kelvin K. P. Lim, Tzi Ming Leong and Francis L. K. Lim National University of Singapore, Wildlife Reserves Singapore Facility/ collection support Journal - Nature in Singapore 29 2011 The Natural History of the Proboscis Monkey John Sha, Ikki Matsuda, Henry Bernard Singapore Zoo, Kyoto University, Universiti Malaysia Sabah Staff project Book Journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 37 Conserving Resources ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY WRS understands that, as an organisation that champions nature conservation and environmental issues, its own operations can be a source of inspiration and education for others. In March 2009, WRS became the first zoological institution in Southeast Asia to be awarded both ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications – only three out of 1,300 reputable zoos in the world have so far achieved double certifications, the two others being Aalborg Zoo in Denmark and Beijing Zoo in China. The certifications provide the framework for environmental and safety management at WRS parks. They drive WRS to keep abreast with new environmental legislation in a prompt manner and improve its efficiency in monitoring the results of conservation initiatives. They also present excellent opportunities to inspire peers, staff and other stakeholders to rethink how one can contribute to sustainable living. To save energy and reduce carbon emissions, all air-conditioners are set at optimal 24˚C and those in the corporate office are automatically deactivated during lunchtime. Computers are installed with hibernation modes. On-site vehicles are powered by biofuel or electricity where possible. Lights and fans in public areas around the Parks function through motion sensors and pumps for waterfalls and fountains are set on timers. For new developments, structures are designed to optimise the use of natural light, which may be further directed to specific areas through the use of light tubes. Jurong Bird Park’s latest attraction, Birdz of Play features green roofs and green vertical walls, features that are to be included in all WRS parks, as and when opportunities arise. Green roofs and walls provide natural cooling and insulation, and allow air conditioning to be run at more efficient levels, thus reducing energy use. REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE Accumulation of plastic waste has great negative impact on the environment and plastic degradation is known to release toxic chemicals. WRS explored alternatives and now uses disposable tableware and food packaging made of Corn WareTM in some food outlets. This eco-friendly product, made primarily from corn and yam, is biodegradable and releases up to 68% less carbon emissions when incinerated. Plastic bags and plastic cutlery are not issued with staff takeaway meals. WRS staff are encouraged use their own cutlery, which reduces waste and the emissions associated with disposable items. Food outlets in WRS Parks sell eco-friendly bisphenol A-free water bottles to encourage visitors to make a ‘green’ choice and reduce the consumption of bottled water. WRS’ sustainable approach will help it achieve its mission to protect biodiversity, especially that of local fauna and flora. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 39 CONSERVING WATER RESOURCES RECYCLING Water resource management in WRS includes the use of raw water (rather than treated water) for cleaning purposes. Waste water is carefully treated on-site before disposal to prevent pollution of the aquatic environment around Singapore. Recycling bins for paper, plastic and aluminium in high-traffic areas are made available to encourage visitors to recycle amongst other things, the maps of the Parks. Features to provide for rain water collection from the roof and walls are incorporated into building designs. The water collected is used for irrigation, and the operation of the play equipment filtration system in Birdz of Play. A bioswale was constructed in front of the new multi-storey car park, which serves Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and the upcoming River Safari. Bioswales are channels dug into gentle slopes to direct rain water into specific areas. Rain water from the uppermost deck and water from washing the decks of the multi-storey car park are channelled into collection pits in the ground and then piped into the bioswale where aquatic plants like the white star grass, cat tail and fountain grass act as bio-filters to remove excess nitrogen and phosphorous from the water. The bioswale, with clean water and aquatic plants, functions as a habitat for many native species such as frogs and dragonflies. WRS has reached many milestones in resource conservation through active recycling of natural resources for exhibits, retail designs, outdoor fixtures and other uses. 100% of food waste and 100% of elephant dung are recycled for fertiliser. 