Sungei Buloh

A Resource Book For Lost

Early Childhood Educators

Written By:
Amelia Chin . Ang Yu Bin . Charis Chua
Kristin Lim . Kimberlin Ho . Yeo Hui Ru

Acknowledgements
We, the authors would like to extend our thanks to the many people
who have shared their knowledge and expertise in this area. First and
foremost, we would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Sungei
Buloh Wetland Reserve who hosted our visit to the Sungei Buloh
Wetland Reserve and for sharing their wealth of knowledge. We
would also like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to
our co-instructor, Mona Tan, for her constant support in this process,
from arranging our visit to Sungei Buloh, to responding to our
queries and requests patiently, and providing us with critical
feedback. This book would not have been completed without the
help of these people. We are grateful and appreciative of all the help
received."
Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

Contents

Section one

Section two

I. Introduction

iii. park information

II. What can you see

in Sungei Buloh?

iV. How to be friendly

to the reserve?
V. Tips

Section three
VI. In case of

emergencies
Vii. Maps

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

Section one

Vitality and beauty are gifts of nature

for those who live according to its laws.
- Leonardo Da Vinci!

Introduction
Sungei Buloh also known as
Bamboo River when
translated to Malay, is
designated as Singapores first
ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003.
Sungei Buloh was first declared a
forest reserve in the 1890s.
Subsequently, it was gradually
developed to sustain
aquafarming activities. In order
to make way for these human
activities, domestic or native
species were being replaced and
mangroves were cleared during
this period. However, ever since
the government officials took
over the site, the aquafarms
were then abandoned.

Today, Sungei Buloh Wetland

Reserve is a protected Nature
Reserve that is open to the
public. This site is not only
recognized for its conservation
efforts but is also deemed as a
bird watchers paradise for this
site is particularly well known
for migratory birds.

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

What can you see at

sungei buloh?
Mangrove boardwalk

There are a few ways to get around the

nature reserve. One of it is through a
walk on the Mangrove Boardwalk
which can easily be seen from the
Visitor Centre. The Mangrove
Boardwalk makes for a great
introduction to the Mangrove Forest,
an inter-tidal area and a buffer between
land and sea. It brings you really close
to the mangrove trees and wildlife
without getting your feet wet or
muddy. Listen to the sound made by
the cicadas and watch mudskippers
manoeuvre across the mudflats. "

At high tide, observe crabs and

shellfish on tree trunks. At low
tide, look out for water snakes
and horseshoe crabs in shallow
streams. The boardwalk of 500
metres has four shelters and
takes about 30 to 45 minutes to
complete. "

Section one

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Mangrove boardwalk

Structure of the Mangrove Boardwalk"

Take a walk along the 500 meters raised walkway made of heavy hardwood Balau. Great care was taken to ensure that the surrounding trees and wildlife are
conserved during its formation. Take a breather along any of the laybys or
sheltered rest areas to enjoy the breathtaking view of the mangroves. "
Shelter"
The Boardwalk has four shelters, some of which are decorated with artwork by
students inspired by the magroves. Sit a while here, especially in the mornings
and evenings and you will spot many creatures as these are the peak times for
wildlife activity. "

Section one

Section One

In every walk with

nature, one receives far
more than he seeks.
John Muir!

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

Section one

What can you spot in the

Mangrove Broadwalk?
Creatures of the Mudflat
Malayan Water Monitor Lizards (Varanus salvator)
Often mistaken for a crocodile, the Malayan Water Monitor Lizards are in fact
quite shy and rather harmless. Upon encountering them, they will normally
scurry away from your path. They are often seen basking in the sun. These
scavengers feast on small animals like crabs, fish, insects and even small chicks."
Banded Archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix)
Often seen shooting water at their prey such as insects or other small animals,
these remarkable shooters are accurate with their aims. An adult fish is said to
be able to hit its target on its first shot."
Mud Lobsters (Thalassina anomala)
The homes of the Mud Lobsters are shaped like humps of mud. It is
responsible for digging the strange volcano-shaped mounds which can reach
up to three metres high and two metres deep that can be found in the
mangroves. Their constant digging is beneficial for the ecosystem as it helps to
bring fresh mud to the surface, recirculates nutrients and helps to aerate the
soil. The presence of these mounds is an indicator of the health of the
mangrove forest. Evenings are the best time to sight these diggers."
St Andrews Cross Spiders (Argiope mangal)
This species of spiders can only be found at the Mangrove Forest. The St
Andrews Cross Spider got its name from its four pairs of legs which form an
`X. The legs and head of these spiders are grey and are accompanied with
bright yellow and black stripes at its abdomen."
What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Creatures
of the
mudflat
Banded Archerfish

