AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE AVIFAUNA OF PARKLAND HABITATS IN SINGAPORE WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO MAN-MADE 'BIRD SANCTUARIES'

Abstract

Development and urbanisation in Singapore have reduced her original forests to a mere 2000 hectares mostly confined to two areas: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Central Catchment Area. However, with the recent support by the Government for nature conservation in Singapore, small areas averaging 5000 sq. m in man-made parks (West Coast Park and East Coast Park) have been designated as 'Bird Sanctuaries'. These 'Bird Sanctuaries' are essentially long grass areas specially planted with trees to provide refuges for birds. A study of the avian communities in a two 'Bird Sanctuaries' and other parkland microhabitats was conducted. Preliminary results suggest that depending on the structural complexity of their vegetation, the 'Bird Sanctuaries' could provide some species of birds with important resources, such as food or nesting sites. Although the 'Bird Sanctuaries' suffer from the disadvantage that they are small and mostly isolated, some modifications such as planting connecting corridors may enhance their effectiveness. It is possible that with proper design and management, these 'Bird Sanctuaries' may complement the avifauna found in other types of habitat. For instance, 'Bird Sanctuaries' which incorporate wetland areas or tidal drains appear to be fairly important for wading birds, for example, egrets and bitterns. 'Bird Sanctuaries' were also used by migratory species such as Brown Shrikes, Long-tailed Shrikes and Common Sandpiper. Thus with maturity, these areas may play a significant role in nature conservation in Singapore.