100% of newspapers and shredded paper are recycled for animal bedding. One of WRS’ most innovative measures in resource conservation is recycling cooking oil for fuel. The project, still in its infancy, promises great potential in resource management. To foster a greater interest in recycling, the retail outlets sell a range of paper products made from elephant dung. WRS also hosts mobile phone recycling programmes at Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park. SAVING THE FORESTS Deforestation is a one of the major causes of wildlife extinction. To reduce over-consumption of forest resources, WRS uses sugarcane paper for administrative purposes instead of paper derived from wood. Sugar cane paper is made from bagasse, a fibrous residue derived from sugar cane after sugar extraction. Additionally, WRS procures napkins made from recycled paper for its food outlets. MAKING CHOICES FOR SUSTAINABILITY Organic materials such as wood and attap rot easily in Singapore’s humid environment and require frequent replacement. To prolong the life span of structures in the Parks and reduce the usage of natural resources, WRS replaced worn-out wooden handrails with more durable concrete material and refurbished weathered wooden seats at the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre with artificial wood. Rainwater from uppermost deck of the new multi-storey car park at Singapore Zoo is channelled into this bioswale. The water, filtered through bio-filters, is used to support aquactic plants, creating a suitable habitat for frogs and dragonflies. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 41 GREENING THE PARKS The three Parks in WRS boast over 1.5 million trees and shrubs, of which more than 70,000 were planted or replanted during the reporting year to maintain the forest setting and to create green corridors for native animals. WRS’ planting programme aims to reduce the reliance on energy-intensive cooling processes through the cooling effect of plants. Hardy native species are planted wherever possible as they can survive largely on rain water without adding to water consumption through irrigation. No pesticides are used on these plants and biological control is employed to reduce pest infestation. Some of the plants also serve another purpose – the keepers harvest foliage from 11 species of plants as fodder for the leaf monkeys and other herbivores in Singapore Zoo. WRS’ design principles mandate that as many trees as possible at any development site be protected to reduce impact on the environment. All tress affected by development are provided with a root protection zone and design plans always work towards minimising the number of trees to be removed. Mature trees that are inevitably affected by new development are transplanted to other suitable locations around the Parks. CHAMPIONING THE GREEN CAUSE WRS Green Team was formed to actively search for ways to reduce environmental impact. The team encourages staff to do their part in saving energy, champions the reduction in paper usage by 5% against the previous year and encourages recycling of printer cartridges, and recycling old uniforms as rags. Staff are also encouraged to car pool and use public transport. Lush aquatic vegetation in the water moats not only serves as landscaping features but also as a conducive habitat to encourage breeding of the native species such as the four lined tree frog. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y The Green Team is spearheading the plan to gain the ECO-OFFICE certification by Singapore Environment Council over the next few months. This scheme analyses office operations to ensure that all operational decisions are geared towards reducing environmental impact. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 43 Engaging The Community Engaging the community is at the heart of WRS’ mission. In addition to protecting, preserving and restoring wildlife and habitats, WRS plays an important role in educating the public on wildlife conservation and empowering individuals to make a positive difference. Constant engagement of the community to harness its energy for wildlife conservation is one of WRS’ key pillars of sustainability. The community is engaged through various platforms including: • EDUCATION • COMMUNITY OUTREACH & INVOLVEMENT • VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES • COMMUNITY & STAFF WELL-BEING Education WRS Parks take a proactive stand in public education and have in recent years, intensified efforts to become one of the best living classrooms in the region, for the benefit of all levels of society from students to low income families and the physically challenged. Experential learning involving the senses is the key focus in promoting nature appreciation and conservation education. Offering the Parks as teaching resources and nature as the ‘teacher’, the WRS education department implements a range of programmes on nature conservation to pursue specific learning outcomes for different segments of the community. Some programmes, such as enrichment lessons and outreach programmes, are offered on complimentary basis. School attendance and participation for in-park and outreach programmes: FY 10/11 85,000 A parent’s encouraging words… 152,000 Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 11:26 PM To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: 2-day bird quest camp Hi ladies, Thanks for the delivery of the CD; I’ve just received the CD showing photos taken during the 2-day Bird Quest Camp which my 3 girls attended in Nov 2010. FY 09/10 72,000* I would like to express my thanks to the whole team for their efforts in making the camp a memorable event. You guys take an extra mile in the follow up by the sending photos to all participants; the photos are simple wonderful takeaways. 