Progress of Conservation of Native Seed Dispersers and Pollinators

Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for National Development what is the state and progress of the conservation of native seed dispersers and pollinators that are aimed to enhance the resilience of the forest ecosystem.

NParks adopts a science-based approach for the conservation of native seed dispersers and pollinators such as birds, butterflies, bees and bats.

Guided by the Nature Conservation Masterplan, these measures include habitat enhancement and restoration works at our parks and nature reserves. In September 2021, NParks conducted planting works at Bukit Gombak Park to provide new habitats and food sources for butterflies. NParks also plants native flowering plant species along roads. Under the Species Recovery Programme, NParks aims to increase the population of our native flora and fauna, including seed dispersers and pollinators such as the Gold-margined Stingless Bee and the Green Imperial Pigeon. These efforts have also enhanced the ecological habitats for seed dispersers and pollinators, and strengthened the ecological resilience of our forest ecosystems.

In addition, NParks works with stakeholders such as nature groups and academic experts to conduct studies on seed dispersers and pollinators to better understand their ecology. In 2019, NParks, in partnership with the National University of Singapore, conducted a study documenting past surveys of 75 species of bees and their host plants in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and its adjacent nature parks. NParks is also working with stakeholders to study the Cave Nectar Bat, one of the few pollinating bats in Singapore. These studies will enhance our understanding of the role of these key pollinators in Singapore and contribute to their conservation efforts.

NParks will continue to safeguard core biodiversity areas and their buffers, and enhance connectivity between our green spaces, to strengthen ecological resilience. This will conserve key habitats and ensure healthier populations of native seed dispersers and pollinators.