Five new species of fauna recorded for Singapore at Pulau Ubin

- Pulau Ubin is a possible stop for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway

- Improved facilities at the Ubin Living Lab for new educational initiatives

The National Parks Board (NParks) has recorded five new species of fauna for Singapore at Pulau Ubin. The new records are the Little Stint (Calidris minuta), the Long-winged Tomb Bat (Taphozous longimanus), the Big-eared Pipistrelle (Hypsugo macrotis), the Arrow Emperor (Anax panybeus) dragonfly, and the Raccoon Pseudo-orb Weaver (Fecenia ochracea) spider. These add to the diverse biodiversity at Pulau Ubin and underscore the importance of conserving its rich natural heritage.

Of special significance is the sighting of the Little Stint, which is a new record of this migratory bird species in Singapore for the first time. NParks staff observed two Little Stints at Chek Jawa Wetlands in September last year when migratory shorebirds flew in for feeding when the tide receded.

Bird monitoring data collected in the past year at Pulau Ubin has shown that certain species of migratory birds like the Grey Plover, Red-necked Stint and Bar-tailed Godwit are regularly found at Chek Jawa, but do not frequent Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Certain other species are found at Chek Jawa and Sungei Buloh, but the populations appear to be different. For example, the Whimbrels that were caught at Chek Jawa were fitted with leg rings, flags, and satellite trackers, and the same individuals have not been recorded at Sungei Buloh. These are significant observations as they suggest that Pulau Ubin complements Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as another possible stopover for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. 

The two new species of bats observed at Pulau Ubin are the first such records for Singapore. The insectivorous bats were identified during a field survey at Chek Jawa in December last year. There are at least 28 species of bats in Singapore, and the two newly recorded bats can only be found on Pulau Ubin.

The other newly recorded species at Pulau Ubin – the Arrow Emperor dragonfly and the Raccoon Pseudo-orb Weaver spider – were discovered by NParks and the research community.

Improved facilities at Ubin Living Lab

At today’s Ubin Day, Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing, who was the guest-of-honour, and Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee unveiled the improved facilities at the Ubin Living Lab, including a working space, water treatment systems, and amenities such as toilets and showers. Opened in 2016, the Ubin Living Lab is an integrated facility for field studies, environmental education and community outreach. It serves as an outdoor classroom for school groups to conduct educational programmes while providing a platform for students to learn about the island’s history, heritage, and biodiversity.

NParks has created a new working space at the Ubin Living Lab equipped with a work bench and wood-working equipment so the community can do restoration work onsite, rather than having to bring completed pieces from the mainland.

Since the Ubin Living Lab was opened, it has been used by more than 5,000 participants from over 100 groups including researchers and students. With the completion of the water treatment systems, toilet and shower facilities are now available at Ubin Living Lab, which will make it more conducive for students and researchers to stay over at Ubin for research and educational activities.

New educational initiative for students

In tandem with the improved facilities, a new educational initiative for students to learn about Pulau Ubin is being piloted. The initiative, developed together with members of Friends of Ubin Network (FUN) and educators, is designed for students to experience Pulau Ubin’s rich natural and cultural heritage. It will be the first time that such a dedicated multi-disciplinary and experiential learning journeys will be curated for students on the island.

Beyond students, new outreach activities for the public will be held at the Ubin Living Lab such as the “Leave No Trace” workshop by Trexx, an international programme that aims to protect the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly.

NParks has also completed the mangrove arboretum and nursery at the Ubin Living Lab for education and research. A collection of 34 extant true mangrove species of Singapore have been planted in the arboretum to supplement restoration efforts across the island. Students from the Singapore Chinese Girls School helped to design and fabricate the interpretive signs which provide information on the mangrove species.

As central managing agency of Pulau Ubin, NParks has made several enhancements to the island, including improving the earth tracks and drains, and providing each household with fire extinguishers and litter bins. NParks has also set up Compact Water Treatment Units on the island to treat the water in the taps and sinks of public toilets and improve the experience of visitors who come to the island. The units will be installed by the end of the year to serve all public toilet facilities around the island.

Chinese book on Pulau Ubin published

As part of the Ubin Day celebrations, the community wrote and published a Chinese book on Pulau Ubin titled 情牵石岛，心系敏江 (translated as “Bin Kiang – Our Heart and Soul”). A compilation of photographs and stories from families who have lived on the island, the book celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Pulau Ubin and preserves memories for future generations of Singaporeans. The idea for the publication was mooted by Mr Seow Soon Hee at a gathering among former residents in 2016.

More community groups participating in Ubin Day 2018

At this year’s Ubin Day, a myriad of activities such as kampong games, art workshops, visits to kampong houses, and a talk on an archaeological dig on Pulau Ubin were organised by the community in collaboration with NParks. Visitors can also view a series of photos capturing the unique aspects of Ubin at an exhibition titled “The Island in Focus” at the Assembly Area, which will be on display until 9 July. The photography exhibition is a collaboration between the Photographic Society of Singapore and NParks.

Educational booths by community groups, including 9 groups participating for the first time, were set up to promote biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage as well as various ground-up initiatives. First held in 2002, this is the seventh time Ubin Day is being organised to celebrate the different facets of the island. Minister Chan and Minister Lee joined the community in planting over 100 coastal trees at the Ubin Living Lab.

Ubin Day is part of Pesta Ubin, a festival organised by FUN members and the community. During the month-long festival this year, more than 3,500 participants took part in over 50 activities on Pulau Ubin. For more information on Pesta Ubin, please visit http://pestaubin2018.blogspot.sg.

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