Malayan Water Monitor Lizard

St Andrews Cross Spider

Mud Lobster

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

Weaver Ant

Golden Orb Web Spider

Giant Mudskipper

Tree-climbing Crabs
Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Creatures of the Mudflat

Giant Mudskippers (Periophthalmodon schlosseri)
These amphibious creatures can be easily missed being amazingly wellcamouflaged. Giant mudskippers are actually fishes but they stay out of the
water most of the time. Despite being able to breathe through their skin, they
would roll in the water to keep their skin moist."
Weaver Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina)
The Weaver Ants build one of the most complex ant nests on the treetops
among the Sea Hibiscus and feed on the nectar. These ants protect the plant
from leaf-eating insects by keeping them away with its fiery bite."
Golden Orb Web Spiders (Nephila pilipes)
Naming it after its gold-coloured silk that forms sticky, wheel-shaped orb
webs, the Golden Orb Web Spider webs can be found in openings between
trees and shrubs where insects are likely to fall prey to it. These large spiders
have a silvery-grey to plum coloured body and brown-black, often yellow
banded legs."
Tree-climbing Crabs (Episesarma sp.)
The tree-climbing crabs are often seen clinging onto tree trunks just above the
water line at high tide during the day. These tiny leaf-eating crabs dig holes at
the base of the mangrove trees and in Mud Lobster mounds."

Section one

Possible
sightings
Spot-tail Needlefish

Mangrove Horseshoe Crab

Stork-billed Kingfisher
Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Possible sightings
Spot-tail Needlefish (Strongylura strongylura)"
Spot-tail Needlefishes have a silvery body and a long, narrow pointed jaw that is
usually filled with sharp needle-like teeth. They swim near the surface of the
water and are often found near river mouths and canals with presence of
brackish waters. These long stick-like fishes with pointed jaws are sometimes
seen at low tide on some of our reef flats, especially at night. During the day, the
larger fishes are sometimes seen at the jetties."
Stork-billed Kingfishers (Pelargopsis capensis)"
Stork-billed kingfishers are Singapores largest kingfisher species. They have a
huge red bill and a pair of small red feet. This species of kingfishers hunt for
fish, crustaceans, and small vertebrates from a concealed perch over water."
"
Mangrove Horseshoe Crabs (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda)"
Mangrovehorseshoecrabs arefound inmarineand brackish waters.They are
more closely related to spiders and scorpions than to crabs. This species of
horseshoecrabsfound in mudflats and mangroves are smaller than the usual
horseshoe crabs. They can be identified by their brown, almost circular, hinged
body that usually measures 15cm in diameter. Its abdomen bears a long, spinelike tail and 5 pairs of leaf-like gills. Although the females and males look
almost similar in appearance, but in fact, they differ greatly in sizes; adult
female horseshoe crabs can actually grow up to two times the size of male
horseshoe crabs!"

Section one

Section one

mangroves

Adapting to survive
Leaf Adaptation to Saline Condition
Many mangrove species have leaves with glands that excrete salt. However, there
are also some species that can tolerate large amount of salt storage in their leaves
which are discarded when the salt load is too high. Adding on, mangrove
leaves have the ability to control the opening of the stomata to conserve its fresh
water, and the capability to survive in a saline (salty) environment."
Root Adaptation to Soil
The roots of a mangrove are distinct as its roots are exposed such as knee roots,
pencil roots or prop roots. These roots have a vital role to play which is to
support the structure of the tree in the soft soil and aid in their survival while
helping the trees to breathe. Due to the saline condition of the environment,
the roots take in sea water and the excess salt is secreted through tiny pores in
the stems and roots."
Reproductive Adaptation to Tidal Environment
Mangroves are the only plants in the world to germinate while attached to the
parent plant. The germinated seeds called propagule are able to produce their
own food. Thus, they are able to survive extreme conditions for a long time
and remain dormant. These propagules drop off from their parent tree and
into the swamp when they are big enough to survive on their own."

