-------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDENDUM TO No. 99-15
Habitatnews No. 99-15A: Sat, 13th March 1999
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WEBSITES containing articles or about the proposed Sungei
(=River) Selangor dam hosted by MAGICK RIVER

-----> [1] Latest news:
http://www.xlibris.de/magickriver/bulletin.htm

-----> [2] Map of the site:
http://www.xlibris.de/magickriver/map.htm

-----> [3] Proposed dam may cause soil erosion by Esther Tan
The New Straits Times, Tuesday, March 2, 1999
http://www.xlibris.de/magickriver/erosion.htm

-----> [4] Some facts and figures by Magick River
http://www.xlibris.de/magickriver/damtec.htm

-----> [5] "Drop the proposed Sungei Selangor dam project in Hulu Selangor
to avoid environmental disasters".
Press Statement, 2nd March 1999, by Ronnie Liu, Selangor DAP State Committee
Chairman at  Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
http://www.xlibris.de/magickriver/dap.htm

-----> [6] "Proposed Selangor dam could kill the river" by Deepak Gill
http://www.xlibris.de/magickriver/deepak.htm
As the flow of water is reduced by the dam, there are fears that other
economic activities all along the river would be affected. Kuala Selangor,
with it's healthy tourism industry thanks to its fireflies, could suffer. Dr
Loh Chi Leong, senior scientific officer at the Malaysian Nature Society
(MNS), fears if the original consultant's plan is used, sea water would move
further upstream and kill the trees that now attract these insects by the
thousands.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

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The newspaper link below will expire in two days time

The article is posted in its entirety since many of you have visited the
park, or are intending to do so, having heard of the spectacular scene of
the fireflies at Kg Kuantan.  Many of us visited the river when we stayed
over at the nearby Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP).

Please note that the booking procedure for KSNP has apparently changed - you
now have to call them up and arrange to deposit the full accommodation fee
into a Maybank account No. and then subsequently fax them a copy of the bank
slip. You can call the park for details at: 03-889-2294.

I had heard rumours of this project several years ago, as many of you now
doubt did as well, but friends visiting the area had not heard or seen
anything untoward.  This article unfortunately confirms the old rumours.

Siva
-------------------------------------------------------------------

The article was accompanied by an image of the Kuala Selangor Park Manager,
M. Rasitharan, pointing out a Sonneratia tree.

More than 'firefly magic' at stake

The Star Online, Sunday, March 7, 1999

By Leslie Lau

KUALA SELANGOR: The sign tells visitors to the Kampung Kuantan firefly
centre: "You have seen one of the most magical of natural spectacles."

But the spell may soon be broken because a proposed dam across Sungai
Selangor, near Kuala Kubu Baru, threatens to halt the courtship ritual of
the fireflies, a nightly phenomenon which draws thousands to the district
every month.

The colony here stretches 15km along the Selangor River.

The only other colony of such magnitude in the world is located in the
Amazon jungle.

Although the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) acknowledges the importance of
sufficient water supply, it strongly opposes the project on the ground that
it threatens Kuala Selangor's ecosystem.

"Building a dam is not going to solve our water woes. What the Government
needs to do is ensure there is less wastage because of leakages.

"More than 20% of treated water is being wasted so we don't need another
dam," Kuala Selangor Nature Park manager M. Rasainthiran said in an
interview yesterday.

He said the diversion of water on Sungai Selangor could result in the
destruction of the firefly colony and cause flooding in the area.

Rasainthiran explained that the dam would result in salt water intruding
into the river and this would destroy the sonnaratia, a mangrove plant which
fireflies were dependent on.

"We can't even calculate the damage it would cause until the Government
tells us how much water is being diverted," he said.

Rasainthiran conceded that the colony could still be saved by artificially
shifting the habitat.

"We can only work towards shifting but we need time and money and there is
no guarantee that it will work," he said.

Rasainthiran said the importance of the mangrove swamps was not just as a
natural habitat for fireflies.

"It prevents coastal erosion through its natural land reclamation features
so its destruction may even cause flooding," he said.

In spite of the possible threat to the environment, some villagers
interviewed were still optimistic.

"The dam is a government project so it must be good for the people," said
one boat operator, who declined to be named.

Another villager added that "if we lose our means of income, I am sure we
can find a job on another government project."


--- end ---

-------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDENDUM TO No. 99-14
Habitatnews No. 99- 14A: Mon, 8th March 1999
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Georges Brossard at the National Library
"Insectia: From Fear To Fascination" - Sat, 13 March

Admission is free. No registration is required.

"INSECTIA: From Fear to Fascination"

Program      Talk and Show (in English)
Title        Insectia - From Fear to Fascination
Speaker      Georges Brossard
Date         Saturday 13 March
Time         2.00 - 4.00 pm
Venue        Student Reference Centre, National Library
Organisers   National Geographic Channel
              National Library Board
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Georges Brossard

Georges tackles entomology with a passion nurtured by twenty years of
research, on-site expeditions, and lobbying to overcome the seemingly
insurmountable barrier between humans and insects.

As a speaker, Georges enthusiasm is infectious, his anecdotes fascinating,
his explanations captivating, and his parallels between the worlds of man
and insects, daring.

Admission is free. No registration is required.

Dress code: Please dress comfortably as audience members may be seated on
the carpeted floor.

Public enquiries: Please call Reference Point at 332-3255.


Synopsis

Insects seem to be one of the most bizarre group of animals that evolution
has created. While some may be harmful to mankind, many are actually useful
and play a crucial role in the balance of nature. For example, houseflies
and cockroaches are treated with utmost disrespect because they spread
diseases. That is true, but how many also realise that they are nature°Ĝs
scavengers. Can you imagine a world without scavengers?

With a mission to reconcile man and insects by demystifying their world,
entomologist Georges Brossard will give a talk and show on what we can
learn from this most diverse group of animals on earth. In his words,
"Let's face it; insects are the most useful animals, both to nature and to
mankind... I just want to reconcile humans with this class that has a lot
of class: insects!"

Along with the talk and show, one of the 'Insectia' series entitled
'Invertebrate Inventors' will be featured.

During this occasion, books on insects and an exhibition will be on display
at the National Library Foyer for your browsing and borrowing.


Insectia

The documentary series "Insectia", created by Georges Brossard, comprises
13 half-hour episodes which will premiere on National Geographic Channel
Asia this April. Based on the surprising analogies between the behaviour
and activities of humans and those of insects, this series takes on a
rigorously scientific approach, which also embeds poetry, humour, and
passion.

'Invertebrate Inventors', which will be featured during the talk and show,
reveals how insects have a flair for invention. In particular, 3 kinds of
social insects (termites, ants, and bees) will be looked into, to see how
we can learn from their organisation skills.

----

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PUBLIC TALKS in March

1. "Nature Photography" - this Sat 6 Mar
2. "Insectia: From Fear To Fascination" - Mon 15 Mar
3. "Chasing Endemics on Flores, Timor and Irian Jaya" - Fri 19 Mar
-------------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] Sg. Buloh Nature Park Slide Talk Series No. 3 this SAT
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY by Mr. Wong Tuan Wah
Date: SATURDAY, 6th MARCH 1999: 3pm - 4pm
Venue: Sungei Buloh Nature Park Theatrette
Normal park admissions apply
Tel: 794-1401

Synopsis: Mr. Wong is a keen nature photographer who will share his
experience in nature photography, showcasing his collection of slides of
beautiful creatures and plant life in SBNP, from close-ups of little bugs in
action to elegant herons in flight.

Do come early for a good seat. It tends to fill up in the first 15 minutes.
And there is tea at 2.30pm!


----->  [2] Insect talk on Monday, 15th March 99
INSECTIA: FROM FEAR TO FASCINATION by Georges Brossard
Date: MONDAY, 15th MARCH 1999: 5.00pm - 8.00pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
By invitation only - but you just have to fill in the reply slip below, and
fax them a reply. *SEE BELOW*


----->  [3] Bird talk on Friday, 19th March
CHASING ENDEMICS ON FLORES, TIMOR AND IRIAN JAYA by Morten Strange
Date: FRIDAY, 19th MARCH 1999: 8.00pm to 9.30pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Synopsis: Co-author of A Photographic Guide to the birds of Peninsular
Malaysia and Singapore.  Well known as an active photographer of birds in
Singapore and the region.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----->  [2] Insect talk on Monday, 15th March 99
Singapore Environment Council and National Geographic Channel Asia
presents
INSECTIA: From Fear to Fascination with Georges Brossard

Event: Talk by Georges Brossard
Date: Monday, 15 March 1999
Time: 5.00 pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre
Admission: Free (by invitation only)

The Singapore Environment Council is pleased to invite you and your guest(s)
to meet     a world-renowned entomologist, Georges Brossard.

At the age of 38, after working fifteen years as a notary, Georges Brossard
dropped everything and began to travel the world collecting insects. He has
visited over 100 countries, amassing a spectacular collection of
approximately 500, 000 specimens.

He decided to donate his collection to Quebecers on the condition that a
suitable "temple" of international stature be built, devoted to insects.
Thus, Montrealıs Insectarium was born. Georges Brossard is recognised as an
expert in the popularising of entomology. He has established several insect
museums ("Insectaria") around the world, including Shanghai, China, The
Africaıs Insectarium in South Africa, a $55 million insectarium in New
Orleans and Quebec Cityıs Naturalium.

Founding Director of Montrealıs Insectarium, Georges Brossard was the
creative force behind the series INSECTIA. This communicator approaches his
subject with a passion fuelled by twenty years of research, expeditions and
lobbying to breakdown the barriers between the natural sciences and the
general public.

We look forward to welcoming you to a talk and an evening stroll through the
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve with Georges Brossard and his "pets".

Mrs Penelope Phoon-Cohen
Executive Director

----------------------------
Programme
INSECTIA: From Fear to Fascination
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
15 Mar 1999


4.45 pm  Guests arrive at the  BTNR Visitors Centre

5.00 pm  Guided Trail of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

6.15 pm  Return to the BTNR Visitor Centre

6.30 pm  Reception

7.00 pm  Presentation/Talk by Georges Brossard

8.00 pm  End

----------------------------
REPLY SLIP  (RSVP by 12 March 1999)
Fax: 337 6035

Singapore Environment Council
No. 21 Lewin Terrace
Fort Canning Park
Singapore 179290
e mail : secnet@...

I wish to confirm that I /and my guest(s) will be able to attend the talk by
Georges Brossard at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre on 15 Mar
1999 at 5.00pm

Name : ____________________________________ No. of Guests:______________

Organisation: _______________________________

Contact :  (Home) _____________ (Work) ____________     (Fax) ____________

           (e mail) _____________________     (hand phone/pager) ____________


Signature / Date: _________________________________

-------------------------------------------------------------------
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1. Report - Blooming Trouble
2. Report - All about Orchids
3. Report - Logging has not affected Kenyir area
4. Report - Pig farms found to breed mosquitoes
5. Report - Healing the land
6. Report - Preparations for the detention centre at St. John's
7. Report - Fisherman's rare and priceless catch of a dugong
-------------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] The Star Online, Tues, 23rd Feb 99 [report]
"Blooming Trouble" by S.S. YOGA
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/features.html
The fragile beauty of orchids, so much a part of our national
heritage, is being threatened in Cameron Highlands as more and
more development turns up the heat and destroys orchid habitats.

----->  [2] The Star Online, Tues, 23rd Feb 99 [report]
"All about Orchids" by S.S. YOGA
  http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/features.html
In Cameron Highlands, 8% (12 species) of orchids currently known is
endemic (found only there) to the area; There are a further 22% which
are rare or have very few findings and 42% which are restricted to
very few locations, points out Shahril Kamarulzaman, scientific officer
with the Worldwide Fund for Nature Malaysia. It is no wonder they are
said to represent 10% of all flora species.

