Nature in Singapore: Frogs, fig snails, aliens and rediscovery of plants

The latest findings of Singapore's biodiversity is out on Nature in Singapore by the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research.
Find out the latest to intriguing questions such as: How many kinds of frogs are found at Sungei Buloh?

A seven-month survey in 2008 found 9 species of frogs in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve! Of these, Gunther's frog (Hylarana guentheri), an introduced species, was a new record for the Reserve and for Singapore. While the field frog (Fejervarya limnocharis) was not documented. The paper is accompanied by gorgeous photos of frogs and tadpoles taken by Colleen Goh. Find out more in the paper by Chan, S. H. & C. Goh, 2010. Frogs of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (Amphibia: Anura). Nature in Singapore, 3: 103–116. [PDF, 1.82 MB]

Aliens in Little Guiling!
Cherax quadricarinatus, an alien crayfish was found in some numbers at Bukit Batok's Little Guilin Lake. Originally from northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, this fast growing, hardy and adaptable crustacean was probably released from those sold in Singapore for the aquarium trade. Invasive aliens can have a destructive effect on the environment. What is the impact of this alien crayfish? Read more in the paper by Belle, C. C. & D. C. J. Yeo, 2010. New observations of the exotic Australian red-claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Parastactidae) in Singapore. Nature in Singapore, 3: 99–102. [PDF, 234 KB]

What the Fig?
Last year, shore explorers had come across this intriguing snail. Mei Lin has since been diligently working on identifiying them. What exactly are they, what do they eat? Find out in the paper by Neo, M. L., 2010. The taxonomic status of fig shells, with notes on Ficus variegata (Röding, 1798) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Ficoidea: Ficidae). Nature in Singapore, 3: 117–123. [PDF, 793 KB]

A rare palm rediscovered!
Thought to be extinct, a specimen of the elegant Pinanga simplicifrons was rediscoverd in Feb 2010. Find out more about this palm and some of the threats it faces in the paper by Ang, W. F., A. F. S. L. Lok & H. T. W. Tan, 2010. Rediscovery in Singapore of Pinanga simplicifrons (Miq.) Becc. (Arecaceae). Nature in Singapore, 3: 83–86. [PDF, 673 KB]

The 'Beautiful Flower' in danger!
Calanthe means 'beautiful flower' and the gorgeous Calanthe pulchra was considered nationally extinct until it was rediscovered in 2005. What is the status of this rare delight? Find out in the paper by Lok, A. F. S. L., W. F. Ang & H. T. W. Tan, 2010. The status and distribution in Singapore of Calanthe pulchra (Bl.) Lindl. Nature in Singapore, 3: 87–90. [PDF, 392 KB]

A rare climber discovered!
Rubus moluccanus var. angulosus was seen, alas on land designated for public works. Read more about the status of this pretty climber on Ang, W. F., A. F. S. L. Lok, K. Y. Chong, B. Y. Q. Ng, S. M. Suen & H. T. W. Tan, 2010. The distribution and status in Singapore of Rubus moluccanus L. var. angulosus Kalkman (Rosaceae). Nature in Singapore, 3: 91–97. [PDF, 843 KB]

Check out these and other interesting papers on on Nature in Singapore by the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research!