Yes, they may look like aliens from another planet, but such extraordinary looking critters are actually living here on Earth among us. They are so ubiquitous that you may have daily encounters with them and not think twice about it. Only if one were to stop and take a closer look at these bizarre-looking critters would one begin to admire such exotic wonders of the natural world.

In an effort to survey and document the flora and fauna in the park, NParks launched the All Taxa Survey in January 2012 with the support of Garden City Fund. Along with the land and water plants in the park, seven animal groups were surveyed for one year.

Bird banding or bird ringing is a technique employed in the study of birds. Rings are carefully fitted to the legs of the birds by trained people. Each ring usually carries a unique identification in the form of an alpha-numeric combination inscribed on it as well as a contact address for notification should someone come across a bird with a ring.

Singapore is rich in biodiversity, if we would only stop to notice. The Festival of Biodiversity aims to change that by getting Singaporeans interested in the nature that flourishes in their neighbourhood.

At slightly smaller than A5 size, this pocket-sized guide to birds is an impressive little book which contains enough information to identify 280 bird species commonly seen in Singapore. Useful for residents, park visitors and bird-watchers, the book’s clean design and straightforward style make it an easy read.