----->  [3] The Star Online, Thu, 25th Feb 99 [report]
'Logging has not affected Kenyir area' by JACQUELINE ANN SURIN
http://www.thestar.com.my/thursday/2513jqke.html
Most of the Kenyir catchment area is unaffected despite the licensed
logging and land clearing taking place at its western border with
Kelantan. Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Law Hieng
Ding said that, according to satellite images taken by the Malaysian
Centre for Remote Sensing (Macres) dated 1996 and 1998, most of the
area was "relatively unaffected by human activities".

----->  [4] The Star Online, Sat, 27th Feb 99 [report]
"Pig farms found to breed mosquitoes" by MAZRI MUSTAFA
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/2710ipbr.html
Most pig farms in Tambun, Ampang and Ulu Piah where there was an
outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) were found to be mosquito-
breeding grounds.

----->  [5] The Star Online, Sat, 27th Feb 99 [report]
"Healing the land" by ANTHONY GEOFFREY
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/27clear2.html
The Clearwater Sanctuary Golf and Leisure Resort, 24km southwest of
Ipoh was rehabiltated from the previoous barren lanscape of an ex-tin
mining area.  The resort is currently involved in the flilming of the
Hollywood production 'The King and I'. With its profusion of wildlife,
its crystal clear lakes and its use of indigenous flora, Clearwater
is an explicit lesson to others as to what can be done with some of our
environmental scars.

----->  [6] The Straits Times Interactive, Thur, 25th Feb 99 [report]
"Barbed wire, fences go up at St John's" by JOANNE LEE
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/sin/sin13_0225.html
As part of the island is turned into a detention centre,
fences and other developments have resulted in declining
numbers of visitors

----->  [7] The New Sunday Times, Sun, 28th Feb 99 [report]
"Fisherman's rare and priceless catch" by ANONYMOUS
http://www.nstpi.com.my/
The grey mammal, was caught by Atan Husin, 50, about 100 metres
offshore of Kampung Pasir Puteh last month.
"The discovery of a dugong, a species which is almost extinct in
Malaysian waters, has aroused a lot of curiosity among residents
in Kampung Pasir Puteh. The grey mammal, which spends its
entire life in the sea, surfacing only to breathe through nostrils
located near the top of the head, was caught by Atan Husin, 50,
about 100 metres offshore last month."


-----  This issue prepared by Alvin Wong  -----

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-12: Fri, 5th February 1999
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1. Rabbit exhibit at Marina Square
2. National Geographic Feb 99 Issue: Special on biodiversity
3. Articles from The Star Online for World Wetlands Day
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] Rabbits exhibit at Marina Square until Feb 28.
In conjunction with the year of the rabbit, I suppose, there is an exhibit
of various breeds (I've been told up to 50) of rabbits, and includes a few
blue ribbon holders, as well as ones bred for food!  You cannot handle the
animals, but can view them from a partition.  It is an interesting display
from all accounts.

----->  [2] National Geographic Special on Biodiversity; Issue: February
1999
This month's issue is a special on Biodiversity.  The magazine usually
retails at about S$9.00, available at most newsstands.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/9902/hilights.html#a
Articles include: Biodiversity: Taking Stock of Life; The Variety of Life;
Wilderness Headcount; The Sixth Extinction; Restoring Madagascar; In Search
of Solutions; Under Antarctic Ice; Forest Elephants; Diatoms, Plants With a
Touch of Glass; Ants and Plants‹A Profitable Partnership.

-----> [3] Environment articles on WORLD WETLANDS DAY
The Star Online, Tuesday, 2nd February 1999.
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/features.html

-----> "It's for the birds"
Would you be surprised to learn that this picture of a greenery-surrounded
pond teeming with birdlife once was an old mining land? What is usually
deemed fit only to be filled in and developed can actually become a green
spot that is home to a rich biodiversity. TAN CHENG LI visits the surprising
Malim Nawar, a freshwater wetlands habitat in Perak that developed when
mining pools were abandoned.

"You can easily spot 40 species of bird without making an effort on any
day," says bird enthusiast Lim Swee Yian. "And during the migratory season,
the number can soar to 50-plus."

-----> "Wanton waste at sea"
Each year, commercial fishing fleets throw away 27 billion kilogrammes of
unwanted fish, shellfish and other creatures--about one-fourth of the total
global catch. For some fisheries, the discarded "bycatch" is far greater
than the seafood kept for consumption, reports JOBY WARRICK

-----> "Under threat from the super-net"
As over-fishing leads to catch restrictions in some parts of the world,
government-subsidised commercial fleets are turning to the rich waters off
West Africa. That is bad news not only for countries such as Mauritania but
also for the world's marine environment, reports LESA GRIFFITH

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-11: Thu, 4th February 1999
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---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] Reptile talk at Sg. Buloh
Saturday, 6th February 1999: 3 - 4pm
Topic: "Reptiles of Sg Buloh"
Venue: Sungei Buloh Nature Park Theatrette
Speaker: Mr Rashid, of NIE/NTU

There will be a talk on reptiles this Saturday afternoon at the Sungei Buloh
Nature Park. The speaker, Rashid, is a graduate student at NIE/NTU, working
on the ecology of monitor lizards.  He has been busy monitoring the
movements of his lizards, examining stomach contents using a pump, etc.
Monitors alone would  be interesting, but he will be saying much more - he's
talking about reptiles.

If you are going down by bus, be early for the 925 bus doesn't go all the
way in to the park; you'll have to make that walk from Kranji reservoir.
The weather's pleasant, so just be early and get a comfortable seat.


-----> [2] News reports suspended temporarily
Some of you have asked about the missing news updates.  I'm busy with the
Science Centre Mangrove guide, and haven't been reading the papers (or going
home) for a week or so.  Subsequently, I will be in Myanmar.  I hope to
resume the updates in March.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------
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---------------------------------------------------------------------

1. NewsRadio FM 93.8 - Vital Science Series
2. Science Centre Guide - Next two volumes out in April
3. TV this week - Probocis monkeys on Thu, Pre12: 8pm
4. Mr Brown comments on Mitra's citizenship
---------------------------------------------------------------------

---> 1. NewsRadio FM 93.8 - Vital Science Series
This 3-minute 'capsule' features interviews with local scientists on various
topics.  The programme is aired six times a week during the following times:
Mon 3.20 pm;  Tue 2.20 pm;  Wed 7.38 pm;  Thu 5.21 pm;  Fri 4.20 pm;  Sat
4.36 pm

You can tune in at: http://rcslive.singnet.com.sg/
You imght be prompted to download RealPlayer if it is absent in your system.
Windows users with fast processor speeds (>250Mhz) should download
RealPlayer G2, else use ver 5.0.  Mac users, download the Ver 5.0;
apparently the Mac G2 version isn't bug-free yet.

This week (1st Feb-): Interview with N. Sivasothi: Mangrove tree-climbing
crabs
Next week (8 Feb-): Interview with Navjot Sodhi: Forest Birds
Week beginning 15 Feb: Edward Teo on Black Holes


---> 2. Science Guide Series will feature mangroves in two volumes.
The BP/Science Centre Guide Series which has produced 31 volumes in total so
far,  usually publishes two volumes a year.  This year's volumes will
feature mangrove fauna and flora.  It will be launched in April.


---> 3. Television this week: Probocis monkeys on Thu, Pre12: 8pm
MON 5.00pm, Premier 12 - Amazing Animals [30mins] *last episode

TUE 4.40am, TCS 8 - Nature Documentary [25mins]
Tue 9.00am, TCS 8 - Zoo of America [30mins]
Tue 9.30am, TCS 8 - Animals of Farthing Wood [30mins]

WED 4.40am, TCS 8 - Nature Documentary [25mins]
Wed 8.00pm, Premier 12 - Essence of life: Stillwater [60mins]

THU 8.00pm, Premier 12 - SECRET WORLD OF THE PROBOCIS MONKEY
FRI 1.00pm, TCS 5 - Go Green (Repeat) [35mins]

SAT 6.00am, TCS5 - Underwater Encounters [30mins]
Sat 4.00pm, Premier 12 - Owls, Kestrels & Roads [60mins]
Sat 6.30pm, Premier 12 - Singapore Signature: ZooTV

From the Premier 12 webpage:  http://www.stv12.com.sg/
"Zoo TV (Saturdays 6.30pm)
Hosted by Angel and Mervyn, and a bubbly 9-year old Gina, this 13-episode
series will put questions about zoo animals to rest. Through its showcase of
the animals, each episode focuses on a different theme such as predators and
primates, to fill the young viewers in about all there is to know about
these animals. Different species of animals in the Singapore Zoological
Gardens will be explored, uncovering interesting information about specific
animals, and even endangered species."


---> 4. Singapore National Education contemplates Mitra's citizenship
Singapore National Education, an email newsletter with archives on the web,
is local boy Lee Kin Mun's musing on life in Singapore.  Always
contemplative yet tongue in cheek, read it and laugh!  His last issue
featured  mention of an orang utan, so I could slip this in...

*** Warning: this is strictly tongue in cheek ***
Singapore National Education Part 53 -- by mr brown
Week of 9 Nov 1998 to 14th Dec 1998
Legal Mumbo Jumbo:
Copyright 1998 Lee Kin Mun. All rights reserved.

For back issues and other rantings by mr brown
please go to the website Browntown,
at <http://www.mrbrown.com/>
To subscribe to our weekly list, email <mrbrown@...>
...
"I have also learned lately:
...
8. That Singapore's first international movie star is an Orang Utan, Mitra
who plays a butler in the hit movie, "Babe: Pig in the City". Next year, he
may be considered for the Top 20 in the Star Awards, and may even be offered
a singing contract that will rival the likes of Zoe Tay, Fann Wong and Ann
Kok.

I hear Jack Neo also wants him for his next project, "Monkey No Enough", a
tasteful movie about an Orang Utan who loses his banana and finds his
contact lenses.

Despite this big step for Singapore's movie industry, some Singaporeans are
asking the touchy question, namely: "Is the actor truly Singaporean, or just
a PR?" The Singapore Zoological Gardens declined comment. "
...

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-09: Tuesday, 26th January 1999
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For the period: Tue 19th Jan 99 - Fri 22nd Jan 99
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1. Fresh seabass to NTUC from St. John's Island [report]
2. 50 air surveillance flights by Johor in 1999 [report]

--- Kampung stories ---
3. One of our last kampungs still in existence [report]
4. Fraser's Hill village may be submerged by Selangor dam [article]

----- Forest & Wildlife Issues (M'sia) -----
5. Forest revenue for 1997 was RM352m [report]
6. Developed forests not replaced sufficiently [report]
7. Ministry: Research, Law and NGOs to protect wildlife [report]
8. Tiger mauls villager over wild boar [report]

----- Causeway Bridge contradictions -----
9.  Singapore: Inter-govt dialogue neccessary [report]
10. Facts about the causeway: traffic and water quality [report]
11. JB MB: No problem, project is 100% M'sian [report]
12. Malsysian press: A critique of the proposal [comment]
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] "Even fresher fish at FairPrice" by KOH BOON PIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin3_0122.html
Seabass reared at the reared off St John's Island by Seabass Farm,
the first deep-sea fish farm here get to supermarket shelves within
12 hours of being netted.

