Singapore Natural Heritage Flora and Fauna
- lionheartlanders
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
Singapore may be known as a bustling metropolis, but beneath its urban facade lies an extraordinary natural world teeming with life. Despite being one of the world's most densely populated countries, the Lion City hosts a remarkable diversity of plant and animal species that continues to thrive thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. For anyone visiting or living in Singapore, exploring these fascinating ecosystems offers an opportunity to connect with nature through educational experiences that deepen appreciation for our island's remarkable biodiversity.
Singapore Remarkable Biodiversity
The numbers speak for themselves - Singapore boasts over 1,190 species of vascular plants, 44 species of mammals, 207 species of birds, 72 species of reptiles, 25 species of amphibians, 33 species of freshwater fishes, and 156 species of butterflies. The marine environment is equally impressive, with over 100 reef fish species, more than 200 species of sponges, and 255 species of hard corals representing more than 25% of the world's coral species.
What makes this biodiversity even more remarkable is Singapore's size. At just 720 square kilometers, this tiny nation contains more than 2,000 native plant species and 355 species of birds. The Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve alone harbor about 40% of spider species, 84% of amphibian species, and 56% of mammal species found in Singapore.
Nature Reserves and Protected Areas
Singapore's commitment to conservation is evident in its network of protected areas. The country has established four nature reserves - Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - along with 18 nature areas.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Established in 1883 as Singapore's first forest reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve spans 163 hectares and contains Singapore's only remaining primary rainforest. Despite its small size, it hosts an incredible variety of plant and animal life, including the signature Seraya trees that can grow up to 40 meters tall. The reserve is home to more than 50% of Singapore's native plant species.
Central Catchment Nature Reserve
As Singapore's largest nature reserve at approximately 500 hectares, the Central Catchment provides vital water catchment services while serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. The area includes four reservoirs and offers popular attractions like the TreeTop Walk, a 250-meter suspension bridge that provides unique canopy views.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Covering 202 hectares of mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and forests, Sungei Buloh is internationally recognized as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. The reserve is home to more than half of Singapore's bird species and has been certified by Wetlands International as part of the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network.
Endemic and Endangered Species
Singapore is home to several species found nowhere else on Earth. Recent discoveries include the endemic orchid Nervilia singaporensis, discovered in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in 2023. Other endemic species include the Singapore Freshwater Crab (Johora singaporensis), Singapore Ginger (Zingiber singapurense), and two species of Hanguana flowering herbs.
The island also serves as a critical habitat for several critically endangered species. The Raffles' banded langur, with its distinctive black coat and white facial markings, has slowly recovered from a population low of around 10 individuals and now occasionally ventures between nature reserves via ecological bridges. Other endangered species include the Sunda pangolin, straw-headed bulbul, and various endemic amphibians like Subaraj's Paddy Frog.
Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
Singapore's coastal waters support remarkable marine biodiversity. The country's coral reefs, though covering only about 30 square kilometers, contain an extraordinary variety of life. Thirty-one out of approximately 56 species of mangrove plants found in Asia have been recorded in Singapore, providing sanctuary to estuarine crocodiles, mud lobsters, mudskippers, archerfish, and numerous mollusk species.
Conservation Success Stories
Singapore's conservation efforts have yielded impressive results. Over the past 20 years, green cover has increased from 36% to 47% of total land area. The reintroduction of the Oriental Pied Hornbill represents one of the most celebrated conservation successes - these birds were once locally extinct but have now returned thanks to dedicated efforts.
Current conservation initiatives include species recovery plans for over 120 plant and animal species, with targets to expand this to 100 plant and 60 animal species by 2030. More than 30 hectares of forest, coastal, and marine habitats have been restored, with plans to increase this to 80 hectares.
Exploring Singapore Natural Heritage
For those interested in experiencing Singapore's biodiversity firsthand through interactive trails and educational programs, Singapore offers numerous opportunities to connect with nature. From the TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie to the mangrove boardwalks at Sungei Buloh, these experiences provide invaluable insights into our natural heritage.
Popular nature trails include the 600-meter Rainforest Walking Trail at Singapore Botanic Gardens, where visitors can encounter ancient rainforest species like strangling figs and giant mahang trees. The Chek Jawa wetlands on Pulau Ubin showcase six different ecosystems in one location, from coastal hill forest to coral rubble areas.
The Future of Singapore Biodiversity
As part of Singapore's Green Plan 2030, the nation aims to transform into a true "City in Nature." This ambitious vision includes expanding nature park networks by 200 hectares, implementing species recovery plans across 50% of parks and gardens, and restoring ecological habitats throughout the urban landscape.
The discovery of new species continues even today - in 2020, 20 new animal species were found on Pulau Ubin, including three species of bats and various insects. These ongoing discoveries remind us that Singapore's natural heritage remains vibrant and full of surprises, even in our highly urbanized environment.
Singapore's flora and fauna represent a living testament to the possibility of harmonious coexistence between urban development and nature conservation. By understanding and appreciating this biodiversity, we gain a deeper connection to our island home and the responsibility we all share in preserving it for future generations. Whether through guided educational experiences or independent exploration, Singapore's natural heritage offers endless opportunities for discovery and wonder.
