“When steps to urbanization was taken, did anyone wonder what have we lost?”

We have lost homes and habitats of plants and animals.

EXTINCTION OF PLANT SPECIES

594 out of 2277 plant species suffered local extinction in Singapore. Deforestation is the main cause. 39% of plant species were lost through deforestation of coastal habitats and mangroves, and 29% were lost through deforesting inland forests. There’s also a 62% loss  in Epiphytic species. Epiphytic species are plants that grows harmlessly on other plants.

Singapore’s secondary forests, which is reforested after possible deforestation, seems to accumulate plant diversity slower, compared to primary forest areas. Thus, even small remnants of primary tropical forests, can play a major role in the conservation of tropical biodiversity.

Additionally, extinction or endangered plant species, limits bioprospecting in Singapore.

How is bioprospecting important?

Well, bioprospecting refers to the seeking of new drugs in nature. It aids in sourcing for medical resources, as well as providing diverse set of chemicals for random screening. Thus, loss of plants and forests, may lead to loss of potential healing compounds.

For instance, there was almost a loss of possible cure against HIV. Scientists determined that a tree,  Calophyllum lanigerum var austrocoriaceum, contains calanolide A that showed activity against HIV. Once this was found out, researchers immediately returned to the original kerangas forest to gather more plant matter to isolate the active compound. However, the tree was gone. It was likely to be cut down for fuelwood or being used as building materials. Fortunately, Singapore Botanic Garden which had several plants collected by the British over 100 years earlier, and Calophyllum lanigerum var austrocoriaceum  happened to be one of them.

 

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ANIMAL SPECIES

Though Singapore is still home to a huge diversity of animals, due to its geographical location, she had lost half its animal species for the past 200 years. Rates of species extinction are as high as 87%. With fragmentation of natural habitats, livelihoods of species were also threatened.

Yes, all is not lost. A substantial quantity of biodiversity is still present.

BUT, How many are threatened to extinction?

As of 2009, there are 271 endangered species in Singapore. Critically endangered species are deemed if the number of matured adult of that particular species is less than 50.

Examples of endangered animals in Singapore are, the banded leaf monkey and giant squirrel that can only be found in Singapore. If you ever see them in the wild, while taking a jog or just visiting one of the nature reserves in Singapore, do take a good look at them. Their populations have shrunk so much, that we are certain that one day, they will be gone.

 

The extinction patterns observed in Singapore indicates that coastal and estuarine sites are in greatest demand for development. Therefore, though with thankfully lower biodiversity in these areas, biodiversity conservation in the respective areas should be given higher priority for conservation.