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Section one

Mangroves
Uniqueness of the mangrove habitat
Root of Mangrove
Mangrove roots not only provide support in soft, unstable mud and to
withstand currents and storms, but also to breathe. To avoid suffocation in the
oxygen-poor mud, mangrove trees have roots that take in oxygen from the air.
Called aerial roots, these have on their surface, special tiny pores to take in air
(lenticels). "

Avicennia

Sonneratia

Aerial roots can take on different

forms. Avicennia have shallow
cable roots that spread out from
the trunk. Along these buried
cable roots emerge short pencillike roots called pneumatophores
(meaning "air carrier" in Greek).
According to Hogarth, a 3-metre
tall Avicennia can have 10,000
pneumatophores! Sonneratia also
have pneumatophores, but these
are cone-shaped. Bruguiera sends
out knee roots, that emerge from
the ground then loop back in,
often with a knobbly bump at
the highest point of the loop that
resembles a knee. "

Bruguiera
What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Rhizophora

Xylocarpus
Rhizophora has stilt roots arching out from their trunk down to the ground for
extra support and air absorption. They also dangled prop roots from their
branches which, well, prop up the these branches when the roots eventually
grow long enough to reach the mud. Xylocarpus produces flat, sinuous plank
roots that act as buttresses to the trunk. Most mangrove tress lack a heartwood
and instead have narrow vessels that are densely and evenly distributed
throughtou the wood. Thus, they are better able to withstand damage to the
bark and outer trunk. "

Section one

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Uniqueness of the mangrove habitat

Desalination Plants
All mangrove trees exclude most of the salt in seawater at the root level, and all
can tolerate more salt in their tissues than 'normal' plants. But some have more
effective ultrafiltration at the root level to exclude more salt. Any salt that gets
through are believed to be stored in old leaves which are later shed. A few can
tolerate high levels of salt in their tissues. They then secrete the excess salt
through special cells on their leaves. Avicennia does this best and is often the
only tree to survive in hot salty regions."
Tough Toddlers
If it's hard for adult trees to cope with their environment, it's even harder for
tender seedlings which are usually dispersed by seawater. Thus many mangrove
trees have special adaptations to give their offspring the best chance in their
harsh habitat. Many provide their seedlings with a good store of food and
flotation devices to travel to new places."

Section one

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

The Role of mangroves in the habitat

Refuge
Tree climbing crabs and sea snails
climb up their aerial roots at high
tide to avoid aquatic predators. The
roots provide a surface for all kinds
of creatures to settle on, from algae
to shellfish. The tangled roots also
provide hiding places for young
fishes and shrimps from larger
predators. "
Their branches provide shelter for creatures from Proboscis Monkeys and
nesting sites for large herons, to crevices for insects and other tiny creatures.
The mud lobsters play a key role in further enriching the mangrove habitat
and allowing a wide variety of plants and animals to thrive in the back
mangroves."
Food
While on the tree, leaves are eaten
by all kinds of creatures. Monkey
snack on the shoots and leaves,
small insects nibble on them. Fallen
leaves are an important source of
nutrients both within the mangrove
habitat and when it is flushed out to
the coral reefs. The leaves are rapidly
broken up by crabs and other small
creatures, and further broken down"
by micro-organisms into useful minerals. Bees and other insects visit mangrove
flowers that produce nectar. Bats rely on the nectar of the large pom-pom
flowers of Sonneratia and it is these bats that also pollinate our durians! There
are even tiny moth larvae that feed on pneumatophores. "

Section one

Section one
Human Uses
The mangrove forests provide many services for
humans too. Humans use mangrove trees and
plants for timber, to make charcoal and for
making other things such as baskets, ropes and
other useful items. Parts of mangrove plants are
being used for food and medicinal purposes, as
well as for livestock or fish feeds. "
Natural Water Filter
Underwater, a huge number of filter-feeders
fasten onto the tangle of roots: barnacles,
sponges, shellfish. These filter-feeders clean the
water of nutrients and silt. As a result, clear
water washes out into the sea, allowing the coral
reef ecosystem to flourish. "
Stabilise the Coast and River Banks
Their roots prevent mud and sand
from being washed away with the
tide and river currents. Mangrove
trees also slowly regenerate the soil by
penetrating and aerating it (other
creatures such as crabs and mud
lobsters also help in this effort). As
the mud builds up and soil
conditions improve, other plants can
also reduce coastal erosion by absor"
-bing the wind and wave energy of violent storms. Sadly, despite the important
role of mangroves, they are often looked upon as smelly places which can be
put to 'better' use. In Singapore, we have lost a large proportion of our original
mangroves to development. We should appreciate and protect our remaining
mangroves."
What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Mangrove
species
Jeruju (Acanthus Volubilis)

Avicennia officinalis (Api-api ludat)

Jeruju (Acanthus volubilis)

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Mangrove species
Avicennia officinalis (Api-api ludat)
Features:"
Shrub to tree to 12m tall, sometimes 22m. Bark is smooth, with lenticels, light
coloured and not fissured. Pneumatophores pencil-like: slender, cylindrical
with rounded tip, not very tall (about 20cm). Large old trees may have
slender prop roots emerging from the base of the trunk."
Leaves often spoon-shaped, though sometimes not (8-10cm long). Glossy
green above, underside finely hairy, greenish yellow but never white. The
upper side may be encrusted in salt crystals especially in dry weather. "
Flowers large (about 1cm), orange-yellow in tight clusters that are globular in
shape. The flowers are the largest of ourAvicennia. The flowers emit a rancid
or fetid smell. It appears to bloom seasonally. Fruit oval slightly beaked
(2-3cm long), smooth (not wrinkled), velvety. "
Jeruju (Acanthus volubilis)
Features:"
Sprawling shrub 50-80cm forming thickets up to 2m tall. Its sprawling
growth allows it to spread by vegetative growth."
Leaves oval or eye-shaped (10-20cm) waxy, stiff. May be lobed and spiny or
eye-shaped with a smooth edge. 'Spininess' appears to be a feature of
younger leaves and may be affected by water stress, seasonality and light
intensity. 'Acanthos' is Greek for 'thorny'. The plant gets rid of salt on its
leaves, which can be encrusted in salt crystals in dry weather."
Flowers in clusters on an upright spike. The flowers have a structure and
mechanism that allow the flower to pick up any pollen that is on the
visitor's head, bill or body before depositing its pollen on the visitor as it
depart."
Fruit is a capsule (2-3cm) each with four flat, whitish seeds. The ripe capsule
explodes, splitting violently and propelling the seeds like spinning discus up
to 2m away."

Section one

Mangrove
species
Tumu (Bruguieragymnorrhiza)"

Tengar Merah"

Kempudang Baran"

Tengar Merah"

Kempudang Baran (Cassine viburnifolia)"

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Mangrove species
Tengar Merah
Features:"
A shrub to tree 12m tall. Bark brownish with some lenticels, flaky at the base."
Leaves oval (tips not pointed) (7-11cm), glossy green. Leaf stalk usually not
pinkish. Stipule flattened knife-like."
Flowers small (0.5cm) with tiny white frilly petals. Several flowers on a short
stalk."
Fruit brown with a textured pattern: this is the identifying feature of this
species. Hypocotyl long pointed (9-17cm long) with fluted ridges along the
length and a red collar when ready to drop off. The propagules point
upwards and in all directions, not all hanging downwards. Sometimes with
stilt roots."
"
Status and Threats: Listed as 'Endangered' on the Red List of threatened plants
of Singapore."
Kempudang baran (Cassine Viburnifolia)
Features:"
A shrub or small tree (to 8m tall)."
Leaves (5-7cm) thick leathery with scalloped edges, arranged opposite one
another."
Flowers tiny (0.2-0.3cm), in loose clusters with a four tiny white petals."
Fruit small teardrop shaped (about 1cm) with one seed, ripening yellow.
The corky berry is adapted to water dispersal."
"
Human uses:According to Giersen, the husk of the fruit is said to be used to
stupefy fish. It is also used as firewood."
"
Status and threats: Listed as 'Critically Endangered' in the Red List of
threatened plants of Singapore. It is threatened by habitat loss and oil spills."

