Seagrasses of Singapore (Part 3)

(Click to enlarge)

In my previous post on seagrasses, we explored some of the reasons why seagrass meadows are important habitats, and also looked at some of the threats that seagrasses face. In this final part of the series, I'll show you some local efforts to better understand seagrasses so that we can protect them.

Seagrasses of Singapore (Part 2)

The leaves of various seagrass species found in Singapore;
(Photo by Ria Tan)

In the previous post, we took a look at seagrasses, some of the places in Singapore where you can find them, and also went through the ten species of seagrass recorded in Singapore in recent surveys. In this post, we'll find out why seagrass habitats are so important, and some of the threats they face.

Seagrasses of Singapore (Part 1)

Lush seagrass meadows of Cyrene Reef;

In my earlier post on World Oceans Day, I mentioned seagrass meadows as one of several marine habitats that can still be found in coastal areas of Singapore. But what are seagrasses? Why are they important? And what can we do to protect them?

Mantis Shrimps of Singapore (ONETWOTHREE DEATH!)

Many people are finally clued in to the awesomeness of mantis shrimps, thanks to a hilarious comic by The Oatmeal.



This has been cited as an excellent example of science communication, and is also a great opportunity to highlight that Singapore has mantis shrimps too!

Year of the Dragon: Dragon Slugs

Beting Bronok;
(Photo by Ria)

Yes, even soft, spineless creatures can be named after dragons.

Raffles Museum Treasures: Giant grouper

Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Collected from Pulau Semakau reef flats, December 1993
Native to Singapore

FishBase
IUCN Red List
ARKive
Australian Museum Fact Sheets


(Photo by ~ Oscar)

Blue net at Pulau Ubin can save your life

Monday Morgue: 13th April 2009

Sea urchin (C. Echinoidea)
Pulau Semakau, 22nd April 2008

Wild Fact Sheets
A Guide to Seashore Life
The Echinoid Directory
Echinoids.nl

Could it be the Maretia heart urchin (Maretia planulata)?

Who's the Eggs-pert?

Egg masses of various marine creatures.
(Photos taken by Ria)

How well do you know your eggs?

In celebration of Easter, Rick MacPherson of Malaria, Bedbugs, Sea Lice and Sunsets has a fun little contest for everyone to try out.

The Second, Maybe Annual Malaria, Bedbugs, Sea Lice and Sunsets Ocean Egg Hunt

Correctly identify the 15 species that laid the eggs in his photo, and you might stand a chance to win a copy of Reef. So if you're up for this egg-citing challenge, head over to Malaria, Bedbugs, Sea Lice and Sunsets and test your eggs-pertise. Okay, I'll stop with the lousy puns.

You can also check out The First, Maybe Annual, Malaria, Bedbugs, Sea Lice and Sunsets Ocean Egg Hunt.

Monday Morgue: 30th March 2009

Cuttlefish (F. Sepiidae)
Pulau Semakau, 6th December 2008

Wild Fact Sheets
Online Guide to Chek Jawa
CephBase

No fishing at West Coast Park: Nobody gives a damn

Monday Morgue: 16th February 2009

Gecko (F. Gekkonidae) being scavenged by weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina)
Pulau Semakau, 16th December 2008

The gecko could have belonged to any one of the following species:

Flat-tailed gecko (Cosymbotus platyurus)
(Ecology Asia), (Wildlife Singapore)
Four-clawed gecko (Gehyra mutilata)
(Ecology Asia), (Wildlife Singapore)
Spotted house gecko (Gekko monarchus)
(Ecology Asia), (Wildlife Singapore)
Spiny-tailed house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)
(Ecology Asia), (Wildlife Singapore)
Maritime gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris)
(Ecology Asia), (Wildlife Singapore)

I'm also reminded of this video clip: