Take a good look at some of Singapore’s native animals below:
Leaf monkey
Cream-Colored Giant Squirrel
Mousedeer
A Greater Mousedeer
Mousedeer
Dark Blue Jungle Glory Butterfly
These mammals are found only in Singapore, but their populations have shrunk so much that they are all but certain to become extinct. The main habitat was wiped out decades ago due to deforestation for urban development.
http://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/
The government’s plan to develop the Cross-Island MRT line, also known as CRL, is simply one example of how urban development is currently contributing to deforestation and endangering the livelihood of biodiversity. As depicted on the map, the CRL runs through primary and secondary forests of the nature reserve and continues through MacRitchie Forest. This forest is home to a vast amount of wildlife, some of which are shown in the pictures. Although the MRT plans to travel underground, the tremors and noise creates disruption on the natural habitat and environment above. Most importantly, workers will have to pave a clear path above ground, before using mega-equipment to dig. This will result in further deforestation and desolation of biodiversity. For more information, please visit: LoveMacRitchie and support the movement!
Now let’s take a look at some statistics from Singapore’s habitat. A study acknowledged by the government shows that Singapore has lost nearly 73% of its plants and animals over the last 200 years. Specifically, this includes as many as: 4,866 plants, 627 butterflies, 234 fish, 111 reptiles, and 91 mammals. This tragedy was mainly caused by the clearing of forests for urban development as described previously. 50% of the remaining biodiversity life is squeezed into small-scale reserves covering no more than 1,547 hectares (3,800 acres) of protected lands. The consequences of deforestation on biodiversity have been substantial.
On a larger scale, another study by Singapore (NUS) and Australian researchers predicts the loss of up to 42 per cent of animal populations in South-east Asia by the end of this century.
It is clear that a large-scale conservation effort needs to be implemented if society wants these rates of extinction to be diminished.
Forests provides protection, nutrition, water, and serves as a suitable habitat for flora and fauna to thrive in. Without these forests, animals in this tropical region would not be able to survive.