Section one

What can you see in Sungei Buloh?

Mangrove species
Tumu (Bruguiera Gymnorrhiza)
Features:"
Tree to about 15m in Singapore, elsewhere to 30m or more. Bark dark grey or
brown, rough, fissured in a regular chequered pattern with pimples
(lenticels). Has buttress and knee roots."
Leaves eye-shaped (9-24cm long) leathery stiff glossy, sometimes reddish on
the underside, arranged opposite one another. Stipules often reddish."
One flower on each pendulous flower stalk, one flower per leaf angle. Calyx
large (2cm) with with 12-14 lobes, those growing in the sun bright red, those
in the shade may be pale or yellowish. Petals tipped with tassels."
Propagule develops on the parent plant: hypocotyl 15-25cm long, thick,
cylindrical, cigar-shaped, and slightly angular with a blunt tip. Calyx tips
bend towards the hypocotyl."
According to the NParks Flora and Fauna website, the tree is the preferred
local food plant for caterpillars of the mothOlene mendosa."
"
Human uses:According to botanist Isaac Henry Burkill, tannin extracted from
it is used to treat fishing lines as well as a black dye. The bark is used to flavour
raw fish, but "eating too much is dangerous". Leaves are also served raw as
flavouring. The red timber is hard and can be used for foundation piles, mine
timbers, house posts, furniture and cabinet work. It is also perfect for firewood
and for producing charcoal."

Section one

Section one

The wildlife and its

habitat cannot speak, so
we must and we will
Theodore Roosevelt!

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

Section two

Section two

Sungei Buloh wetland reserve

information

Opening hours
Monday - Sunday

contact
6794 1401

7 am 7 pm
Nparks_sqwr@
nparks.gov.sg

Address

Accessibility

Visitor centre

Wheelchair

60 kranji way, #01-00

accessible

Singapore 739453

Wetland centre
301 new tiew crescent
Singapore 718925

Park information

How to be friendly to the reserve?

Acts of friendliness

Take nothing but

photographs

Leave nothing
but footprints

Be as quiet as
possible

Do not bring pets,

radio or bicycles

Do not smoke

Keep to walking
trails

Section two

Section three

Section three

In case of emergencies

Nearest hospital and clinics

Khoo Teck Puat
Hospital
Address:
90 Yishun Central
Singapore 768828
Contact:
+65 6555 8000

Kranji Medical
Clinic Pte Ltd
Address:
281 Kranji Road
Singapore 739514
Contact:
+65 6367 0968

emergency information

emergency information

Nearest hospital and clinics

First Medical Clinic
& Surgery
Address:
167 Woodlands
Street 11
Singapore 730167
Contact:
+65 6368 0111

Drs Koo & Neoh

Medical Group
Address:
960 Woodlands
Road, #01-01
Singapore 738702
Contact:
+65 6368 0111

Section three

Section three

Singapore emergency lines

ambulance

police

995

999

Premier taxis

Comfort & citycab

6363 6888
6552 1111

Trans-cab services
6555 3333

emergency information

In case of emergency,
keep calm and stay cool.

Section three

Nature is not a place

to visit. It is home.

Gary Snyder!

Sungei buloh: a teachers resource book

Maps

Section three

Map of sungei buloh wet land reserve and wetland park

Maps

Section three

sungei buloh walking trail

Maps
Mangrove boardwalk

Section three

The experience gathered from

books, though often valuable,
is but the nature of learning;
whereas the experience gained
from actual life is one of the
nature of wisdom.

Samuel Smiles!