-----> [2] "Flights to monitor Johor waters"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [report]
JOHOR BARU -- The Johor state government will allocate RM200,000
(S$88,420) a year to the Department of Environment (DOE) for its air
surveillance of oil spills and ships disposing sludge illegally in
the state's waters. /Johor DOE Director Tengku Bakry Shah Tengku Johan
said air surveillance will begin next month and will cover a distance
of up to 12 nautical miles from the coast. /He said on Wednesday that
the department will conduct 50 such flights this year.
---Bernama [complete text]


---------------------------------------------------------------------
Kampung Stories
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----> [3] "A place and lifestyle trapped in time"
by ZUZANITA ZAKARIA
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 19th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/sin/sin16_0119.html
***link will expire by 12pm today
The kampung had about 40 houses in the 1960s, but there are only 28
houses left now. Surrounded by bungalows, a condo and a new HDB
estate, Kampong Lorong Buangkok may be the last one here

-----> [4] "Damming the flow of progress" by TAN CHENG LI
The Star Online: Tue 19th Jan 99 [article]
***link will expire by 12pm today
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/19lidam1.html
Kampung Pertak in Kuala Kubu Baru, Hulu Selangor, a centuries-old
village is being threatened by a dam to be built to contain the
waters of Sungai Selangor. Some 5km of this road the road which
winds from Kuala Kubu Baru to Fraser's Hill will also be inundated.
When completed by 2004, the RM1.4bil project to quench the thirst of
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur would have flooded 600ha of land.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Forest & Wildlife Issues
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----> [5] "Forest revenue for 1997 was RM352m"
The Star Online: Tue 19th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/19jqhutan.html
***link will expire by 12pm today
At state level, revenue is derived from royalties, premium, forest
development cess and others, and this revenue constitutes a considerable
proportion of the state's total income.

-----> [6] "Report: Pace of reserving forests wanes"
The Star Online: Tue 19th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/19jqfores.html
***link will expire by 12pm today
PFRs are classified for different uses: productive forests (for logging,
agriculture or industries); protective forests (to safeguard water and
soil); and amenity forests (for recreation, education, research and
conservation). All states had zero targets for replacement of PFR areas
which had been de-gazetted for development. According to the National
Forestry Act, states must replace de-gazetted PFRs with an approximately
equal area of land.

-----> [7] "Ministry steps up measures to protect wildlife"
The Star Online: Thu 21st Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/thursday/21wilder2.html
The Science, Technology and Environment Ministry has instructed
the Wildlife and National Parks Department to look into the possibility
of setting up a research and development unit to better protect wildlife
in the country, and may also call for the Wildlife Protection Act to be
amended, and work with groups such as non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) on issues related to wildlife protection.  "Some of these NGOs
have a better understanding of the issues regarding wildlife protection
in the country.

-----> [8] "Tiger mauls villager in vicious attack"
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 19th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/reg/mal4_0119.html
***link will expire by 12pm today
A villager tracking a wild boar was attacked by a tiger at a rubber
estate requiring 50 stitches on his head and hands.


---------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Johore Straits Bridge
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----> [9] "Bridge: 'govt to govt accord needed'" by WALTER FERNANDEZ
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin1_0122.html
Also, several other technical issues, such as the design specifications,
need to be agreed on before a Causeway replacement is built, says minister

-----> [10] "Current links can handle more vehicles"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin2_0122.html
Among the benefits of a bridge are better water flow and quality.
One idea to improve water circulation is to increase the number of
culverts under the Causeway. Environmentalists say to improve water
quality, treat or reduce the amount of polluted discharged.

-----> [11] "Why should it raise problems, asks MB"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/reg/mal3_0122.html
"Because this project is 100 per cent Malaysian, it only requires
continuation on our side of what is already existing on the Singapore
side."..."In fact, their side has already completed the latest design to
replace the Singapore Customs and Immigration Complex and the Causeway."

-----> [12] "Creating or repeating history?"by SHEN WEIMING
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [comment]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/reg/mal2_0122.html
A commentary in Malaysia's Chinese daily, the Nanyang Siang Pau, raised
questions about the proposed bridge to replace the Causeway. This is the
full text of the piece, published yesterday. --- "Does anyone really have
the interests of the people at heart? We only hope that the authorities are
not building the bridge just to collect toll charges, make an impression or
just for the sake of glory."

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-08: Friday, 22nd January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
Archives available: http://www.onelist.com/archives.cgi/habitatnews
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Newspaper archive links below only valid for the past 7 days

----- SPECIAL: New 1.5km Johor Straits Bridge? -----
1. Malaysia: Work on bridge begins next year
2. Singapore: No formal proposal received
3. Worries: S$880M cost higher than second link - tolls higher?
4. Happy over 10 lanes but higher toll charges than second link?
5. Bridge boost to Johor economy
6. Singapore: Govt to govt accord needed
7. Malaysia: SIngapore's agreement neccessary

----- SPECIAL: More on Japanese Encephalitis -----
8. Culex mosquito has to be controlled
9. Vaccine required for new strain
---------------------------------------------------------------------


-----> [0] Updated links
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 19th Jan 99 [letters]

"Golf not the only recreation option"
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/for/for9_0119.html

"Be more sensible about golf courses"
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/for/for10_0119.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------
----- SPECIAL: 1-7: New 1.5km Johor Straits Bridge? -----
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] "Work on bridge to Singapore begins next year
The Star Online: Sat 16th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/16j7way.html
Work on the bridge across the Tebrau Straits to replace the
Johor-Singapore Causeway is expected to begin by 2000.  The 1km bridge
would cost about RM1.5bil., would have 10 lanes for heavy vehicles,
cars, motorcycles and pedestrians, and is expected to be ready in 2003.

-----> [2] "No formal proposal for new bridge yet"
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 18th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/sin/sin2_0118.html
Singapore has not received any formal proposal from Malaysia for a new
bridge to replace the Causeway in Woodlands. But the Republic is open to
new ideas.

-----> [3] "Causeway bridge to cost $880m"
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 18th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/reg/mal3_0118.html
The new bridge is expected to be more expensive than the Second
Link (RM2 billion = S$880 million). Hence toll charges may be higher.

-----> [4] "KL paper raises questions about replacing Causeway"
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 19th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/reg/mal7_0119.html
Happy because of 10 wide traffic lanes but apprehensive since charges
will possibly be higher than that of the Second Link.

-----> [5] "New RM1.5bil bridge can boost Johor economy"
by M. KRISHNAMOORTHY
The Star Online: Thu 21st Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/thursday/21gateway.html
'The Southern International Gateway across the Tebrau Straits...'
'...will bring Johor Baru into the same league as other
international waterfront cities.."

-----> [6] "Bridge: 'govt to govt accord needed'" by WALTER FERNANDEZ
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [report]
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sin/sin1_0122.html
*** This link will change on Sat, 23rd Jan: 12pm when archived
A government-to-government agreement must be reached, and then many
planning, technical and economic issues have to be sorted out before
a bridge can be built

-----> [7] Singapore will have to be consulted
Newsradio 93.8: Fri 22nd Jan 99 [radio report]
Bernama news agency quoted Samy Vellu as saying that 'Both
countries would have to reach a mutual understanding before
the bridge project could be implemented.'


---------------------------------------------------------------------
----- SPECIAL: 8-9: More on Japanese Encephalitis -----
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [8] "Destroying infected pigs 'will not eliminate JE'"
by FABIAN LOUIS
The Star Online: Tue 19th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/19i4pigle.html
"The main problem here is the Culex mosquito and we have to look into
ways to get rid of mosquito breeding spots and take steps to protect the
animals from being infected by it. It is not the pigs that are spreading
the virus"

-----> [9] "Institute developing vaccine against Ipoh JE"
The Star Online: Thu 21st Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/thursday/21je20.html
There is a need to produce a vaccine for the new Japanese Encephalitis
(JE) virus strain for both animals and humans.

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-07: Wednesday, 20th January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
Check archives at: http://www.onelist.com/archives.cgi/habitatnews
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Newspaper archive links below only valid for the past 7 days

---- SPECIAL: Stolen animals, the wildlife trade and studbooks ----

1. Hero needs ten stitches for bite by tamarin he rescued [report]
2. Facts about the South American monkeys that escaped [report]
3. Zoo's OS revamped to prevent theft of small animals? [report]
4. Illegal animal traders may be behind animal thefts [report]

5. 11 gibbons abandoned or confiscated rehabilitated by Zoo [report]
6. 41 reports of trade in endangered animals in 1998 [report]
7. Rising number of private, exotic pets kept [report]

8. The Tapir Studbook and teh Zoo's other breeding efforts [report]
---------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL: Stolen animals, the wildlife trade and studbooks
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----> [1] "'Monkey hero' was bitten" by SOH CHUNG KIAT
The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 14th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/sin/sin27_0114.html
Lorry driver needed 10 stitches for bite on finger by Zino, the escaped
Golden Lion tamarin which he helped to catch.

-----> [2] "The adorable primates: Where they live and what they eat"
The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 17th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/hot/hot6_0117.html
Some facts about Golden Lion tamarins and Goeldi's marmosets

-----> [3] "Zoo to revamp security"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 15th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin5_0115.html
'The zoo will seek help from the Jurong BirdPark, to see how its
operating system could be revamped to prevent small animals from being
stolen.'

-----> [4] "Syndicates behind thefts?"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 15th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin4_0115.html
Illegal animal traders may be behind animal thefts here, said pet
stores; these people steal and then sell the animals abroad or to
individuals here.


-----> [5] "Zoo rehabilitating 11 gibbons" by CHONG CHEE KIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 15th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin1_0115.html
They were either left at the Zoo or confiscated from the people who kept
them as pets.  "For every one of these babies, the poachers had to kill
the entire family as the parents are very protective."

-----> [6] "Rise in reported cases of endangered animal trade"
by CHONG CHEE KIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 15th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin2_0115.html
The PPD probed 41 cases last year, 32 more than in 1997. The rise is due
to more people reporting the illegal trade.

-----> [7] "Animal crimes: other offenders"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 15th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin3_0115.html
The PPD is concerned with the rising number of private individuals who
keep exotic animals as pets.


-----> [8] "Need a mate for your tapir?" by TEE HUN CHING
The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 17th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/lif/life10_0117.html
The Singapore Zoo has built up a worldwide reputation in ensuring the
continued survival of animals.

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-06: Tuesday, 19th January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
Check archives at: http://www.onelist.com/archives.cgi/habitatnews
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Newspaper archive links below only valid for the past 7 days

1. SICC's claims to being eco-friendly questioned [letter]

----- SPECIAL: A new golf course at Kranji Reservoir -----
2. 18-hole, 55-ha golf course possible at Kranji [report]
3. Park at the same site would cater to more [letter]
4. Shelf golfcourse while citizens are tightening belts [comment]
5. Demands outstrip supply [comment]
6. "Why build another golf course" [letter]
7. "No need for another golf course" [letter]
8. "Golf not the only recreation option" [letter]
9. "Be more sensible about golf courses" [letter]
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] "How is SICC being eco-friendly? "
by ALAN OWYONG SIEW KWONG
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 13th Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/for/for8_0113.html
Large tracts of secondary forest cleared earlier purportedly for a
topographic survey, later admitted to make it more convenient for
members to tee off.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL: New golfcourse along the banks of Kranji Reservoir
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----> [2] "New golf course set for Kranji"
by TAY CHENG KHOON
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 13th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/spo/spo2_0113.html
'A new golf course may be developed along the banks of the Kranji
Reservoir. It is likely that the 18-hole course will be made part of
Safra Resort and Country Club, which now has a 27-hole course at East
Coast. It is expected to be on about 55 ha of land,  close to where
Warren Golf and Country Club is being re-sited, the southern-most tip of
the Kranji Reservoir.'

-----> [3] "Park preferred over golf course"
by SEETOW CHENG FAVE
The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 14th Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/for/for4_0114.html
"Would it not be better to develop the proposed site into a park so that
more people can enjoy the natural environment at little or no cost,
rather than cater to just a select group?"

