Flora and Fauna of Sungei Buloh

There is so much to see at the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve!

So...

Monitor Lizards are found at the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. Growing up to 2 metres, the Monitor Lizard is the largest lizard found in Singapore. This creature can often be seen sun-bathing on the walking routes! (As we had experienced! :o) Fear not, as when disturbed, it will clumsily escape into the undergrowth or water. It is an excellent swimmer, living near water where it scavenges.

We were the lucky few who managed to catch sightings of a few species of birds (though not all species) such as shorebirds and egrets.

Shorebirds

Shorebirds are called so because they wade in the shallow water in search of food. Plovers and sandpipers are common waders found in the reserve. With their different bill length and feeding habits, they are able to tap on different food sources found in the mudflats. This enables them to co-exist in the same habitat.

Egrets

Egrets at the reserve are white and more slender than herons in appearance. They are frequent visitors during the migratory season. The Little Egret is often seen dashing about, chasing after its prey in the shallows.

Atlas Moth

The Atlas Moth is the largest species of moth found in Southeast Asia. During the breeding season, the Atlas Moth lays its eggs on the leaves of the Sea Poison Tree. The fat, lime-green caterpillar can be seen munching on these leaves before turning into cocoons.

We did not have the luxury to see the beautiful sea creatures such as crabs, the Mudskipper, the Mud Lobster, barnacles and the Leaf Oyster which are also found in the mangroves. However, we did see signboards and posters put up to ensure that the lives of these sea creatures are not endangered.

Flora

Mangrove flowers are intricately designed and some are colourful. Pollinators of these flowers include birds, moths, bats and wind.

Some seeds germinate on the parent plant before they detach and fall to the mudflats to begin life on their own. Through this adaptation, the seedlings are able to take root immediately in favourable conditions, thus increasing their chances of survival.