Heron Watch 2014 survey locations almost double to more than 70 island wide

Strong volunteer support plays significant role in establishing

baseline data for future research

Singapore, 5 April 2014 - Some 150 volunteers spread out across more than 70 locations throughout Singapore early this morning to spot herons. This is part of an island wide survey to understand their population numbers, distribution and habits. Compared to 2013, the number of locations surveyed almost doubled this year.

Volunteers present this morning comprised members of the public, students, as well as experienced and novice bird watchers. Taking part in the survey at Jurong Lake this morning were Minister of State for National Development, Desmond Lee and Acting Minister for Manpower, Tan Chuan Jin, together with grassroots leaders and members of their constituencies. It is also the second time that students from Pei Hwa Secondary School participated in the activity.

“In building our City in a Garden, we are ever so mindful to integrate greenery and biodiversity into our dense urban environment to provide us a visual relief and ensure a high quality of life. The presence of herons in our parks, nature areas and our living environment is an indication of the thriving biodiversity we have today. Recent reports of otter and hornbill sightings from members of the public, for example, indicate that our efforts at habitat conservation and enhancement are showing results. But this is a continuous work in progress and as a community we must collectively do our part to protect Singapore’s biodiversity. I am therefore very encouraged to see so many people – residents, students, and volunteers alike – coming together to participate in this survey. Such a community initiative would certainly help us in our efforts to enhance our biodiversity so that future generations can continue to enjoy our City in a Garden,” said MOS Lee.

”Our volunteers play a significant role in helping us to establish baseline data for research, which will enable us to better understand the heron population in Singapore,” said Mr Kenneth Er, Chief Executive Officer, NParks.

“In a larger context, members of the public have an increasingly important role to play in contributing to research data about our biodiversity and environment. Singaporeans young and old can be prevalent data collectors. More comprehensive data will help us manage our sites more effectively for enhanced biodiversity and improve the quality of life for Singaporeans. Later this year, we hope to introduce more Citizen Science programmes that more people can participate in,” elaborated Mr Er.

Heron Watch was initiated by NParks’ volunteer Ms Wang Luan Keng, an ornithologist and nature education specialist. With the continued support of volunteers, NParks hopes to conduct Heron Watch twice a year. These bi-annual larger-scale surveys will serve to complement regular small surveys conducted at localised sites and build upon the information that is currently available about herons. The next Heron Watch will be held in the second-half of 2014. Members of the public who would like to participate in future surveys can register their interest by emailing info@sbwr.org.sg.