If you have ever thought to yourself “Singapore got wildlife meh?”, you are not alone. However, despite our small and urbanised island, a surprising variety of flora
and fauna can be found living in our midst.

Some of the fascinating animals that can be found in our parks (clockwise from top right): Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis); Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus); Oriental Whip Snake (Ahaetulla prasina); Four-lined Tree Frog (Polypedates leucomystax); and Ancrya Blue (Catopyrops ancyra aberrans) and small carpenter bee (Ceratina sp.).

To enable Singaporeans to learn more about and appreciate the biodiversity found in our little red dot, the Community in Nature (CIN) initiative was set up by NParks to connect, educate and inspire communities, empowering them to actively conserve and celebrate our natural heritage.

One such programme under CIN is the new My Family’s Nature Pledge. This is an initiative to encourage families to experience nature and learn about biodiversity through several fun and educational activities that families can do together at their own time.

During a recent tour of Pulau Ubin, many interested families signed up for the programme, bringing home a copy of our activity poster for ideas of family-friendly activities to explore nature around Singapore.

 

The tour of Pulau Ubin was also held in conjuction with Ubin Day, organised by various non-government organisations (NGOs) in collaboration with NParks to celebrate the island’s charming heritage.

We brought participants through a guided walk in the Sensory Trail, where they, using their five senses, experienced the various economic and edible plants villagers used to grow on Pulau Ubin. Along the way, our participants spotted many fascinating animals, including a friendly Green-crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) that stopped us in our tracks and posed for our cameras.

Fruits of the Coffee plant (Coffea arabica) from which the coffee bean is extracted, reflecting Pulau Ubin’s history as a coffee plantation.

 
A family having some fun in the Sensory Garden, posing with a modern scarecrow.

 
A friendly Green-crested Lizard (Bronchocela cristatella)

 
An ancient well provides a glimpse of Pulau Ubin’s past.

After the guided walk, we led our participants to a series of interactive booths set up by various nature groups such as Cicada Tree Eco Place, Naked Hermit Crabs and Nature Society Singapore, all aimed at showcasing the wonders of the island to our visitors.

Participants learning about Pulau Ubin’s wildlife at the interactive booths.

It was an exciting day for all who participated. Mr Gary Koh said, “My family and I had fun. I hope NParks keeps up these pro-family initiatives”. Ms. Joey Toh said her children were extremely excited about going to Pulau Ubin to see the wildlife and thought the trip “was a good exposure for them, reinforcing what they learnt in school”.

We hope that you and your family will take part in My Family’s Nature Pledge or join us at our next CIN event soon and develop an interest in nature conservation!

Text and photos by Zhou Boyi
Except for the following photos of Four-lined Tree Frog by Alex Figueroa; Black-naped Oriole and Plantain Squirrel by Cai Yixiong; Coffee plant by Ron Yeo; and family in Sensory Garden by Joey Toh.

Be a part of CIN today!
To receive alerts on CIN family events or to participate in the My Family’s Nature Pledge programme, send an email with the purpose of your email and your name to CIN@nparks.gov.sg.