145,000* To my girls, the photos brought back many sweet memories to them. In fact, on their way home back from their camp, they have already shared interesting facts on birds such as the how to differentiate female and male snow owl etc. Now with the photos, they were busy sharing with us on the activities during camp. To me as a parent, the photos allow me to have an insight of what’s happened during the camp. When we enrol workshop or course for the kids, we do not know if it really benefits the kids. FY 08/09 87,000 Now I’m glad that I made the right investment to register for this camp; a hefty sum of close to $400 for 3 kids considering that I’m a stay-at-home mum! 153,000 My kids really enjoyed the camp; nowadays they just rattled off various birds - from toucan, starling, vulture, owl, Woody the pelican (who accidentally swallowed a block of wood) to elephant bird-the extinct bird. etc. It is this kind of interactive workshop (feel ostrich egg, feed fish to the pelican) which educate the kids (and store in their memory); no books can ever do that in such a short period of time. 0 50,000 100,000 150,000200,000 In-park and Outreach Programme School Attendance From this camp, we have a better understanding of what Jurong Bird park offer to visitors. You can be certain that we will be visiting the bird park pretty soon; and will be more appreciative than before in viewing the birds. Best wishes for your continued success. Cheers, Mrs Kim *hand, foot and mouth outbreak adversely affected school visitation CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 47 PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION Realising that nature conservation can be best achieved through collective efforts, WRS invested much effort during the year to deepen partnerships with long-time supporters and forge meaningful collaborations with new partners. • Singapore’s First Animal Management Course WRS tied up with Ngee Ann Polytechnic to launch Singapore’s first and only animal management course. The course, which provides training in the care, handling and husbandry of animals, laid the foundation for a sustainable pool of well-trained animal-keeping specialists that WRS can tap on in the future. Other collaborative efforts include research and development, staff exchange programmes, internships and off-campus classes for students in the Polytechnic’s Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience programme. • Programme For Active Learning Collaborating with MacPherson Primary School, WRS developed and launched the Outdoor Education curriculum as part of the Ministry of Education’s initiative to promote active learning. The curriculum, designed for primary one and two students, offers a great platform to teach nature appreciation and conservation at WRS’ Parks. As this programme spans six to eight weeks, it also provides opportunities to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching methodology. WRS offers multidisciplinary learning journeys, ranging from Wildlife Adventure Camps, Mobile Trails to Wildlife Art. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y • Learn Mother-Tongue At Zoo And Bird Park WRS collaborated with the Teachers Network (now the Singapore Academy of Teachers) and appointed three panels of teacher-authors to produce mother-tongue resource materials in Chinese, Malay and Tamil. The resource packs comprise storybooks that feature well-loved animal stars of Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park, teacher guides and activity booklets. This collaboration is a huge success as it encourages students to learn their mother-tongues and nature conservation in a refreshing and experiential manner. It also provides an opportunity for teachers to showcase and publish their work. About 20% of the primary schools in Singapore have incorporated the resource materials into their curriculum. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 49 • Mobile Trail A bilingual (English and Chinese) mobile trail for Wild Africa was developed for smartphones with GPS-activation and image recognition technology. The interactive trail enhances learning through multi-media and social network platforms, and is delivered as part of WRS’ strategic plan to engage the younger generation through popular technology applications. Mobile Trails offer participants the opportunity to use info-com technology to learn about wildlife, adding a new dimension to nature appreciation. • Pre-School Nature Conservation Curriculum To strengthen conservation education in the pre-school curriculum, WRS published a resource book on Fragile Forest and Tropical Crops for preschool educators. This book, authored by Dr Loh Wan Inn and endorsed by Ngee Ann Polytechnic, is now used as course material for early childhood trainee teachers. Throughout the year, WRS participated actively in all pre-school teachers’ learning forums and People’s Action Party Community Foundation Kindergarten Teachers’ sharing sessions and conducted four in-park preschool training workshops. Providing resource materials such as this publication, is an important way to encourage teachers to use WRS as a living classroom. • Train-The-Teachers Workshops WRS conducted four workshops at Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park for some 120 secondary, primary and pre-school teachers. These workshops ranged from two to three days, allow WRS to showcase its rich resources as teaching tools and inspire teachers to champion nature conservation and sustainable living. These workshops are a powerful means to spread the conservation message. Train-the-Teachers’ Workshops are held regularly to inspire teachers to champion nature conservation and sustainable living. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Junior Avian Keepers having fun as they prepared buckets of fish for the pelicans. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 51 Community Outreach & Involvement Community energy has tremendous power to inspire positive actions. WRS involves the community through empowerment and ownership as an effective way to conserve biodiversity. Eco-Trail held on Earth Day was a great way to promote sustainable living through community efforts. • Earth Day 2010 Singapore Zoo celebrated Earth Day with tree-planting activities and an Eco-Trail. The two-day event, held in collaboration with Northwest Community Development Council, welcomed 240 school participants and approximately 120 family guests. Volunteers from the Institute of Technical Education (Bishan campus) were trained on topics such as recycling, energy conservation and native wildlife which they shared with the participants. Hands-on activities allowed participants to learn more about the environment and conservation in a fun and interactive way. Jurong Bird Park celebrated Earth Day and its 40th anniversary with students from Nanyang Polytechnic and Greenridge Primary School. They worked together to build 40 bird houses to enhance the breeding success of selected bird species. The students also learnt about different bird species, habitats and the importance of biodiversity. Bird houses, also known as nest boxes, are useful for monitoring breeding behaviour and minimising aggression and competition for nesting sites. 80 to 90% of the bird houses in the Bird Park are utilised every breeding season. A student from Greenridge Primary school constructing a bird house with the help of Nanyang Polytechnic students. A great partnership between Nanyang Polytechnic and Greenridge Primary School saw the completion of 40 bird houses to encourage the feathered residents of Jurong Bird Park to breed. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y • Ecokidz Quest Ecokidz quest was held from 7 to 9 August at Singapore Zoo and 14 and 15 August at Jurong Bird Park. Volunteers from Temasek Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic manned various stations to raise awareness of native wildlife through interesting educational games. A researcher’s tent was also set up at the Zoo, with invited field researchers sharing significant conservation and research findings. • Frog Kits Leap To Schools Frogs are nature’s pest controllers because they feed on mosquitoes and other insects. They have sensitive skin and, being amphibious, they serve as a good indicator of the health of our land and aquatic environment. However, frogs now face threats such as climate change, pollution, fungal disease and decreased insect populations due to increased fogging. To promote frog conservation in Singapore, WRS staff visited the Overseas Family School and Canadian International School to launch ‘frog kits’ which comprised the tadpoles of the native greenback frog and four-lined tree frog, tadpole food, plastic tanks, nets, anti-chlorine solution and information on rearing frogs for eventual release to the wild. About 98% of the tadpoles underwent successful metamorphosis. • Zoo Goes To Schools/Bird Park Flies To Schools WRS spread the conservation message beyond the confines of its Park. Dr Ooz and Dr Squawk travel to schools, shopping malls and corporate organisations and present nature conservation in a light-hearted manner. During the reporting year, ZGTS and BPFS reached out to 17,000 and 4,500 participants respectively. • Year Of Forests 2011 was declared the International Year of Forests by the United Nations. Singapore Zoo launched a Rainforest Walk guided tour along the Treetops Trail. Visitors can now observe the feeding and enrichment of Asian forest animals like the siamang, false gharial, greater mousedeer, otter, tapir, babirusa and proboscis monkey. WRS collaborated with students from Nanyang Polytechnic to produce a series of filmlets that highlight the sustainable uses of rainforest and how we can do our part to preserve biodiversity. The filmlets are screened at various exhibits in WRS’ Parks and website. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 53 Young visitors at Night Safari enjoying interactive activities to learn about bats. • Year of Bats 2011/12 is designated as International Year of Bats. Educational booths were set up at Night Safari during the March school holidays to debunk bat myths and educate visitors on bat conservation. Conservation Ambassadors (youth volunteers) assisted in manning the booths, which featured interactive elements such as bat tracking devices and bat tattoos. A survey of roosting sites of wild bats was carried out in all WRS parks and interpretives highlighting the sites to visitors were installed. Bat boxes for roosting were installed and more fruit trees for frugivourous bats were planted. • Responsible Pet Bird Ownership A “Responsible Pet Bird Ownership” booth was set up at Jurong Bird Park in May 2010 to educate the public on responsibile pet ownership. Jurong Bird Park receives over 200 live bird donations every year. Many of these donated birds were given up by owners who could no longer care for them and most arrive in bad condition - featherless or heavily infested with parasites. The booth displays common pet birds like the African grey parrot, lovebirds and parakeets in suitable housing and cages, and information on pet bird husbandry, diet and enrichment. Avian keepers are present at the “Responsible Pet Bird Ownership” booth to share their knowledge on bird-keeping with potential bird owners. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y • Istana Open House WRS participated in the Istana Open House during the major public holidays to promote tiger and bat conservation. Interactive activities at the booths were conducted by staff and volunteers. • Mandai Forest Cleanup WRS organised a Mandai Forest Cleanup and collected 305kg of rubbish in just one morning. This is an annual commitment by WRS to ensure that the wild areas in Mandai continue to be a safe and litter-free haven for native wildlife. • International Coastal Cleanup WRS participated in the 3rd International Coastal Cleanup and collected a total of 418kg of rubbish at the adopted Pandan Mangrove. • Wildlife Times And Wildlife Wonders Wildlife Times, an electronic monthly newsletter which serves to highlight WRS’ education and conservation effort, was launched in July 2010. The newsletter is disseminated to some 130,000 email addresses and the community welcomes the opportunity to learn more about WRS’ work in nature conservation. Wildlife Wonders, a quarterly magazine, reaches out to some 500,000 readers, particularly children, each year. The magazine is available on-line to WRS members free-of-charge. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 55 Volunteering Opportunities WRS offers volunteering opportunities as an important means of empowering individuals to contribute to environmental and wildlife preservation. Significant resources have been invested towards developing a comprehensive volunteer programme. A Volunteer Engagement Unit (VEU) with three full-time staff, was set up in March 2011 to harness the energy and expertise from well-minded individuals who embrace WRS’ green ethos. Conservation Ambassador at Bird Discovery Centre Jurong Bird Park conducting a guided tour. A total of 1,726 volunteers served at WRS’ Park from April 2010 to March 2011: Type of volunteers No. Notes Docents 230 • Adults (21 yrs & above) • Two-month training • Mainly ranger station activities & guided tours at three Parks. Conservation Ambassadors 148 • Youth (15 yrs & above) • Two-day training • Serve as guides at various exhibits in three Parks Wildlife Buddies 1125 • • • School Exposure Programme 210 • Students, at least 15 years old • Attached to Education, C&R, Zoology, Veterinary, Avian Students (organised school groups led by teachers) One-day training Serve as guides or station masters for fellow students, international students on exchange programme, disadvantaged kids, the elderly and physically challenged. Teacher Volunteers 8 • A collaboration with Singapore Teachers Academy • Attachment To Education Department • Duration two to ten weeks Zoology Volunteers 5 • Candidates of Corrective Work Order. • Collaboration with Ministry for Community Development, Youth and Sports CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y The SPH Foundation Conservation Ambassador programme at Singapore Zoo and Night Safari enhances visitor experience by promoting nature appreciation. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Working adults from the community can serve as volunteers and contribute to conservation education through WRS’ Docent programme. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 57 Community Well-being Staff Well-being WRS’ Parks are 90% accessible to the physically challenged. Interpretives in Braille are installed in selected exhibits at Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park to provide a better visitor experience for the visually handicapped. As part of an on-going Corporate Social Responsibility programme, WRS is the first organisation to collaborate with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and extend free park admission to 2,000 people with special needs and seniors with dementia. Accompanying caregivers are also given a discount on admission. WRS has also worked with People’s Association and Mediacorp to subsidise admission fees for low-income visitors. To provide a healthy and clean environment for visitors and also the animals, WRS’ Parks have gone smoke-free, in support of Singapore’s smokefree campaign. In its journey towards realising its vision to be the foremost wildlife institution in the world, WRS is constantly growing and developing its talent pool. Around 2% of WRS’ annual payroll is allocated for learning and development opportunities. This is to ensure that employees have avenues to enhance their competence, keep abreast of new developments in the industry and equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills for high performance and productivity. Learning and development, especially through overseas and local trips, have consistently engaged and motivated WRS employees to go that extra mile for the organisation and guests. Employees are encouraged to undergo more than 40 hours of training per year. Every WRS employee is equipped with the skill sets to provide a memorable wildlife experience for visitors. Staff are also offered two eco-trips per year to learn more about environmental issues in Singapore. Other innovative measures to improve staff well-being include complimentary park tickets, birthday leave and a weekly fruit day. WRS has developed its community and staff management policy with a focus on excellent nature conservation and a healthy and safe environment for wildlife and people. It strives to develop a competent work force that is committed to the environment through: Complying with applicable legislation; Adopting best practices and continually improving our environmental, health and safety standards to prevent pollution, minimise workplace risks, conserve nature and protect our wildlife and environment; Reducing, re-using and recycling of resources; and Educating staff and visitors about nature conservation. Visually handicapped visitors enjoying a tactile encounter with a green iguana at Singapore Zoo. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 59 Sustainability Plans For The Future In an increasingly populated world with finite resources, we can no longer ignore the impact of our actions on the environment. The way forward is to adopt a sensible and sustainable lifestyle. This section discusses WRS’ approach to being an ecologicallyintelligent organisation through: • SETTING FRAMEWORKS AND GOALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTS • SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RIVER SAFARI Setting Frameworks and Goals For Sustainable Development Over the next few years, WRS will focus on audited and quantitative measures to lead the organisation towards ambitious long-term targets for sustainability. It will embark on the following: Our short-term objective is the publication of a fully audited sustainability report outlining the factors we are measuring, detailing our current performance and setting targets for the futre. In five years’ time, WRS hopes to have the most comprehensive set of sustainability data of any park in Southeast Asia and comprehensive, clearly documented and far-reaching set of strategies and targets to reduce carbon emissions, waste production and energy and water consumption. • Complete an audited Carbon Footprint of WRS’ operations to highlight areas that contribute to climate change as a result of CO2 , Methane and HFCs emissions, and make recommendations to reduce the adverse impact. • Set targets for emissions reductions on a per-capita basis (per staff and visitor per year), and implement measures such as improved energy efficiency technologies, increased usage of bio-diesel in vehicles, generation of natural gas from waste, installation of more energyefficient fittings, and reduction of overall transport miles. • Pursue the ISO 14064 certification for the measurement and reduction of greenhouse gases. • Produce a full biodiversity survey of Park lands to better understand and support the natural wildlife. • Conduct full benchmarking of WRS’ energy and water usage, and waste production. A full scale energy audit is currently being prepared by Asia Carbon and an internal waste and water audit is being conducted. • Pursue an ECO-OFFICE certification for WRS’ internal operations • Pursue platinum award for the Green Mark Building certification for new developments such as River Safari. The upcoming River Safari will offer ample opportunities to educate visitors on conservation of freshwater ecosystems and protection of Singapore’s precious water resources. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 63 Sustainable Development of River Safari WRS is developing its fourth park, River Safari, which is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2012. River Safari, Asia’s first freshwater-themed wildlife park, will showcase some of the major rivers of the world. By bringing visitors up close to freshwater ecosystems and the related species, WRS hopes to inspire people to care for and take positive action in the preservation of these habitats, which are vanishing faster than terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Concepts of environmental sustainability are embedded into all aspects of River Safari’s development, from a strong emphasis on education and conservation to the way it is built. Besides minimising depletion of natural resources and using environmentally friendly products in construction, the development minimises disturbance to existing wildlife habitats and creates new ones to support a greater biodiversity of flora and fauna. The following key features balance the vision, function and environment of a wildlife haven in the making: • Minimise impact of construction of River Safari • Resource management • Preserving and conserving local biodiversity River Safari is located between Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Every effort is being made to reduce the impact of River Safari’s construction on the environment. Mature trees at intervals no greater than 30 metres were retained and green zones were planted to serve as temporary sanctuaries for wildlife affected by the construction. Construction hours are carefully managed so that the animals at Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are not adversely affected by noise and pollution. Earth control measures are firmly in place with concrete perimeter cutoff drains and storage tanks to prevent silt from entering the reservoir. Turbidity curtains are installed and water quality closely monitored on a weekly basis. Silt traps and fences are installed at designated locations to prevent spilling of silt beyond construction sites. Silted water is treated using treatment systems such as sedimentation and coagulation tanks. An innovative and environmentally friendly green bag system is used for the retaining walls along the periphery of water bodies. This soft engineering system provides a green solution for bank protection, erosion control and soil retention. Green bags provide an ideal environment for vegetation growth which further enhances greenery, reduces carbon footprint and provides new habitats for wildlife. • Contiguous green corridor for native wildlife Giant Pandas, Jia Jia and Kai Kai, will act as our conservation ambassadors when River Safari opens in late 2012. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y MINIMISE IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION OF RIVER SAFARI Prevention of erosion is a very important aspect of River Safari’s sustainable construction plan. Demolition works and earth works are carefully planned to reduce exposed ground surfaces and to retain as much existing vegetation as possible. Exposed ground surfaces are covered with canvas sheets during rainy weather and at the end of each workday. Earth stockpiles are protected by erosion control blankets. • Champion freshwater conservation CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Construction of River Safari is guided by green practices. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 65 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRESERVING AND CONSERVING LOCAL ECOLOGY Every effort is made to use energy efficient lights, air conditioners and equipment for River Safari. Boat rides will be powered by gravity and water level differential. A water efficient management plan is implemented to minimise water wastage and monitor water consumption. Rainwater storage systems and recycled water systems will be installed and used throughout River Safari. A Biodiversity Impact Assessment was conducted to investigate the botanical and zoological conditions of River Safari site. The study suggested that the ecology of the site has the potential to support a greater diversity and population of native wildlife and encouraged WRS to roll out an ambitious plan to bring this to fruition. Straw-headed Bulbul Recycling of resources is well practised. Felled trees are recycled for landscaping animal exhibits and topsoil is recycled for new planter beds. River Safari will be planted up with more than 13,000 trees and plants, comprising about 110 species. This is more than 10 times the number of plants to be removed. These luxuriant green zones will support a greater diversity of wildlife including 21 locally threatened species and the globally threatened straw-headed bulbul. CHAMPION FOR WATER CONSERVATION Environmental sustainability demands a committed stewardship over natural resources like water. Only 3% of water on earth exists as freshwater. With an expected annual visitorship of 700,000, River Safari is designed to bring visitors up close to the fascinating underwater and terrestrial animals that live in freshwater ecosystems, and highlight the importance of freshwater conservation. Throughout River Safari, informative green messages will be prominently placed to educate visitors on the importance of water and freshwater habitat conservation. Water design features like bioswales, rain gardens and a floating wetland will help to reinforce the message of water conservation to visitors. Various in-park and outreach education programmes will be conducted to educate students on freshwater ecosystems and provide ample opportunities for students to participate in projects to conserve local biodiversity. River Safari will also aid in the preservation of endangered freshwater species through captive breeding programmes. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Existing water bodies are preserved and enhanced to support larger populations of amphibians and odonates (dragonflies and damselflies). Additionally, bioswales and biotopes are created to provide new habitats for these animals. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y Blue-collared Kingfisher Large trees and shrubs will be planted to provide arboreal habitats and corridors for reptiles. Much of the reservoir edge habitats for bird species like kingfishers and herons will remain intact. Native shrubs, ferns and undergrowth will be planted for birds like water hens and moorhens. Natural food resources for butterflies will be provided by planting host plants in suitable habitats. New water bodies throughout River Safari will support freshwater insects, molluscs and crustaceans which are food resources for birds. Populations of invertebrates and amphibians will be established to serve as prey for reptiles like the threatened green-crested lizard. More flowering and fruiting plants will be nurtured to sustain wild populations of native birds and Malayan flying fox. Additional nesting grounds will be provided for birds like collared kingfishers. Cavities and shallow tunnels will be created along river banks, artificial mud walls and retaining walls along the periphery of water bodies. Rehabilitated native bird species like the oriental pied hornbill and bulbul will be released into the enhanced habitats. The presence of introduced birds will attract non-territorial species from adjoining areas. Coupled with increased breeding expected from additional food resources and nesting areas, the diversity and population of birdlife in River Safari will be greatly enhanced. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 67 CONTIGUOUS GREEN CORRIDOR FOR NATIVE WILDLIFE Mature trees sustain viable ecosystems and provide important habitats and passageway for arboreal species like colugos. Colugos are gliding animals that require tall trees as launch pads. There are only two species of colugos in the world, one of which is the endangered Malayan colugo. The local population of free ranging Malayan colugos is concentrated in the Mandai precinct. To create a contiguous green corridor spanning Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, mature trees will be preserved and more trees will be planted at intervals not greater than 30 metres. This will allow colugos and other forest specialists to move safely throughout the Mandai precinct to forage and breed, thereby ensuring their continued survival. Rope crossings and elevated walkways provide additional green corridors for wildlife like squirrels and snakes to forage and move between habitats. Only after the last tree has been cut down, Only after the last river has been poisoned, Only after the last fish has been caught, Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten. Cree Indian Prophecy The colugo or flying lemur and plantain squirrel are among the native species that WRS is committed to protect. CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CONSERVING BIODIVERSIT Y CO N S E R V I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y 69 WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE Conserving Biodiversity