Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
If people are untold about the history of Singapore, many, including myself, could hardly believe that only less than 200 hundreds years ago, Singapore was a piece of largely and densely forested area, like its neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. However, due to the rapid developments of Singapore over the years to transform itself into a bustling trading port, plots after plots of lands have been cleared to make way for modifications into a largely human environment. This have caused us to be overly focused on developments and have greatly neglected the remaining green spaces we have on this minute island.
Today, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR), located in the Central Catchment, is the only few rainforests left in Singapore and thus far is the highest point of the country. But, we could count ourselves fortunate to be one of the few countries to still have traces of primary rainforests within its built-up area, the other being Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Despite it occpying such a small area, it houses over 840 flowering plats and 500 species of animals. I had this opportunity to be embraced in the beauty and serenity of nature, so let me now share with you guys my feelings the experience i had there and hope that you will learn something that will prove useful.
Personally, even though i hate to say, humans persistence to seize whatever remaining areas around the BTNR for development is absurd and fatuous, as it poses unnecessary threats to destroy its natural beauty and towards the organisms. When we are travelling on the small roads, heading towards the hill, notice the houses that line along the roads all the way till near the foot of the hill. I am sure the animals there would not be very comfortable to give in and to accommodate additional features in their habitats in the expense of what they call home. I urge that before anything is proposed to be done, do spare a second thought for the cute little creatures hiding beyond your sight, because they are declining in great numbers that can threaten the ecosystem or even disappear from this place forever.
Here are some of the evidence of humans impacts on the environment:
1) Staircases
2) Signboards
3) Guided Paths
4) The communication tower at the summit of the BTNR
The BTNR is indeed a treasure of biodiversity, because i was awed by the astonishing variety flora, which i didnt really take notice of in my previous visits.
The main character was probably the seraya tree but it doesnt come easy. It took us quite some time before we finally found a enormous Seraya tree standing prominent among the rest of the uniform and short trees. Its girth and height of the tree is shows the years it has spent on this hill and the unique features on it displays its adaptations to its environment.
We know the countless benefits the rainforests provides us, yet it seems that we have not done enough to protect it and is still destroying it. Shouldn't everyone play a small part to preserve and treasure it before it really disappears- good and forever, from our grasp. By then, it will be too late to regret ad it will be a painful lesson.
Next time when you visit the BTNR, feel the presence of the vegetations, hear the songs of the creatures (Cicada and birds) and be extremely still, because if you are lucky enough, you will be able to spot some cheeky little creature around you. Thank them!
THE ONLY ONE cut the sentence at 12:30 am
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