--------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews 2001-28: Saturday, 16th November 2001
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
More information and archives at: <http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Contents

The Singapore Science Announces a new permanent exhibition,

"THE WEB OF LIFE"

and kicks off with a series of nature talks
--------------------------------------------------------------------

As part of the Singapore Science Center's revamp of its exhibitions,
the Centre will be opening a new, permanent life science exhibition.

Called Web of Life - this 600 sq. metre exhibition area highlights the
Biodiversity of Life and focuses on the various interactions and
adaptations for survival found in nature. The intricate balance of
nature and its surroundings that we focus on will amaze the curious
observer.

Comprising of 6 main areas, the highlights of the exhibition
include:-

Diversity all around - An artistic introduction to the great Diversity of
Life, which begins with the earliest life-forms, on earth and brings us
to the enormous variety of present day plants and animals that nature
has to offer.

Home - Get up close and personal with some of the creatures and creepers
that share our homes with us. Macoy, the rat with an attitude, will take
you on a virtual tour of his home!

Rainforest - An expedition into the ancient and complex rainforest could
bring you face to face with a giant chameleon, live honeybees and even
animal eating plants!

Mangrove - You don't have to get stuck in the mud to learn why mangroves
are important ecosystems to preserve. Match birds with their beaks and
even see the infamous mudskipper fish that spends most of its time on
land!

Ocean - Beneath the waves, marine plants and animals have adapted many
strategies to stay alive. Take the hands-on challenge and find out how
fish stay afloat, what lives in deep sea vent communities and lots more!

Hot Topics - Get up to date with current breakthroughs and important issues
that affect our lives and the living things around us.

To kick start this exhibition we are bringing to you a series of
nature talks, including one nature trail to a mangrove area:

--------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Chek Jawa
18 November 2001: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Free for Members
Non-members - Science Centre admission charges apply
Venue: Teaching Lab
Age Group: 7 yrs and above

A natural haven comprising of coastal forest, sandy beaches, mangrove and
sandflat - quietly tucked away at the east most corner of Pulau Ubin. Listen
and learn about stick insects, flying dragons, sea anemones, nudibranches,
stingrays and lots more! The speaker is Joseph Lai, 41, Singaporean, an
ardent naturalist, and father of an eight year old boy.


--------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Responsible Pet Care
25 November 2001: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Free for Members
Non-members - Science Centre admission charges apply
Venue: Teaching Lab
Age Group: 7 yrs and above

Keeping a pet can be a fun and rewarding experience but should everyone have
a pet? Why is it so important to think carefully about getting a pet? What
do I have to do for my pet? How long will pets live? Explore the answers to
these and many more. The speaker is Ms. Sherry Nee, Animal Welfare Education
Officer at the Centre for Animal Welfare and Control, Agri-food and
Veterinary Authority.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Evolution of the Ant-Plant Symbiosis
2 December 2001: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Free for Members
Non-members - Science Centre admission charges apply
Venue: Teaching Lab
Age Group: 7 yrs and above

Ant-plant symbioses have evolved in a diversity of tropical plant lineages.
The Old World tree genus Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) includes ~300 species.
Twenty-six west Malesian species of Macaranga have symbiotic associations
with ants. This talk will cover the origins and diversification of
ant-plant association. The speaker is Dr. Shawn Lum.


--------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Animals of Singapore Tour
9 December 2001: 1.30pm - 6.00pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee: $8 (per member), $23 (non-member, incl. SSC Individual membership)
Venue: Teaching Lab & Sungei Buloh
Age Group: 7 yrs and above

Be introduced to the wealth of native fauna, mammals, reptiles, etc that
can be found in Singapore. Discover many secret vertebrates, some even just
recently discovered. It's a surprise to discover the diversity of animals
still able to survive in our urban environment with its small wilderness
areas. The speaker is Mr. Subaraj Rajathurai a renowned nature consultant
and guide here in Singapore.

The talk is complimented with a nature walk to Sungei Buloh.

Please pre-register by emailing to scmember@..., fax at 565 9533
or call Jane/Vien at 425 2543.


--------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Sharks in Danger
16 December 2001: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Free for Members
Non-members - Science Centre admission charges apply
Venue: Teaching Lab
Age Group: 7 yrs and above

What is the first thing that pops into your mind when I mention the word
'SHARK'? Jaws? Human slayers? The ultimate killing machine? Quite possibly,
but, grossly inaccurate and prejudicial. The aim of this shark talk is to
draw a more complete and accurate picture of what sharks are really like in
the wild. We will be looking into the different of kinds of sharks there
are, and their importance in the up-keep of our marine environment. Last,
but not least, the talk will explore the threats that are pushing this
prehistoric animal to the very verge of extinction. Let the speaker, Mr
Victor Wu, tell you more about what we can do to protect the shark from
extinction.


--------------------------------------------------------------------
6. What is a Natural Beach?
16 December 2001: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Free for Members
Non-members - Science Centre admission charges apply
Venue: Teaching Lab
Age Group: 7 yrs and above

Can a natural beach be found in Singapore? To the naturalist, the
answer is obvious. A natural beach is indeed one full of natural
wonders. But Surprise! Surprise! One has been discovered recently in
Singapore. The speaker is Mr. Joseph Lai.


---> Source: Sharlene Anthony, Singapore Science Centre
--------------------------------------------------------------------
For monthly news compilations, see Ecology Asia at:
<http://www.ecologyasia.com/Top-Level/eco-news.htm>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Donate a cup of food to the hungry? Visit <www.hungersite.com>
--------------------------------------------------------------------