tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21730302928973303582024-02-21T12:00:33.951+08:00緑の道b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-27691439579508738272009-12-25T20:14:00.001+08:002009-12-25T20:19:22.407+08:00032. Hisses from Semakau Island – Semakau Land Survey 2<p align="justify">4th – 5th December 2009</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qDVN3gF1ZnUyPf7M5P6UMl71T6U3q21CjLHURrlrsWrtkcGfiiuSqsZ4pb3DzEYNWEX85rIalS-a2y-KwMdVRNAWtt1_iQJ5kFvXt_bcXlgp8jvIbC568D5ZxJwBRyOPybQqAAHF985s/s1600-h/IMG_2634-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2634-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2634-1" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEgSN7WaVb8f_QrFQbWY_b9rd95WaTKvD5mNt9_nX2kKMoTg6HdIU8O0-AgcUXsXJFbN0dq612ENmL25sHvxjAyyQ67g4LS0xzXYh6yDUBPXXDEhwgCTjgRti9y-QkTKYDOc6TOGrJVv7/?imgmax=800" width="512" height="386" /></a>This was how close I was to the snake when I cycled past it during my last overnight stay at Semakau Island. This snake – with its triangular-shaped head – is one of the most venomous snakes you can encounter on Semakau Island. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the <strong><font color="#ff0000">Mangrove Shore Pit Viper</font></strong> (<em>Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus). </em>In a pitch-black condition where your partner 1 meter is away is just a black silhouette, this snake looked very much like apiece of dead wood. But then this bit at the corner of my mind whispered,  <br /></p> <p align="center"><em>“Doesn’t it look too S-shape for a piece of wood… it’s a snake, you idiot!”</em></p> <p align="justify">Though I know I could be wrong, and there’s a possibility that it might turn out to be a piece of worthless junk that some asshole threw into the sea, I knew in my heart of hearts that it was a snake. And not just any snake, during the first time we did the 1st land survey at Semakau, it was somewhere near the southern point (about where I was standing) that one of the volunteers saw a Mangrove Shore Pit! </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFfXBwDPQGYYH-n-DdnxwcF8bdsG06oXLGH2MxbcL6n2YtjWABp2vFfNt2M1ng4FRUyLz2-Ixw8-m-G5wxrNZrfKyEX7aRGZtGTle-Hpc_vnnVk0hgV-Wyy46TXDYlDhkb2aG8vlt3LZO/s1600-h/IMG_2629-1%5B17%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2629-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2629-1" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSsjvE6kCI/AAAAAAAAB80/o-aw8g5ZMy0/IMG_2629-1_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="389" /></a></p> <p align="justify">This is my second pit viper in the span of 1 year. Venomous creatures, one strike from the viper can hurt – even kill. Quick and deadly, the shore pit usually prefers the cover of trees and bushes than open areas. But I guess it was looking for dinner (usually small rodents and lizards, sometimes birds even) when I bumped into it. More active at night than it is in the morn, the snake started to slither away slowly when it noticed that some pesky humans were in its company. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-AKw6d4wFbvwKtHvmDr7uyeYeQ5qzrl1TjvLUdDBJRnZhZzM6KGaGOP_Y0WRTaxEWCM8NBSmaM5aVyiXuVWsqUEyANtRD1TShLYF1KHh89hc1n69YbXwU4GWbVT-nE8CwBl_-wh50_fa/s1600-h/IMG_2633%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2633" border="0" alt="IMG_2633" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSslNo_9FI/AAAAAAAAB88/nzUo4nCP3pQ/IMG_2633_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="386" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">As the light bulbs started flashing from my camera, the snake slowly took a turn towards the landfill where there were more peace and quiet. </p> <p align="center"><em>“Probably more animals to hunt too without these pesky human flies buzzing around”.</em></p> <p align="justify">I have tried finding out whether snakes get hurt by the camera flash but got nothing much out of it. The one at Sungei Buloh, Singapore has scales that are darker and more monotone.   </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">  </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSsmo8p9OI/AAAAAAAAB9A/_1HSDq-fwVM/s1600-h/IMG_2638%5B22%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_2638" border="0" alt="IMG_2638" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSsnWJTfYI/AAAAAAAAB9E/x7VG9u0KTyM/IMG_2638_thumb%5B20%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="268" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSsoOs0OZI/AAAAAAAAB9I/M0mzSLLUjhA/s1600-h/IMG_2640-1%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2640-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2640-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDNYr_GOEgFEZ-zKtnmLPDFdoVvTjdfRU0WMWTFOzNui-f8yAdTEE6tw5mLgyPHPqSVP8MZOOzHc8mjrenUlTOj2CdzedxIVFphQq7v4NG61ab7dODzlkaOtKet9AYy2GLTUP1C79LHpk/?imgmax=800" width="356" height="268" /></a> <br />An overall shot of the snake as it slided and slithered across the warm tarred road. Many a times, it reared back its head, going into the S-shaped defensive position. Yes, I might have gotten struck or bitten by the snake, especially at such a close distance – and it would have served me right too, for having invaded the private space belonging to the snake. </p> <p align="justify">Lesson learned: <strong><font color="#ff0000">Respect! </font></strong>*checked and duly chastened too!