-----> [4] "Shelf new golf course till good times return"
by TAN SAI SIONG
The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 16th Jan 99 [comment]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/cpe/cpe9_0116.html
"I have every confidence that our soldiers know the meaning and spirit
of sacrifice and will not dream of accepting a lavish booster when they
see so many of their fellow citizens having to tighten their belts,
lower their expectations, and make do with less, as cost and CPF cutting
measures bite deeper with every passing day."

-----> [5] "Demand for golf courses outstrips limited supply"
by TAY CHENG KHOON
The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 17th Jan 99 [comment]
* Map of existing and proposed golf courses available in print edition
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/spo/spo11_0117.html
'...there is one golf course per 30 square kilometres in Singapore but
the supply still cannot meet the demand [since] there are an estimated
59,000 golfers in Singapore, but the equivalent of 22 18-hole golf
courses here provides facilities for only 33,000 golfers. To play on a
Saturday afternoon [at Safra resort] one has to book eight days in
advance.'

-----> [6] "Why build another golf course when there are many in Johor?"
by YAP KIM HAO
The Straits Times Interactive: Mon 18th Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/for/for6_0118.html
"Golf courses take up large tracts of valuable land which Singapore can
ill-afford. More responsible use of land is expected by the public at
large."

-----> [7] "No need for another golf course" by GEH MIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Mon 18th Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/for/for7_0118.html
Reasons against a golf course, even if the economy improves.

-----> [8] "Golf not the only recreation option" by SEETOW CHENG FAVE
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 18th Jan 99 [letter]
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/for/for9_0119.html
Note: Link will change tomorrow (Wed, 12pm) when archived
"Why are we so certain that catering to the needs of owners of private
memberships is the only option?"

-----> [9] "Be more sensible about golf courses" by CHIA YONG SOONG
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 18th Jan 99 [letter]
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/for/for10_0119.html
Note: Link will change tomorrow (Wed, 12pm) when archived
"The demand for more courses will be a perennial one. The supply
should be made based on a more disciplined and sensible approach."
---------------------------------------------------------------------

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-05: Tuesday, 19th January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
Check archives at: http://www.onelist.com/archives.cgi/habitatnews
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Newspaper archive links below only valid for the past 7 days

1. Pangolin roadkill on Adam road/Specimen collection by museum
2. Masked Finfoot (rare bird) sighted in Sg. Buloh last week

3. Long-term water deal with Jakarta considered [report]
4. Review of the year that was in fishing [article]
5. La Nina threat over; remote sensing plans expedited [report]
6. Haw Par has total ownership of Underwater World [report]
7. Rat problem at KLIA linked to former habitat [report]

8. Rooftop hydroponics answer to costly vegetables [report]
9. Lost fish returned, but were they ever gone? [report]
10. A day's white water rafting in Sungai Lipis [article]
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] Dead Pangolin sighted: Adam Road, Wed 13 Jan 99: 7.30am
"Saw a pangolin dead on the west side Adam Road (lower slip road)
on the way to school this morning (7:20 am, 13 Jan. 1999) just
before the new flyover ends going north.  Near the BP station.
[I. e. Adam road between BP Station and Arcadia Road].

Much blood--obviously hit by a vehicle. Could not stop because
of time and heavy traffic. Could you please pass this info on
to those keeping mammal data." --- R. Frazier, via email.

COMMENT: The Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanica), is a toothless,
scale-covered, insect eating mammal, also known as the Scaly Anteater
(Family Pholidota). It is an uncommon mammal found in the Central
Catchment and elsewhere in scrubland.  Termites are part of its diet,
and it has strong claws which can dig into the hardened mounds.

I attempted to recover the body for the Raffles Museum but
was there too late (about 10am); ENV cleaners had already been
there. If you do see roadkills, please call the Raffles Museum
(874-2876; leave your name and contact number for Siva) and we will
try to recover the body, or at least the skull for preservation in
the museum.  This sort of data is invaluable.

You have to be quick in calling us in the morning, for ENV cleaners
are active between 6am and 1pm.  We will inform ENV of our specific
interest for we have similarly missed the recovery of a Sea Cow
(dugong) from Changi Beach.

When you do make your roadkill report, please ensure it is not a
cat, dog or rat! And most importantly, keep your eyes on the road -
it is more important that you complete your journey safely than to
spot roadkills.


-----> [2] Masked Finfoot in Sungei Buloh Nature Park
The Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personata) is one of three species of
birds in the Family Heliornithidae.  Each member of this family is
found in a different continent -  the others are the African Finfoot
and the South American Sun Grebe. A shy aquatic bird with a long neck
and tapered bill, it may appear to be a cross between a duck and a
rail.  Characteristically (though not diagnostically), it is partly
submerged when swimming.

Found in the lowlands of South Asia in East India, across to Burma,
Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaya, it does not appear to exhibit
a clear migratory pattern as do the waders, but apparently winters
(= ranges but does not breed?) south to Sumatra and Java.   Birders
here keen on spotting this rare, solitary animal usually travel to
Taman Negara, where there is a better chance of seeing it.

The Masked Finfoot first spotted last week by park staff at the
Sungei Buloh Nature Park was thus a rare sight, perhaps only the
second time the species has been seen in Singapore.  It has apparently
not been seen since last week, but a visit to the park might provide
the humble offering of Smooth Otters instead!  Anyway, its presence
has been documented on video, and it will remain a good omen for the
New Year, no doubt.  I, for one, will confess to having seen it in
the mid-90's only at Taiping Zoo! [Thanks to Alvin Wong & Kelvin Lim]


-----> [3] "Water deal with Jakarta is possible, says Philip Yeo"
by SUSAN SIM
The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 16th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/one1/one1.html
"One hundred years. We don't want any short-term arrangement, unlike for
gas, which we can always buy anywhere. So we will definitely buy water
from Indonesia," he said.


-----> [4] "A mixed kettle of fish" by ANTHONY GEOFFREY
The Star Online: Sat 16th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/16fishjan.html
A review the strange year that was in fishing, what with the naughty
girl and boy child La Nina and El Nino playing games in our waters. Also
discusses pond fishing, river fishing, reintroductions.


-----> [5] "La Nina to have little impact on weather"
by JACQUELINE ANN SURIN
The Star Online: Thu 14th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/thursday/14jqnina1.html
'The phenomenon which was earlier expected to cause wetter than normal
conditions in the region was no longer "a threat." Meanwhile, the
tendering of equipment for the Malaysian Centre for Remote Sensing
(Macres)'s ground receiving station in Temerloh, Pahang was expedited.'


-----> [6] "Haw Par has full control of Underwater World"
by COLIN TAN
The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 16th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/biz/sinb8_0116.html
Haw Par Leisure topped up its 1995's 54.31 per cent stake in UWI by
yesterday's acquisition of South River Development, as well as a 20 per
cent interest in Mundo Submarino in Barcelona.


-----> [7] "It's war on rats at KL's new airport"
The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 16th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/reg/mal3_0116.html
"The airport is sited on a former oil-palm plantation, a favourite rat
habitat, and a snake population which used to feed on the rodents was
wiped out during the construction of the complex, compounding the
problem.


-----> [8] "Top solution to high price of vegetables"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 15th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/reg/mal10_0115.html
As the price of vegetables soared, a teacher in Seremban planted his own
hydroponic patch containing kangkung, kailan, spinach, tomatoes and
chillies --- on the rooftop of the porch of his double-storey house!


-----> [9] "School's 'lost' fishes back in pond"
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 13th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/sin/sin23_0113.html
Were the ornamental fish, worth more than $2,500, ever missing?


-----> [10] "Row, row, row your raft" by LIZ PRICE
The Star Online: Sat 16th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/16raftpa.html
An account of a day's white water rafting in Sungai Lipis, Pahang.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-04: Wednesday, 13th January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Fri 8th Jan 99 (part) - Tue 12th Jan 99
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
Archives are available at www.onelist.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Newspaper archive links below only valid for the past 7 days

1. Letter - Mindef looking into preserving hot spring
2. Report - Effect of Chinatown floods on business
3. Report - Malaysian flood damage control: current and future plans
4. Report - Malaysia to monitor protected areas by satellite
5. Report - Illegal waste dumping issue
6. Report - Greenpeace protest against ship reaches Singapore
7. Report - Catcus display at Terminal 1
8. Article - Recent bloom of Rafflesia inspires this article
9. Report - WWF-Malaysia's plans to save endangered species
10. Article - Prospects in homeopathy

----- SPECIAL: 10 - 12: Theft and recovery of zoo monkeys -----
11. Report - Rare monkeys stolen from the Singapore Zoo
12. Report - Anonymous call leads to recovery of one animal
13. Report - Remaining monkeys recovered
14. Report - Police and zoo looking for culprits

-----SPECIAL 15 - 16: WWF India: Tiger conservation -----
15. Article - Are tigers running out of their natural prey?
16. Article - Use the symbolism of the link between tigers and forest

-----SPECIAL 17 - 20: Encephalitis problem in Malaysia -----
17. Report - Negri Sembilan banns movement of pigs
18. Report - Illegal transfer transfer of pigs from Ipoh
19. Report - 95% protection only after third dose of vaccine
20. Report - Negri and last Oct's Ipoh outbreak possibly linked
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] "Future of hot spring in air base" by GOH CHEE KONG
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 12th Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/for/for5_0112.html
Mindef is looking to accommodate its preservation'

-----> [2] "Businesses affected by Chinatown floods" by GINNIE TEO
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 8th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin1_0108.html
Shopkeepers say their takings plummet and goods get damaged when the
area floods, due to low-lying roads. * Follow link to "WET, WET, WET: It
doesn't rain, it pours"

-----> [3] "Annual floods leaving a trail of futile deaths"
by RASHIDAH ABD GHANI
The Star Online: Tue 12th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/12banjir1.html
Current and furture plans to minimise flood damage in Malaysia

-----> [4] "Protected areas to be monitored by satellite"
The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 9th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/reg/mal13_0109.html
Malaysia will use satellites to monitor all environmentally-sensitive
and protected areas in the country.

-----> [5] "No report on illegal waste dumping, says ENV"
The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 10th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/sin/sin24_0110.html
Singapore has received no report from the Malaysian authorities about
its lorries dumping toxic waste illegally in Malaysia, the Environment
Ministry (ENV) said yesterday in a statement

-----> [6] "Green activists stage ship protest"
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 12th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/sin/sin21_0112.html
Two Greenpeace activists boarded a ship owned by P & O Nedlloyd and
unfurled a banner protesting what it called "toxic trade". Similar
protests in Rotterdam, Barcelona, Sydney and Auckland have been held
against the ship, Encounter Bay, since last November

-----> [7] "Not catcus country, it's a rooftop pleaser"
The Straits Times Interactive: Mon 11th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/sin/sin19_0111.html
A facility at Changi Airport Terminal 1: an open-air, rooftop cactus
garden.

-----> [8] "Sighting the rare Rafflesia" by Kee Hua Chee
The Star Online: Sat 9th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/09raffles.html
The writer drops everything to rush to Equatorial Cameron Highlands as
some Rafflesia blooms were discovered - it takes nearly two years from
bud to bloom yet lasts only three to five days.

-----> [9] "WWF comes up with plans to save endangered species" by
IZATUN HANIM SHARI
New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad: Mon 11th Jan 99
[report/partial]
Hosted by The Tiger Information centre
http://www.5tigers.org/news/1999/january/99_1_11w1.htm
Plans by WWF-Malaysia to protect turtles, tigers and orang utan and
their habitats.

-----> [10] "Homeopathy offers an alternative" by SIMRIT KAUR
The Star Online: Sun 10th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/education/10ossara.html
Homeopathy is booming and many are keen to take it up for personal use
or to practise professionally.  This article covers the career and
education opportunities available in this increasingly popular field of
alternative medicine.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL: Theft and recovery of four monkeys from the Zoo
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----> [11] "Protected animals stolen from zoo"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 8th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/sin/sin9_0109.html
The two Golden Lion Tamarins and two Goeldi's Marmosets were stolen
sometime between 6 pm on Monday, when the zoo closed for the day, and
opening time on Tuesday, at 8 am.

-----> [12] "Mystery of the missing monkeys" by CHONG CHEE KIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 10th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/sin/sin7_0110.html
An anonymous phone call has led to the recovery of one of four primates
missing from the zoo since Tuesday

-----> [13] "Merry chase for monkey" by CHONG CHEE KIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Mon 11th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/sin/sin2_0111.html
The last of the zoo's four missing monkeys made a spectacular escape bid
yesterday - by leaping down 10 storeys to a tree from its high perch.

-----> [14] "Police and zoo look for monkey thieves" by CHONG CHEE KIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 12th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/sin/sin6_0112.html
Past and present staff are being queried on how four prized monkeys, now
found after tip-offs, were stolen.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL: Lessons from the Indian Tiger Conservation Programme
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----> [15] "Starving the big cats" by USHA RAI
The Star Online: Tue 12th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/12rimau1.html
A new threat to Indian tigers is emerging - the slow depletion of their
prey base means that the sambar, barasingha, cheetal, wild boar, and
young gaur are in short supply, so tigers are forced to kill and eat
what is in abundance - cattle.

-----> [16] "Saving ourselves along with the tiger" by M.K. RANJITSINH
The Star Online: Tue 12th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/12rimau2.html
The loss of tiger habitats has significant implications for millions of
people on the Indian sub-continent, even though they may not realise it.
But a symbolic link between tigers and the forests where they live may
be a tool conservationists can use.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL: Japanese B Encephalitis outbreak in Negri Sembilan
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What is Japanese Encephalitis? See:
http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/jpenceph.html

-----> [17] "Negri slaps freeze on pig farm "
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 8th Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/reg/mal2_0108.html
The Negri Sembilan government, acting to prevent the spread of the
Japanese B Encephalitis (JE) disease, has banned the movement of pigs
out of the affected farm at Kampung Wong Seng Chow in Sikamat.

-----> [18] "Pigs illegally moved from Perak to Negri, says Isa"
The Star Online: Fri 8th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/friday/08sbnhara.html
Illegal transfer of pigs from farms in Perak to Negri Sembilan occurred
a month after an outbreak of Japanese B Encephalitis (JE) was reported
in Ipoh in October.

-----> [19] "Vaccination no guarantee"
The Star Online: Fri 8th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/friday/08hzvacci.html
Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said it would take 30 days after the
second dose before the vaccine gives a person "77% protection" and "95%
protection" after the third dose.

-----> [20] "JE in Negri 'may be due to Perak pigs'" by JESSY & MUSTAFA
The Star Online: Sat 9th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/09i2pigs.html
The outbreak of Japanese B Encephalitis (JE) in Negri Sembilan could
have been caused by the transfer of pigs from Perak to the state after
the outbreak was reported here in October.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-03: Monday, 11th January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Thu 7th Jan 99 - Fri 8th Jan 99
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
Archives are available at www.onelist.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Newspaper archive links below are valid for the past 7-days only

1. TV - Go Green TODAY, LAST EPISODE
2. Report - Featuring Mdm Low of Botanic Gardens
3. Report - One effect of monsoon: vegetable prices rise
4. Report - Design contest to minimise hillslope damage
5. Letter - Response to suggestion about role of eco-tourism
6. Letter - Our hot spring - at least preserve it within the new airbase

Academic talks in NUS:
7. Wed 13 Jan 99 - Plant Geography of China & Bryophyte Distribution
8. Thu 14 Jan 99 - Exploring the Earth's Biodiversity: The Unfinished Agenda
---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----> [1] Go Green TODAY, Monday 11th Jan 99: TCS 5: 7.30pm
Featuring the vertebrate wonders of Pulau Ubin, including the Jungle Fowl,
Hornbill, Wild Boar, Passion fruit, and perhaps some stories of old - the
elephants, tiger etc. This entire last episide is devoted to Pulau Ubin.

-----> [2] "Nuturing a passion for plants" by CHEN HUIFEN
The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 7th Jan 99 [report]
<http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/sin/sin24_0107.html>
>From tending onions in milk tins to preparing agar-agar for orchids every day,
caring for plants is a lifelong affair for Madam Low Neok Chein, a research
officer at the Botanic Gardens.
*Follow links to: i) How orchid hybrids are developed and ii) Tips for
orchid-growers

-----> [3] "Prices of leafy greens going up" By KARAMJIT KAUR
The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 7th Jan 99 [report]
<http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/sin/sin28_0107.html>
Some vegetables cost almost two times in wet markets now. The fall in supply
from Malaysia, due to the rains, explains the shortage.

-----> [4] "In search of best design for hillslope houses"
The Star Online: Thu 7th Jan 99 [report]
<http://www.thestar.com.my/thursday/07fpleren.html>
The Malysian cabinet at its weekly meeting agreed to the competition mooted
by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad to prove that hillslope
development could be implemented without sacrificing the natural
surroundings.

-----> [5] "Caring for nature helps stem abuse" by JENNIFER NG
The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 7th Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/for/for9_0107.html
NPARKS response to Gan Yung Chyan's letter which suggested that eco-tourism
can stop nature abuse (1 Jan 99).

-----> [6] "Try to preserve hot spring" by ADRIAN KWONG SZE KEN
The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 7th Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/for/for7_0107.html
'While the public will no longer have access to the area, perhaps future
generations of Singaporeans may find some consolation in knowing that their
modern city-state possesses such a feature, however inaccessible it may be.'

-----> [7] Academic slide talk: Wed 13 Jan 99: 10am
"Forests and Plant Geography of China: Evidence from Bryophyte Distribution"
by PROF TIMO KOPONEN
Department of Ecology and Systematics, University of Helsinki, FINLAND
Wednesday, 13 Jan 99: 10am; NUS Biology Conference Room at Block S3, Level
5.

-----> [8] Academic slide talk: Thu 14 Jan 99: 3pm
"Exploring the Earth's Biodiversity: The Unfinished Agenda
by DR INDRANEIL DAS,
Institute of Biodiversity & Environmental Conservation,
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
Thursday,  14 January 1999: 3pm; NUS Biology Conference Room at Block S3,
Level 5.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-02: Friday, 8th January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Sun 3rd Jan 99- Wed 6th Jan 98
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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  1. Report - The wet month of December
  2. Letter - ENV response about flooding of Chinatown
  3. Report - Floods in Malaysian east coast states
  4. Report - Flood reports from Malaysia
  5. Report - Mandai's seven malaria cases were infected by vector
  6. Report - DOE studies on land around KL Int'l airport

----- SPECIAL: 7-11: Agricultural issues in Malaysia -----
  7. Article - The causes and solutions of rice scarcity
  8. Article - On the possiblity of fish scarcity
  9. Article - 'Create Malaysia's own brand of fish products?'
10. Article - Organic labelling
11. Article - Regulating the organic movement

----- SPECIAL: 12-14: Malaysia's interest in the Antarctic -----
12. Article - Why Malaysia is interested in a cold and stark place
13. Article - An account of a recent trip there
14. Article - Research interests of the supporting Kiwi team
---------------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] "Month of December was wetter than usual"
The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 3rd Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/sin/sin11_0103.html
This was caused by rapidly falling sea surface temperatures in the
tropical central and eastern Pacific; with nightime temperatures as low
as 22 degrees Celsius.

----->  [2] "Why some Chinatown areas are flood prone" by MICHELLE TAN
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/for/for6_0106.html
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 6th Jan 99 [letter]

----->  [3] "Flooded out"
The Star Online: Sun 3rd Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/sunday/03flooded.html
East coast States affected by the monsoon: 1,600 evacuated in three
states; 26 schools closed

----->  [4] New Year Flood Havoc
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [reports]
http://www.thestar.com.my/monday/news.html#NewYearFloodHavoc
The flood situation in most states improved but some schools remaining
closed and many roads being inaccessible to traffic; Pahang was the
worse affected; All low-lying villages in Johor that are prone to
flooding will be re-sited; floods subsiding; E-W H'way now open; etc.

----->  [5] "7 malaria cases in Mandai area"
The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 3rd Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/sin/sin12_0103.html
The source of the outbreak has been traced to a foreign worker who was
infected in his home country, said an Environment Ministry statement
yesterday.

----->  [6] "Land around KL airport 'high risk'"
The Star Online: Sun 3rd Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/reg/mal4_0103.html
The 11,000-ha Paya Indah Wetlands in Kuala Langat and Serendah in Ulu
Yam will also be studied by the Department of Environment.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL: [7] - [11]  The food security of Malaysia and Organic issues
---------------------------------------------------------------------
----->  [7] A growing concern by SEE YEE AI
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/05eipadi1.html
'An increasingly rare breed: the Malaysian padi farmer. More and more
farmers are opting out of planting rice, even as population and demand
grows. Where does that leave us? Increasingly dependent on buying rice,
the very basis of our lives. Even fish, once known as the poor man's
protein, is becoming increasingly scarce. See Yee Ai looks at an
increasingly important issue: food security.'

----->  [8] A fishy business by SEE YEE AI
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/05eifish.html
'By all accounts, fish could very well become a luxury food in the near
future, a reversal of the perception a couple of decades ago when fish
was considered the poor man's protein.'

----->  [9] "Hooked on marketing the fishing industry"
by Prof. GEORGE K. CHACKO
The Star Online: Sun 3rd Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/sunday/03rnent.html
'Recent headlines called for a ban on Malaysian fish exports in order to
improve the quality of fish for local consumption. The problem is not so
much that the Malaysian catch is small or scrawny, but that most of the
excellent fish caught never makes it to Malaysian homes.'

----->  [10] "Organic labelling" by S. S. YOGA
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/05organ1.html
While padi policies are being questioned, another sector in agriculture
also urgently needs policies as well as standards imposed.

----->  [11] "Regulating the organic movement"
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/05yyorgan.html


---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL: Articles [12] - [14]  Malaysia's interest in the Antarctic
---------------------------------------------------------------------
----->  [12] "Cold science" by S. S. YOGA
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/monday/04yyice2.html
This view of Antarctica's harsh environment could soon become a
real-life experience to Malaysian scientists once their Antarctic
research programme gets off the ground. Now, what interest could a
Malaysian scientist have in the world's coldest, driest spot?

----->  [13] "Ice-capades" by S. S. YOGA
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/monday/04yyice1.html
An account of a recent trip by Dr Azizan Abu Samah, head of Universiti
Malaya's (UM) Geographical Department and well-known atmospheric
scientist with UM's Air Pollution Research Unit. He could, for all
practical purposes, be the "first (active) Malaysian scientist to set
foot on Antarctica."

----->  [14] "Kiwi labours" by S. S. YOGA
The Star Online: Mon 4th Jan 99 [article]
http://www.thestar.com.my/monday/04yyice3.html
The ozone hole, hibernating mosses, anti-freeze and anti-cancer
properties and other Kiwi research in the Antarctic.

