The conservation status of the Nee Soon freshwater swamp forest of Singapore

Abstract

The most important area in Singapore for native aquatic fauna and flora is a relatively intact 5km2 patch of freshwater swamp forest in Nee Soon. The Nee Soon Swamp Forest contains 48% of the primary freshwater fish, 71% of the amphibian, 28% of the reptile and 34% of the bird fauna of Singapore. The swamp also has the highest percentage of native and threatened freshwater fish and crustacean species on the island, as well as being the main (if not the only) habitat of the aquatic plant Hydrostemma. The threats to the swamp forest are discussed, and proposals are made to establish the swamp forest as Singapore's second major nature reserve. Study of the swamp forest is essentially still at a survey and discovery phase. The research priorities are to establish detailed species lists, the status of endangered species and the extent of buffer zones. The swamp forest is administered primarily by the newly established National Parks Board, but several other government organizations also have jurisdiction over the land, causing some problems in the management of the swamp. The roles of the university and non-governmental organizations in conducting surveys, drafting recommendations and educating the general public are detailed. -from Authors