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Habitatnews 2002-06: Thursday, 11th April 2002
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
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Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
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SECRETWORLDS SINGAPORE premieres on Channel I
at 9.00pm on Sunday 14th April 2002

Press Release from Charith Pelpoa, Series Producer,
The Moving Visuals Co. <http://www.movingvisuals.com>

"Picture a Singapore of over a 150 years ago ­ a land full of mysterious
animals and uncharted forests. And now compare that wilderness of yesteryear
with the urban jungle that sprawls across the island today.

Drawing on this stark contrast, together with the findings of local
naturalists, we delve once more into the secret world of Singapore.

What we have uncovered will come as a surprise to many who have long thought
of Singapore as a nation depleted of its wildlife; fascinating discoveries
that will enlighten a 21st Century audience; and intrigue viewers about the
beauty of Singaporešs natural legacy.

Join us as we take an evocative look at a natural world struggling to hold
on to its vanishing realm."


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Series Episode topics, Channel I: Sundays, 9pm from 14th April
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For the complete synopsis that Charith sent me, please see:
<http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/news/secretworlds/synopsis.html>

Episode 1 - A SECRET HISTORY An introduction to the wildlife of Singapore,
by way of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and the National Parks
Board of Singapore.

Episode 2 - SECRETS BY THE SEA One of the most enigmatic residents of the
mangroves are the aquatic snakes. Wešll also meet the opportunistic
marshland and take a closer look at some of Singaporešs intriguing bird
species, and a share a few moments of their life in the mangroves.

Episode 3 - ON SECRET SANDS Rocky Shores and Sandflats are the destination
today. Despite their close proximity to coastal settlements and urban
developments, these oases of life on the borders of the land are in fact
alive with activity. We mention one extraordinary habitat in particular ­
Chek Jawa.

Episode 4 - A SECRET SANCTUARY Into the secret swamplands of Singapore.
These waterways are thick with vegetation, and teeming with aquatic life. In
fact because of their water conditions and relative inaccessibility, the
swamplands are the last stronghold for Singaporešs endemic fish species.

Episode 5 - A FOREST OF SECRETS Singapore was once covered almost entirely
by rainforest, a habitat that is well known for its wealth of plant and
animal species. And the same can still be said about the countryšs remaining
rainforest reserves. We explore one of the last areas of primary rainforest
in Singapore.

Episode 6 - THE SECRET CITY Urban areas are not the biodiversity desert
that they at first may seem. There are several species that have adapted and
colonised Singaporešs cities and towns, and have made them their own.
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