* >_<</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSsprnxCoI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/yuiP6lEs3No/s1600-h/IMG_2785-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2785-2" border="0" alt="IMG_2785-2" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSsqAGVMjI/AAAAAAAAB9U/33b0U5feQmI/IMG_2785-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="386" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Last but definitely not the least was the encounter with a Dog-Faced Water Snake (<em>Cerberus rynchops</em>) on the second day after the Hunting-Seeking session in the evening. Eagle-eyed Marcus saw this slithering fellow by a dead piece of wood and notified the four girls trailing after him. I guess it was karma from the day before and my camera’s flash just refused to work. </p> <p align="justify">Compared to the Shore Pit, the Dog-Faced’s venom is not that fatal. But it is sufficient against smaller prey like fish and crabs. Though I personally do not feel that this snake shares any resemblance to a man’s best friend in any way, the one who named this snake might have felt otherwise. Because it lives in water, the eyes are positioned best when it’s located at the top of the head. That so because this allows the snake to see what’s at the top when its entire body is soaked in water. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">There was a 3rd snake (Common Wolf Snake) but it was too quick and there were just too many blood-sucking vamp… I mean, mosquitoes. </p> <p align="justify">3 snakes in the wild, 2 days… what more can a girl ask for right? That reminds me, first aid training! =)</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-24223883545489612442009-12-25T17:47:00.001+08:002009-12-25T17:49:02.146+08:00031. Like Moonshine…. – Semakau Land Survey Pt. 2<p align="justify">… they warm the cockles of your heart. </p> <p align="justify">It’s been a long time since I last updated and have decided at least 3 blogs per week if I can make it. But who knows, I would probably have to swallow my words next time round. Damn, I hate feeling guilty when I go to my blog and know that’s it’s been lying around in the coffin for months. Anyway, I read this from somewhere in Facebook:</p> <p align="center">“<em>Procrastination is like masturbation… <br /></em><em>It feels good but in the end, you know that you are only screwing with yourself.”</em></p> <p align="justify">Anyway, today doesn’t feel any different from any other day.. but it will mark the beginning of a change! I love my blog, but I swear sometimes it can be very high-maintenance at times. Rather than writing a half-assed entry, I rather leave it till when the mood arrives. In all that times of perfection, I seemed to have forgotten who this blog is really for – ME. It’s for me to refresh, to think back and to learn from what I have seen, touched, smelled and listened. All right, before I get on and on like some hot air balloon, my actions will do the talking. </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">The moon was beautiful on that 8th of November, and a BBQ was just the perfect thing to set the mood going.  </div> </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJxBkr9ZI/AAAAAAAAB50/vchdpzjOgRQ/s1600-h/IMG_218813.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2188" border="0" alt="IMG_2188" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJxtZwOiI/AAAAAAAAB54/7Y2ngU0rGCg/IMG_2188_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="420" /></a></p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Thanks to Ron and the RMBR gang, we got the best ingredients for the BBQ party. Chicken satay, pork and some weird mushroom thingie which Hen ordered. Delicious but still weird. =) Just a couple of hours before we sat down and relaxed, the Bird Team were tagging the last bird for the evening. </div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJyft1f9I/AAAAAAAAB58/5MCfjfvF87c/s1600-h/IMG_216915.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2169-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2169-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJy-Y47sI/AAAAAAAAB6A/x17Ym3rY7NQ/IMG_21691_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="538" height="406" /></a>Not just any dude can take a net and come back with a haul of ten birds. For the researcher, it takes some time to learn, because once the bird ends up in the net – it could either mean heaven or hell for the bird. For one, the bird may end up dead while trying to struggle from the net. And another thing which I learned from my friends were that any bird left unattended for too long can end up as dinner for the big boys up in the sky. It’s not a pretty sight but that’s the rule of the jungle, eat or be eaten.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOy9vb-PpOpRJ62uGiI72DSKY-iNAqzxPtWKJvmskvVs_2t3lu_iBpg-sT0_SUkjStDc-1lQQTptbOUmpL-q0xkFiCkSF0bO0gCDfeXADtg6hkhF5qXNboxXtPrU86knZ27_MOCrEPo2j/s1600-h/IMG_210617.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2106-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2106-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ0Qf1g3I/AAAAAAAAB6I/7LiNXJTlVEQ/IMG_21061_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ03gGaAI/AAAAAAAAB6M/9jNk5A0GQi4/s1600-h/IMG_211316.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2113-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2113-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER6zDwpF3YPXVHbGh1Yt0NFoIMo2J0SP9iwTyTUusRxFXIskU-_3lH_BEXIcGCNghNobZKE2d9TXJEgax7QJ4Ux6AzDOrG3BsMZAtKntZzZNfHUdsj7UqimIu4sMEXkIwglcdP6B8iIqn/?