Happy New Year everyone!
This is late, unfortunately, due to server problems!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 99-01: Monday, 4th January 1999
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Wed 30th Dec 98- Sat 2nd Jan 98
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
To subscribe, email: habitatnews-subscribe@onelist.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Newspaper archive links will expire; valid for past 7-days only

1. Sg Buloh NP: Purple Herons nesting and otters return again!
2. Dead birds wanted.
3. TV - Go Green TODAY
4. Report - 5,020 Dengue cases as of 12 Dec 98
5. Report - Index of 'green' news, 1998
6. Report - SEC persuades companies to go green
7. Letter - Possible cause and solution to recent floods
8. Report - Flood situation in Johor
9. Report - JC students to give talks on environment
10. Report - Petting Zoo sabotaged
11. Letter - Ecotourism can stop abuse of nature
12. Letter - Teach right values to prevent cruelty to animals
13. Report - Stolen Kek Lok Si Temple tortoises can't be sold
----------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] Purple Herons and Otters in Sg Buloh Nature Park
Make your way along ROUTE 2 in Sungei Buloh Nature Park (SBNP), and you will
hear the noisy Purple Herons long before you see them.  Approaching the
heronry, you will see some of these large birds swoop in holding twigs in
their beaks, for many are building nests right now.  Nesting on a
mini-island across a narrow channel, you will spot a Grey Heron or two
amongst the Purple Herons.  They can all be easily seen for these are the
amongst the largest birds in the park, and their nests are perched on the
tree tops.  It is certainly a restful sight, so make your way there soon.

Recent reports have also pointed to the presence of a pair of otters,
probably Smooth Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata).  These larger than the
Small-clawed Otter that you see in the zoo, and there have been numerous
reports since late November about their presence. If you are lucky, you
might spot the pair.  Leave a note in the Visitor's Log Book if you do. They
have been observed mainly in the western part of the park, around the
freshwater ponds and the mangrove arboretum. Happy otter-ing!

It's also a good time to see the migratory waders feeding at the mudflats
and ponds.  Check the newspapers for the times of high tide, when these
birds are forced to abandon the flooded mudflats and move inshore, into the
ponds at SBNP. Bring an umbrella for it is almost always drizzling.
Umbrellas and binoculars are available for rent at the park.


----->  [2] Dead birds can be used in research project
Wang Luan Keng with Sievert Rohwer (University of Washington) are conducting
research on "Phylogeography of birds in South-east Asia".  Luan Keng is able
to extract samples for DNS analysis from dead birds, so if you see any dead
birds, don't let that carcass go to waste; please email
wanglk@...

----->  [3] Go Green TODAY, Monday 4th Jan 99: TCS 5: 7.30pm
1. Wildlife flourish amidst the develpoment on P. Bukom and P. Semakau
2. Featuring a machine that cleans ventilator shafts in buildings;
?probably related to the Sick Building Syndrome.
3. How living and working spaces can be made more environmentally conducive.
[submitted by Alvin Wong]

----->  [4] "How the year hit me" by JANICE TAY
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 30th Dec 98 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/sin/sin17_1230.html
Mother, brother and sister all hit by dengue: The Nahs are among the 5,020
cases that have been reported as of Dec 12, compared to the 4,212 cases last
year.

----->  [5] "The Green Index"
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 30th Dec 98 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/sin/sin18_1230.html
Summary of 'Green' headlines for 1998

----->  [6] "Best time now to persuade companies to go green"
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 30th Dec 98 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/sin/sin19_1230.html
The Singapore Environment Council believes that an economic crisis is the
best time to persuade companies to go green.

----->  [7] "Enforce greening to cut flooding" by WONG YEW KWAN
The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 30th Dec 98 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/for/for1_1230.html
'Could it be that in some heavily concreted areas, surface run-off,
resulting from heavy rainstorms, has far exceeded the discharge capacities
of our drains and canals?'

----->  [8] "Heavy rain forecast for east coast" [of Malaysia]
The Star Online: Fri 1st Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/friday/01ktbanji.html

----->  [9] "Teens to take green message to primary schools"
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 1st Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin6_0101.html
Keith Tan (NYJC) and Vinothini Apok (RJC) spurred to give talks on
conservation and the environment to primary school children after attending
United Nations environment programmes.

----->  [10] "Vandals strike at petting zoo" by CHONG CHEE KIN
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 1st Jan 99 [report]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin22_0101.html

----->  [11] "Eco-tourism can stop nature abuse here" by GAN YUNG CHYAN
The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 1st Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/for/for3_0101.html

----->  [12] "Teach right values to stop cruelty against animals" By TAN SAI
SIONG
The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 2nd Jan 99 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/cpe/cpe3_0102.html

----->  [13] "Little foreign interest in stolen tortoises"
The Star Online: Fri 1st Jan 99 [report]
http://www.thestar.com.my/friday/01ccwwf1.html
Restaurateurs in China and Taiwan will not buy the estimated 250 tortoises
stolen from Kek Lok Si Temple's Liberation Pond because the reptiles are of
poor quality.

Happy New Year everyone!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 98-10: Thu 31st Dec 1998
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Wed 23rd Dec 98- Tue 29th Dec 98
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
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---------------------------------------------------------------------
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1. SLIDE TALK- Tales from Buloh mangroves
2. Report - SPROUTS' Green Bazaar
3. Report - Tiger attack in Kelantan
4. Report - Kelantan tiger - Bomoh to help out
5. Article - Children torturing cats
6. Letter - About the cat torturers
7. Letter - About the cat torturers
8. Article - Airbase takes over hot spring
9 Articles - Genetic engineering examined
10. Articles - Natural disasters examined
11. Articles - Poverty of the Orang Asli examined
----------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] Tales from the mangroves: Sat 2nd Jan 99 [slidetalk]
The NUS Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research
Public Lecture Series, No. 3
"Stories from Sungei Buloh you never knew" by N.Sivasothi
Held in conjunction with the Sungei Buloh Nature Park

Sungei Buloh Nature Park Theatrette
Saturday 2 Jan 1999: 3 - 4 pm
All are welcome

Content: [Might vary slightly]
1. Waders: the WWII Japanese invasion of Singapore began here!
2. From sea to land and vice-versa: the amazing mudskipper.
3. The life and death struggle of the tree-climbing crabs.
4. Danger in the water - how a snail's deformation alerted scientists to
a potential problem
5. Can eat or not? How to survive if you are stranded on a mangrove
island.
6. Did and would the otter ever come back to Sungei Buloh?

----->  [2] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 25th Dec 98 [report]
"Green group helps NParks" by Anonymous
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin15_1225.html
Report on SPROUTS' Green Bazaar

----->  [3] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 25th Dec 98 [report]
"Boy, 10, attacked by tiger in Kelantan" by Anonymous
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/reg/mal11_1225.html
A farmer risks his life in a face-to-face encounter with the tiger in
Kelantan.

----->  [4] The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 27th Dec 98 [report]
"Bomoh may help settlers catch tiger" by Anonymous.
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/reg/mal9_1227.html

----->  [5] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 25th Dec 98 [article]
"Their curiosity killed the cats" by SHARON VASOO
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/sin/sin8_1227.html
Three cases of children killing cats occurred in the last 12 months. The
SPCA thinks the culprits, aged between six and nine, should be
counselled.

----->  [6] The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 29th Dec 98 [letter]
"Reprimand children who torture animals" by SEBASTIAN TAN
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/for/for3_1229.html

----->  [7] The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 29th Dec 98 [letter]
"Education can help stop cruelty to stray cats" by MIKE LOW
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/for/for4_1229.html

----->  [8] The Straits Times Interactive: Mon 28th Dec 98 [article]
"S'pore's only hot spring to vanish soon" by DOMINIC NATHAN
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/sin/sin1_1228.html
Expansion of Sembawang Air Base to occupy site. Prof Edmund Waller is
trying to ask the authorities to preserve this last known hot spring in
Jln Ulu Sembawang. Most of the farmland there has already been cleared
for development.

----->  [9] The Star Online: Tue 29th Dec 98 [article]
"Playing with the building blocks of life" By SIRA HABIBU
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/29sigene.html
The issue of genetic engineering is examined, a cutting-edge field of
research that tampers with DNA and genes, the very foundation of life,
and that is second only to habitat loss in threatening biodiversity.

----->  [10] The Star Online: Mon 28th Dec 98 [articles]
"In the face of natural disasters" by LOH FOON FONG
http://www.thestar.com.my/monday/28ffrain.html
Wild weather, earth tremors, floods and fires ... natural and man-made
calamities appear to be escalating across the globe. Even in relatively
peaceful Malaysia, no one can predict when disaster will strike. The
measures being taken by the various authorities to brace for the worst
is examined.

"The satellite way of monitoring catastrophe" by LOH FOON FONG
http://www.thestar.com.my/monday/28ffmacre.html
Malaysia may not suffer from typhoons or earthquakes, but they have
their share of disasters--floods, landslides, forest fires. The
Malaysian Centre For Remote Sensing, which began operations in 1990, has
been using space remote sensing and related technologies to monitor
these disasters as part of the country's environmental and natural
resources management.

----->  [11] The Star Online: Sun 27th Dec 98 [articles]
"Breaking vicious chain of poverty" by WONG LI ZA
http://www.thestar.com.my/sunday/27wzcini.html
Although the orang aslis are natives in Malaysia, it is common knowledge
that they have been sidelined from the country's rapid flow of
development. Caught in the web of poverty, many of them live in
deplorable conditions despite continous development efforts implemented
by the relevant authorities. However, a local NGO dedicated to community
development may have found a more feasible method to break the chain of
poverty.

"Starting with a team of four" By WONG LI ZA
http://www.thestar.com.my/sunday/27wzcini1.html

"Enhancing development among the Jakuns" By WONG LI ZA
http://www.thestar.com.my/sunday/27wzcini2.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 98-9: Wed 23rd Dec 1998
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Sunday 20th Dec 98 -  Tue 23rd Dec 98
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
News to share with the list? Email habitatnews-owner@onelist.com
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1. Nature Walk - THIS SUNDAY: Introduction to mangroves
2. Slide talk - Tales from Buloh mangroves
3. Articles - 1998 Malaysian environment review
4. Report - Fish kill in Johore - toxic dumping?
5. Letter - Why daily trash collection is still neccessary
6. Report - Perak worm farm
7. Report - Sentosa marina development
8. Report - Mentions Underwater World intent to bring in dolphins
----------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] Relak at Sg Buloh: Sun 27th Dec 98 [naturewalk]
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon nature walk at Sungei Buloh Nature Park (SBNP)
with N. Sivasothi, Alvin Wong and friends. Meet at the SBNP Visitor
Centre at 3pm, rain or shine.  Bus no 925 from Kranji MRT goes right to
the park entrance. Suitable for beginners, and parents with kids, you
will be introduced to some interesting stories about the plant and
animal life there.

We will take a slow walk around the park, starting with the hides around
the ponds to look at the migratory waders which arrive in great numbers
this time of the year. As the tide rises, we will head to the mangrove
boardwalk and look for tree-climbing crabs, mudskippers, archer fish,
monitor lizards.

You should be able to recognise at least five different species of
plants, crabs/snails and birds by the end of the walk.  Bring along a
notebook and pen, a hat, water and a snack.  But be prepared for rain!
All welcome.


----->  [2] Tales from the mangroves: Sat 2nd Jan 99 [slidetalk]
The NUS Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research
Public Lecture Series, No. 3
"Stories from Sungei Buloh you never knew" by N. Sivasothi
Held in conjunction with the Sungei Buloh Nature Park

Sungei Buloh Nature Park Theatrette
Saturday 2 Jan 1999: 3 - 4 pm
All welcome

Content: [Might vary slightly]
1. Waders: the WWII Japanese invasion of Singapore began here!
2. From sea to land and vice-versa: the amazing mudskipper.
3. The life and death struggle of the tree-climbing crabs.
4. Danger in the water - how a snail's deformation alerted scientists to a
potential problem
5. Can eat or not? How to survive if you are stranded on a mangrove island.
6. Did and would the otter ever come back to Sungei Buloh?


----->  [3] The Star Online: Tue 22nd Dec 98 [review articles]
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/features.html
Several articles featured, including a review of the Malaysian
environment year: Bakun, Belum, drought, soil erosion, interviews, etc.
Also some international issues including the collapsing Patagonian
fishery.

