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Blue-winged
Leafbird
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Photo Paul Huang
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The Republic of Singapore is
made up of one main island and some 60 islets situated at the southern tip of
Asia. It comprises some 690 square
km and is home to more than three million people. Despite the rapid urbanisation and the
high population density, some 364 species of birds have been recorded in
Singapore within the last 50 years, and new species are being added to the
list yearly.
This is due to several factors,
most important of which are its location within the heart of the bird-rich
Oriental region, the worlds richest after the Neotropics; the protection
offered to the last remaining natural and semi-natural areas of the
republic as nature areas, currently approximately 5% of the total land
area; and the faithful band of birdwatchers and ornithologists, who have
kept meticulous records of their observations through the decades. Of these 364 species, 168 are residents,
149 winter visitors or passage migrants, 18 non-breeding visitors and 28
accidentals.
Singapores efficient network of
roads and highways, wide-ranging public transportation system and good
hotels make it an ideal place in which to pursue and enjoy the birdwatching
passion. Most sites are accessible
by public transport, and equipment and literature are readily available in
photographic equipment and book shops.
The Nature Society (Singapore)
conducts birdwatching outings for its members every month and readers who
are interested to find out more about Singapores natural heritage can
contact the society. You can also
join a bird forum such as
wildbirdSingapore@yahoogroups.com to learn about the latest news and
rare birds.
Despite its relatively rich
birdlife, there is no place for complacency as more than one-third of
Singapores original resident avifauna is now extinct and another 56
species are currently listed as at risk from extinction. In addition, 12 species out of the 364
species recorded in Singapore are also considered as globally
threatened. Protection of the
remaining nature areas and its inhabitants is therefore paramount. Just as important is public education and
this publication hopes to achieve its objective as a primer for readers who
want to learn more about Singapores fascinating birdlife and ultimately
the need for their protection.
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