LECTURE 1-1: INTRODUCTION

 Natural – nature (plants and animals)

Heritage – something that is inherited
The terms “nature”, “natural history”, “natural heritage”, “wildlife”, “biodiversity” are used interchangeably.
 All plant and animal species are identified by a unique scientific name in Latin, invented by
Carolus Linnaeus (1753, 1758)

Scientific name always to be italicized when script is in normal

(or un-italicized) font, or underlined when using same font.

 Why do we need a scientific name? (in italic, family name first letter capitalized)
o Standard point of reference
o Data management
o Start point for other biological disciplines

 Factors to consider when prescribing scientific name?

o Novelty of name.
o Gender and etymology.
o Descriptiveness and appropriateness.
o Length, usage and mnemonic value.
o Ethics and honour.
 Common names can be used but can sometimes refer to different organisms!
 Process of scientific naming
 An expert thinks a specimen is potentially a new species.
 Decides which taxa (taxon in pleural) it is in.
 Compares it against existing materials in museums.
 Checks all literature (all languages).
 Describes it in great details, usually with illustrations and
 images.
 Gives it a NAME.
 Submit it to a scientific journal, reviewed, accepted and
 published.
 Specimen sent to museum for storage and future reference.
 Singapore
 Population of 5.874 million
 Population Density of 8.383/km^2
 1819 – Covered by Natural Habitats
 Now > 95% of forests lost > 98% of mangroves lost > 60% of coral reefs lost
 Urbanization leads to habitat loss and habitat modification
 • 2,145 native vascular plant species • 25 bat species • 392 bird species • 122 dragonfly
species • > 800 spider species • 35 true mangrove plant species • 12 seagrass species • 255
hard coral species • 50 sea anemone species • 200 sponge species

 Singapore Green Plan (2012):

 Set up a National Biodiversity Reference Centre to better manage databases on indigenous
biodiversity.
  The Singapore Green Plan 2012 (Ministry of the Environment, 2002, 2006) recognizes the
challenge of protecting nature while pursuing economic development. Reviews every 3 years.
 Verify and update information on indigenous flora and fauna through biodiversity surveys (Mega
marine surveys).
 Implement a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to research, document and conserve
biodiversity in Singapore.
 Develop a City Biodiversity Index with international partners to promote biodiversity conservation
efforts among cities globally (2009, 2010)

 Discover New Species

 2005 – new mangrove tree species (Bruguiera hainesii)
 Rediscovery of Bruguiera sexangula
 Introduced species (exotic species – brought in for a purpose)
1. Brought in for a purpose:
o Guppies to control malaria
o Tilapia to supplement protein supply
o Ornamental plants for roadsides

2. Accidentally introduced
 Giant African land snail
 American cockroach, German cockroach.

 Indigenous species or native species

 Found locally
 Well adapted to local habits
 Important keystone species

 Impact on indigenous species (Lizard and red-ear slider)

 e.g. Changeable lizard: Calotes versicolor displaced Bronchocela cristella
 e.g. Red-ear slider: realized into the wild has competed with native species for food and shelter.
Very aggressive and carry parasites