----->  [4] The Straits Times Interactive: Sun 20th Dec 98 [report]
"Was this fish killed by dumped toxic waste?" by ANONYMOUS
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/reg/mal3_1220.html
Farm owners believe thousands of fish, some destined for restaurants in
Malaysia and Singapore, died from pollution from a dump site 1 km away.

----->  [5] The Straits Times Interactive: Mon 21st Dec 98 [letter]
"Equip sinks with disposal units" by DENIS DISTANT
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/for/for4_1221.html
Rotting food in our trash so it has to be collected daily.

----->  [6] The Straits Times Interactive: Mon 21st Dec 98 [report]
Worms good for earth, says farmer by ANONYMOUS
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/reg/mal8_1221.html
About a Perak earthworm farm

----->  [7] The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 22nd Dec 98 [report]
"A new marina at Sentosa next year" By EVELYN YAP
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/sin/sin4_1222.html
Sited on the eastern side of Sentosa Cove, it will be able to berth over
200 yachts. Those from Europe can use it as a convenient place to stop
by.

----->  [8] The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 22nd Dec 98 [report]
"Other new developments on the isle" by ANONYMOUS
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/sin/sin5_1222.html
Includes: Underwater World plans to bring in dolphins

----------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 98-8A: Wed 23rd Dec 1998 (Addendum)
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Tuesday 15th Dec 98 -  Sat 19th Dec 98
----------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
News to share with the list? Email habitatnews-owner@onelist.com
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Newspaper archive links will expire; valid for past 7-days only
----------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [9] The Straits Times: Sat 19th Dec 98 [report]
"Nature areas will still be preserved" by JENNIFER NG
Website has technical error, so there is no archive for Saturday.
Response to "Natural spaces are better than gardens" letter of 14th Dec 98.

Apologies to Habitat list who will get this twice;
I made an error while sending this out last night.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 98-7: Sun 20th Dec 1998
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Tuesday 15th Dec 98 -  Sat 19th Dec 98
----------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
News to share with the list? Email habitatnews-owner@onelist.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
Newspaper archive links will expire; valid for past 7-days only

1. Tv schedule - Go Green this monday
2. Books -  Encyclopedia Malaysia now available
3. Letter - More on the crow issue
4. Report - About the satellite imaging centre, CRISP
5. Report - Fourth Batam malaria victim
6. Report - Croc park having financial woes
7. Letter - Poem about exotic fruit
8. Article - Trekking, swimming and caving in Perak limestone
----------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] MONDAY: Go Green, TCS Ch5: 21st Dec 98 [tv schedule]
1. The trees behind the names Kranji, Tampines, Tg. Rhu etc.
2. Recycling old discards to make new gifts
3. Origin of the spices, and a spiced-up Christmas recipe

----->  [2] Encyclopedia Malaysia: first 5 volumes now available [books]
The first five volumes are out: Plants, Animals, The Environment, Early
History, Architecture.  Each volume of 144 pages with original
illustrations, archival images, maps, diagrams, tables, glossary,
bibliography, index, and is the culmination of several years work by a large
team including 153 authors.  Several of our local academia contributed to
the book.

You can contact Mr G. Damodaran of Star Publications, Malaysia, to order, at
03-758-1188.  Cost (including postage) in Malaysia is cheaper (RM100/vol)
compared to overseas orders (US$40/vol for Southeast Asia; US$45 elsewhere).
   If you'd rather see the real thing first, Bee Choo of Nature's Niche (with
shops at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Botanic Gardens) intends to bring in
four of the volumes in (omitting Architecture).

The next ten volumes will be published by mid-1999 (The Modern Economy, The
Seas, Political and Economic Transformation, Religions, and Languages and
Literature) and end-1999 (Peoples and Traditions, The Malay Sultanates,
Merdeka: Birth of a Nation, The Performing Arts, and Crafts and the Visual
Arts).

----->  [3] The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 17th Dec 98 [letter]
"Help keep crows away by not littering." by GOH SHIH YONG
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/for/for7_1217.html

----->  [4] The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 17th Dec 98 [report]
"Crisp cleared up haze doubts" by CHANG AI-LIEN
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/sin/sin17_1217.html
The Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing was not only involved
in monitoring the haze, it also nailed oil-polluting vessel Song San.

----->  [5] The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 17th Dec 98 [report]
"Malaria kills fourth S'porean" by ANONYMOUS
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/sin/sin4_1217.html
There have been seven fatal malaria cases this year, three involving
foreigners. In six of the cases, the victims had been infected in Batam or
Bintan.

----->  [6] The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 17th Dec 98 [report]
"Croc park under court protection" by WALTER FERNANDEZ
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/biz/biz1_1217.html
Move by Jurong tourist attraction comes after advertiser's petition to wind
it up over $410,000 debt.

----->  [7] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 18th Dec 98 [letter]
"Ode to the eggfruit in Sg Tengah" by GAN YUNG CHYAN
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/for/for8_1218.html
About exotic fruit in an agrotech park and a poem about eggfruit!

----->  [8] The Star Online: Sat 19th Dec 98 [article]
"Limestone wonders" by Dr CHAN AH LAK
http://www.thestar.com.my/saturday/19tunnel.html
MNS members have to tramp through a grassy marsh, swim 100m through a lotus
pond, wade1,000m in a pitch-dark tunnel, hike 100m, crawl single file in a
serpentine cave against the current of a small stream and finally scramble
up two waterfalls to reach their target during their Six Mile Tunnel outing.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 98-7: Tue 15th Dec 1998
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Friday 11th Dec 98 -  Mon 14th Dec 98
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news busy Singaporeans might otherwise miss
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Newspaper archive links will expire; valid for past 7-days only

1. Report - Hauling in nets of Buloh's prawn pond
2. Report - Botanic Gardens new visitor centre
3. Report - Open areas to become gardens
4. Letter - A critic of gardens proposal
5. Letter - Alternative method for recycling refuse
6. Letter - More on crow issue
7. Letter - More on crow issue

THIS WEEKEND AT BUKIT TIMAH VISITOR CENTRE
8. Notice - Toys, book, plant SALES, free guided tours, weaving!
-------------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 11th Dec 98 [report]
"Hauling in the nets..." by DENISE TAN
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin10_1211.html
Singapore's last mainland prawn farm holds its first 'see food' tour.
[This was a 2-page photo spread in the newspaper; no images available
online; part of Sungei Buloh Nature Park's 5th Anniversary celebrations]

----->  [2] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 11th Dec 98 [report]
"Gardens to get new gateway" by ANONYMOUS
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin5_1211.html
Singapore Botanic Gardens' Tanglin gateway, costing between $15m and $20 m,
will house a research centre, library and large herbarium collection.

----->  [3] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 11th Dec 98 [report]
"City in a garden' plan set out for Singapore" by JOANNE LEE
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/sin/sin4_1211.html
Green spaces will become gardens, and parks will come alive with
activities, says Lim Hng Kiang

----->  [4] The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 14th Dec 98 [letter]
"Natural spaces are better than gardens" by TONG WENFEI
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/for/for5_1214.html
A reader responds to the Friday's report (see [3])

----->  [5] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 11th Dec 98 [letter]
"Recycle while collecting refuse" by TAN CHOON HONG
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/for/for3_1211.html

----->  [6] The Straits Times Interactive: Fri 11th Dec 98 [letter]
"Place leftovers in bins" by JUUT N. HOEKSTRA
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/5/for/for10_1211.html

----->  [7] The Straits Times Interactive: Sat 12th Dec 98 [letter]
"Crows do serve a function" by ONG ANN ANN
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/6/for/for7_1212.html

----->  [8] Singapore Environment Council announces SPROUTS [notice]
S.P.R.O.U.T.S. Green X'mas Bazaar - Raising Funds to Raise Trees!
Date: Friday, 18th Dec to  Sunday, 20th Dec 1998
Time: 8.30 am - 6.30 pm
Venue: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre
177 Hindhede Drive, entrance located near Beauty World, Bukit Timah Road
For more information, the public can CALL 337-6062.

TOY SALE, BOOK SALE, PLANT SALE, GREEN GIFTS
A three day Green Bazaar (18-20 Dec 98), comprising of:
- A recycled Children's toy sale with hundreds of previously toys at
bargain prices
- Books in mint condition going from 50 cents upwards
- High quality second-hand items going at rock-bottom prices
- Native plant sale of more than a hundred plants going at reduced prices
- Stunning green gift items and decorations made from discarded plant
materials

GUIDED TOURS, GRASSHOPPER WEAVING, VIDEOS
Other activities include:
- Free guided tours at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on Sat, 19 Dec 98 and
Sun, 20 Dec 98. Start times at 9.00 am, 10.00 am, 11.00 am in the morning
and at 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm in the afternoon.
- Grasshopper Weaving Workshops where visitors can learn how to weave a
grasshopper from a single blade of coconut leaves
- Video screenings on current reforestation efforts in Singapore

PLEDGE TREE
There will also be a Pledge Tree where well-wishers can demonstrate their
support to save our forests  by purchasing "pledge leaves" at $2 each to
hang on the Tree.

WHO'S BEHIND SPROUTS AND WHY:
This Christmas, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC)'s Green Volunteers
Network (GVN), and two green groups which have bonded with the Network,
Victoria Junior College's Geography Society and Nanyang Technological
University's Earthlink will be joining hands to organise SPROUTS
-Singapore's first volunteer initiated fund-raiser, in aid of
reforestation.

SPROUTS is an acronym for "Singaporeans Proudly Regenerating Our Unique
Trees" and it is a community event conceived, implemented and run by young
persons to increase reforestation efforts in Singapore. SPROUTS has the
full support of the Singapore Environment Council, the National Parks Board
(NParks). It is also funded under the Youth Community Initiative Movement
project, supported by the National Youth Council.

All Funds raised will go towards reforestation efforts in Singapore. Every
item you buy at this bazaar will help our forests grow!

The proceeds will be used to acquire native saplings and reforestation
equipment. SPROUTS will also be a launching ground for a long-term
reforestation project by GVN youth volunteers at Bukit Timah Nature
Reserve. We hope to plant 100 or if possible, even more trees in our
forests!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitatnews No. 98-6: Sat 12th Dec 1998
The Habitat Group's Nature Information List
For the period: Tuesday 8th Dec 98 - Thursday 10 Dec 98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current nature-related news that the busy Singaporean might otherwise miss
If you have news for the list, email: habitatnews-owner@onelist.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Newspaper links will expire; 7-day archive only

1. TV Schedule - Go Green episodes this Monday
2. Letter - About crows; ENV replies
3. Letter - About crows again
4. Article - Sungei Perak's river terrapins - conservation issues
5. Article - Sungei Perak's river terrapins
6. Report - Malaria casualties from Rhio
7. Article - Sime Darby enters aeroponics - acquired Singapore's Aerogreen
8. Article - "Pigs are indeed potential mixing vessels" for new flu strains
9. New Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre opened
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----->  [1] THIS MONDAY: Go Green, TCS Ch5: Mon, 14th Dec 98 [tv schedule]
1. Singapore Zoo's Fragile forest exhbit: how to create an ecosystem.
2. Goat's milk and Quails' eggs: Farms for special needs
3. Waterway patrol: Eliminating floating rubbish in our waterways
[submitted by Alvin Wong]


----->  [2] The Straits Times Interactive: Tue 8th Dec 98 [letter]
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/2/for/for4_1208.html
"Keep S'pore clean to keep crows away" by BILLY CHEW


----->  [3] The Straits Times Interactive: Thu 10th Dec 98 [letter]
"Crows threaten local bird species" by TANG NGI WAH
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/4/for/for7_1210.html


----->  [4] The Star Online: Tue 8th Dec 98 [article]
"Threatened terrapins" by MENG YEW CHOONG
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/08ictuntu.html
At the end of the last century, villages along Sungai Perak used to hold
annual egg fight festivals during which people would pelt each other with
the semi-hard-shelled eggs of the river terrapin (Batagur baska) or tuntung
sungai in Malay. Strange but true.


----->  [5] The Star Online: Tue 8th Dec 98 [article]
"Nesting on a riverbank" by MENG YEW CHOONG
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/08icterra.html
Sungai Perak is the river terrapin's most important home in Malaysia; the
stretch that meanders through the Hilir Perak district, where Teluk Intan is
located, is especially popular with the endangered creatures.


----->  [6] The Straits Times Interactive: Wed 9th Dec 98 [report]
"Three more down with malaria; Casualties from the TV12 trip" by EVELYN YAP
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/3/sin/sin5_1209.html


----->  [7] The Star Online: Wed 9th Dec 98 [article]
"Harvesting greens from the air" by SEE YEE AI
http://www.thestar.com.my/wednesday/09eiaero.html
[Aeroponics] Sime Darby is coming into food production in Malaysia in a big
way. In July last year, Sime Darby acquired the Aerogreen facility in
Singapore and licensed the technology. Based on the Singapore facility, Sime
Aerogreen Technology Sdn Bhd has built a new RM13 million facility in
Seremban, covering 5ha, which will start production in February next year.
The facility will include an R&D laboratory as well.


----->  [8] The Star Online: Thu 10th Dec 98 [article]
"Link between swine and flu" by ROBERT COOKE
http://www.thestar.com.my/thursday/10badpig.html
Although it has long been suspected that the Chinese practice of growing
pigs and ducks together is a source of deadly human flu epidemics,
scientists now think they've discovered why.


----->  [9] New Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre opened: Thu 10th Dec 1998
The  new Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre was opened today which contains
National Parks Board's new three-storey headquarters building and
Orchidology Laboratory.  For books and souvenirs, check out the Botanic
Gardens Shop which is run by Ng Bee Choo of Nature's Niche (the bookshop at
the Bukit Timah Visitor Centre). It's at the junction of Cluny Road and
Nassim Road.

The Habitat Group Nature Information List
- Nature-related news that the busy Singaporean might otherwise miss.
Addendum to post of Monday, 7th December 1998

Sorry! Sorry! TIME of Shawn Lum's talk = 7.15pm


Original post repeated here for benefit of new subscribers.

4. "Knowing your rattans" - a slide talk for the public by Dr Shawn Lum
Ang Mo Kio Community Library, Wednesday, 9th Dec 1998: 7.15pm
This is a NSS public talk; all are welcome.

Shawn Lum will be introducing the group of plants that we know painfully
either as 'rotans' when we were naughty kids, or the 'wait a minute' we
regularly encounter in the forest.  Their seeds are edible - a group that
got lost in the catchment years ago apparently ate these. A highly diverse
but prominent group, Shawn is going to make sense of the diversity for us.

Shawn is a entertaining speaker, and is very considerate of his layman
audience.  This talk is strongly recommended - take notes and you will be
able to recognise rattans during your next forest walk.

The Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Community Library is off AMK Ave 6, a five minutes walk
from AMK Bus Interchange or the MRT Station. Check Singapore Street
Directory ('88/'89) Map No. 168. There is a large carpark behind the
library.

The Habitat Group Nature Information List
- Nature-related news that the busy Singaporean might otherwise miss.
Monday, 7th December 1998

Sorry about the earlier email! That was a draft that got emailed out
accidentally.
Now for the real thing:

1. TCS 5 today: Go Green episode
2. ST today: article on Sembawang Hot springs
3. Sunday papers: Kuala Selangor's Milky Storks; Sg Buloh's Sci. Officer
4. Wed: Rattan slide talk at AMK
5. This week: Rattan field trip for NSS members
-------

1. Go Green, TCS Ch5 today, 7.30pm
Two topics today:
a. After 10 years, why aren't Singaporeans recycling?
b. Featuring Sg Buloh Nature Park


2. Article on Sembawang Hot Spring: ST, Monday, 7th Dec 1998
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/pages/sin4_1207.html
[link expires by Tue 12pm; print version has a map of the area as well.]
"S'pore's last hot spring in state of neglect." by DOMINIC NATHAN
Plans to turn the area in Sembawang into a spa resort never took off and all
that is left is an old hut and a well
[DOMINIC NATHAN talks to Edmund Waller and writes about the Sembawang Hot
Spring.  For many years now, Edmund Waller has recommended the conservation
of several structures/areas in the neighborhood of Nee Soon that reflect the
history of the area.]


3.1 Article in The Star (Malaysian daily): Sunday, 7th Dec 1998
http://www.thestar.com.my/sunday/06wystork.html
"A very wet homecoming" by WAN WAI YEE
Like a native son returning after many years abroad, the milky storks are
now slowly adjusting to their new wetland environment in the Kuala Selangor
Nature Park.

3.2 Article in The Sunday Times: 7th Dec 1998
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/0/pages/sin15_1206.html
"Where there are birds, there's Adeline Chia" By SITI ANDRIANIE
She is the scientific officer at the Sungei Buloh Nature Park and she
records the species of birds there.


4. "Knowing your rattans" - a slide talk for the public by Dr Shawn Lum,
NIE/NTU
Ang Mo Kio Community Library, Wednesday, 9th Dec 1998
This is a NSS public talk; all are welcome.

Shawn Lum will be introducing the group of plants that we know painfully
either as 'rotans' when we were naughty kids, or the 'wait a minute' we
regularly encounter in the forest.  Their seeds are edible - a group that
got lost in the catchment years ago apparently ate these. A highly diverse
but prominent group, Shawn is going to make sense of the diversity for us.

Shawn is a entertaining speaker, and is very considerate of his layman
audience.  This talk is strongly recommended - take notes and you will be
able to recognise
rattans during your next forest walk.

The Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Community Library is off AMK Ave 6, a five minutes walk
from AMK Bus Interchange or the MRT Station. Check Singapore Street
Directory ('88/'89) Map No. 168. There is a large carpark behind the
library.


5. Field trip to identify common rattans this week
2 hour walk for NSS members - check your Nov-Dec issue of Nature News for
details.

Rattan talk this Wednesday

NSS public talk, all are welcome.

Rattan walk, NSS members check Nature News

Go Green today
1. Sg Buloh
2.

The Habitat Group Nature Information List
- Nature-related news that the busy Singaporean might otherwise miss.
Saturday, 5th December 1998

From the seven-day archives of the Malaysian-daily, The Star:

The Star, Sunday, 29th November 1998
---> Getting to the root of the problem by Wan Wai Yee
http://www.thestar.com.my/sunday/29rnwy.html
About tree doctors; this link will expire soon.


Articles about Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak
NOTE - This is area east of Gunung Mulu into which Tom Harrison and co.
parachuted into during the war, on military and other duties.  While there,
they conducted a zoological survey of the mammals.  He was later Curator of
the Sarawak Museum.  [Harrisson, T., 1949.  Explorations in central Borneo.
Geogr. J., 114: 129-150]. There are two specimens of otters collected from
the area that mysteriously bear a strong resemblance to the Eurasian otter.

The Star, Tuesday, 1st December 1998
http://www.thestar.com.my/tuesday/features.html

---> Preserving 'Our Forest' by Rhet Harrisson
Welcome to Pulong Tau, a magnificent area in the Kelabit Highlands of
Sarawak that remains "as God made it" millions of years ago. Rhett Harrison
shares a unique glimpse into Pulong Tau's heart with a report on an
expedition organised by the Malaysian Nature Society (Miri Branch) to
support a proposal that the area be gazetted as a national park

---> Proposed Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak
---> Pulong Tau: a personal perspective by Patrick Allmand-Ward


Cheerio!

N. Sivasothi,
List moderator
habitatnews@onelist.com

The Habitat Group Nature Information List
- Nature-related news that the busy Singaporean might otherwise miss.
Thursday, 3rd December 1998

1. SUNGEI BULOH NATURE PARK 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
The park celebrates its 5th Anniversary this Saturday.  Official programme
in the morning: 8.45am - 10.30am.  You can call 794-1401 or if you wish to
leave from NUS, we may have transport to and fro campus; email me at
sivasothi@... and I will keep you informed.

After 12pm, the open house will feature Volunteers helping out with
birdwatching at main hide - they will have scopes mounted to spot birds.
Good time to spot migratory birds.

The following week, there will activities particularly good for the kids - a
detailed programme will be posted here later, but what I know so far:
8th, 10th Dec: Birdsketch sessions to teach kids how to draw birds - call
794-1401 to book
9th: Prawn harvesting session at 8.45am
5th, 11th, 12th: Free guided tours at the mangrove boardwalk at 9am, 10am,
3pm and 4pm
The results of the year-long Spot Art Competition will be on display.


2. ABOUT CROWS - LETTERS TO THE FORUM PAGE
Go Green featured the issue of shooting crows last Monday.  Interestingly, a
letter appeared in the forum about the subject the same day:
Chan Kwee Sung "Introduce hawks here" (ST, Mon, 30th Nov 98).
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/archive/st/1/pages/for7_1130.html

Two people responded yesterday (ST, Wed, 3rd Dec 98):
1. Chua Boh Seng: "Birds of prey no help in controlling crows"
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/pages/for2_1202.html
2. S. Sreedharan: "No need for hawks, just get Singaporeans to be clean"
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/pages/for3_1202.html 3. Fire near Raffles
Museum

[NOTE: The Straits Times now has a seven-day archive of its webpage]


3. LETTER IN FORUM PAGE TODAY, ABOUT BIOLOGY IN SCHOOLS
Shawn Lum: "Biology must get attention in Schools" (ST, Forum: Thu, 3rd Dec
98)
Article is in today's newspaper, so will only be uploaded to webpage
(http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/) after 12pm
This one is close to my heart, so I must add a "Hear! Hear!" and a "Way to
go, Shawn!"


4. SMOKE NEAR THE RAFLES MUSEUM SERVES AS A USEFUL WARNING
A fire engine was spotted at base of the Science Library block (Blk S6)
which houses the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (formerly ZRC) on
the 1st - 3rd storeys.  The Science Library (4th and 5th storey) staff were
evacuated but the museum personnel were apparently not informed.  A museum
staff member back from a late lunch (about 2.15pm) saw the fire engine and
alerted the rest, who had detected a burning smell.  No alarm had been set
off possibly since the systm was being serviced at the time.  Smoke was
coming from the top floor of the wing next to the museum.  Cause and extent
unknown at present.  [Source: Kelvin Lim]

One fire truck was holding up traffic at Lower Kent Ridge Road as it drove
very slowly, and later stopped outside a security post near Medical Drive 1.
  This is beyond the turning into the Science Library block- it is possible
the driver was asking for directions.  [Source: N. Sivasothi]

Considering the amount of flammable material in the library and museum, not
to mention an invaluable collection of old specimens and books, a review of
fire-related procedures appear necessary  This warning should be heeded, and
a museum staff member is writing to the relevant authorities.

Cheerio!

N. Sivasothi
List moderator
habitatnews@onelist.com

M1 SMS Message
From:       97476605@...
TimeStamp:  19981130 132246

NO 2. WHY SHOOT CROWS?

Another episode this Monday, on Channel 5 at 7.30pm

Features:
1. Vegetable farm technology in Singapore
2. ? - sorry, can't remember!
3. Orchid hybrids named after distinguished visitors

Last episode of Go Green - 11th January (according to TCS Ch5 Programme
Grid).  Tapes of the season (minus ads) will be deposited at the NSS office.