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <br />(left): First off, the birds are kept into small bundles of sacks. That’s for easy handling when the birds are measured for their weight later.</p> <p align="justify">(right): Next, is to measure the length of the lil’ birdie’s beak. Nothing is forgotten as every measurement taken down is important for records and any research that might be conducted later.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ2FYq8TI/AAAAAAAAB6U/KZKYNTWlb_4/s1600-h/IMG_211613.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2116-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2116-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ2zTMurI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/0KT9q_lP114/IMG_21161_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ3XTSO1I/AAAAAAAAB6c/JYZAb2PyeVI/s1600-h/IMG_211719.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2117-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2117-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ37r9IzI/AAAAAAAAB6g/iJm-JcVmGHE/IMG_21171_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <br />The measurement of the tarsus comes next (left) followed by the Zitting’s wingspan. Tarsus – that’s part of the leg. If I have to make a comparison, it would be like portion of our leg between the our foot and the thigh. You would have never imagined, that while it was being turned back and forth to get its measurements done, the little birdy was as quiet as a church mouse. Not a squeak nor a chirp was from its little throat.. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ4cXc6DI/AAAAAAAAB6k/2Bvhp4lCLQM/s1600-h/IMG_211918.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2119-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2119-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ5Dlk3nI/AAAAAAAAB6o/gACQDYxJxp0/IMG_21191_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="247" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ5voatxI/AAAAAAAAB6s/qg2H2UDpgWU/s1600-h/IMG_212213.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2122-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2122-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ6FOaWyI/AAAAAAAAB6w/Ys8EniiZC6k/IMG_21221_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <br />(left): Twisting and turning the bird gently, every record from the length of its tail to its height were noted with great detail. No sloppy and slapdash work will be tolerated, thank you very much. </p> <p align="justify">While the bird was made to lie down on its back in the picture on the right, it was important to go easy with the flash. Any shock and slightest disturbance may prove to great for the bird and kill it. Till that moment, I have never held something so small, something so fragile in my hands. To feel its heartbeat pumping “da-dup, da-dup” against your palms –  its life was literally in my hands – and for a moment, I thought my own heart was going to burst. </p> <p align="justify">“<em>So that was how it felt to have something at your whim and mercy…”, </em>I thought to myself later on. Sounds like I might be treading on the dark edges of becoming a psychotic killer with that train of thought, but no worries (I think). =) Although, I still think it’s better if the world never hears another buzz from the mosquitoes. </p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2158-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2158-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ6wZuCPI/AAAAAAAAB60/bwLAtRjP00g/IMG_21581_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="538" height="406" /></a>(above): This is another way of the 2 ways to hold the bird without breaking its neck. Compared to the “Ringer’s Grip”, this way is saved for those who have more experience in bird-handling. Though he wasn’t much of a squawker, this tiny bird is clearly agitated.  </p> <p align="justify">One way to know that is when you see its crown – that’s the top part of their head – stand up, Mohawk-style. I think it’s pretty much the same for dogs too. When my doggie gets pissed, his fur at the back will stand up while giving out the most chilling of growls. Trust me, when that happens, this is another situation where you will wish the ground will open up and swallow you up. *nods*</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ7aGY16I/AAAAAAAAB64/1QSZ3T1EOvQ/s1600-h/IMG_212413.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2124-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2124-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ8Ir3jvI/AAAAAAAAB68/iTyW8MhpSCs/IMG_21241_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ8qSGNJI/AAAAAAAAB7A/FUSKDt-g62U/s1600-h/IMG_212613.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2126-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2126-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ9HmZPeI/AAAAAAAAB7E/06S5OWUQR-I/IMG_21261_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <br />After going through various rulers and scales, it was time to tag the bird. All tags will mention Sungei Buloh, Singapore because that’s the main location where birds on the main island get ringed and released. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat3a5QoPbI8w1oNEFTCkKpfYYGZHowQaLJnHQvBeyiN_XE-baA2VLklfDfP3S3aUnePAiUlV_22RxZDqdHwE2kBsHaGm7GggRyEfjry6KTzPiLnHTEstSM3y6kEUBkN7K5QuBKSHRJii8/s1600-h/IMG_212514.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2125-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2125-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ-rqsaRI/AAAAAAAAB7M/_UYc1YIss3w/IMG_21251_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="538" height="406" /></a>With a quick flick to the right and slight turn to the left, the Streaked Fantail Warbler (<em>Zitting cisticola</em>) now has its very own tailor-made ring! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnCSuusUmQDsjQpnTFkre7IjaDmNIRLwDT8bBYE24nPJS9AZjL457kMx4PABmUJBeDVypxWRUu7oNkpmvacVn3r6I8j6-WMTz4p5brliJyyU_Ovi8XqXaQQGtx5tW0QiFjWDbEewVmK06/s1600-h/IMG_214414.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2144-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2144-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSJ_4pOO4I/AAAAAAAAB7U/8AEaFPWUc-s/IMG_21441_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKAoe2tII/AAAAAAAAB7Y/boYfZ6LtQA8/s1600-h/IMG_215114.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2151-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2151-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2fW8pE7ODJ2K-HufdGfWMkR3b3xfFOpqdwwDl1h2QQ_F6jByukB31t4lRBVwF4bFrpvsSasSlXm1MGZyeEaq_VkSnTo6hFyVUq2Zd5rK61TdnQBXGy7dA-XZsmmfcGhOyibFbZZa_Elg/?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a>  <br />Here’s checking for moult or new feathers before giving the lil’ birdy a tiny reward for the slight interruption we have imposed on its evening schedule. Its bit of rewards are several drops of sweet syrup.  A slight, sweet change from their daily diet of insects. Thank you, Mr (or Miss) Zitting for your time of the evening~~</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKB_bf5BI/AAAAAAAAB7k/faRxzWKl7Fc/s1600-h/IMG_2134page17.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2134-page-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2134-page-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKe1FC6OqIj3PZkZI5XQrSnLkkZNkzL2i2-x1mXB4r4QMmk9gbStcKpxAO2fHh0lztMCYLzCRL0dyBujbPjGSKTwb9KtqnfDf-J_AKTxrysbmXA6AJmZJX63uwgEai-wm4Wk_hPtL4UGH/?imgmax=800" width="537" height="306" /></a></a>A composite shot of the tiny bird. According to Luan Keng, this bird is still quite the young bird as it has a rather fleshy gape. That’s the part where the top part of our lips meet the bottom part of our lips : <a href="http://www.birding.com/images/head2a.jpg">illustration</a>. Rather noisy shots since they were taken from quite afar. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKDO_CxLI/AAAAAAAAB7s/ZMPjTbRiKzY/s1600-h/IMG_2224112.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2224-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2224-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKDXf4YPI/AAAAAAAAB7w/YB2bj5Y4GKk/IMG_22241_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="313" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcTFmAk6_fn4q1fZUxJO4vDqbwWfgsRWHncepm7N_qf2mM_PFIE04RUOw2mq2_lb6Ccfp_V0pCoXqMWQdKHDIaTgMYMSnBwLlrE3PpGSAZsbKe7q5BL-v4hcjP-fJXYmRusH9HeTjb_7t/s1600-h/IMG_2226112.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2226-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2226-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKErP5ALI/AAAAAAAAB74/xJLNgc144cM/IMG_22261_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="313" /></a> <br />Other 2 birds which I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance with was the silver-beaked Chestnut Munia (<em>Lonchura malacca). </em>The one on the left is an adult while the one still coated in brown on the right is still a juvenile. I have always thought that beaks ranged the colours of red, orange and yellow till that day. It was as if the bird had dipped its beak in silver paint and polished it till it shone. Gorgeous! </p> <p align="justify">Like other seed eaters, parrots for example; the Munias also have the characteristic beak that’s rather thick in size. These short, stout beaks provide the toughness they need to crack open seeds.  Unlike the Zitting, the Munia wasn’t much of a fan of the sweet treat that was fed to it. \</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKFE2yDuI/AAAAAAAAB78/g51-65iKEzM/s1600-h/IMG_221213.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2212-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2212-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKFq40eJI/AAAAAAAAB8A/RbwiNLnvKxo/IMG_22121_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKGbQhaNI/AAAAAAAAB8E/_dBI-1s8QDg/s1600-h/IMG_222513.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2225-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2225-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SzSKG9AfF8I/AAAAAAAAB8I/uwJ8hrxvpZA/IMG_22251_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="247" /></a> <br />The Yellow Vented Bulbul (<em>Pycnonotus goiavier</em>) was the last customer of the day before we ended the 1st Land Survey at Semakau Island. Surveys and field trips are tiring, there are no arguments about that, but when Mother Nature takes you into her arms, and starts showing you tiny, interesting facts of the hidden gems in her collection.. sights and sounds, at that moment, which she shares with you and no one else that gets you hooked. </p> <p align="justify">So when did I start losing the sight of it all..? </p> <p align="justify">こあい。。。</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-75125436739828248312009-11-09T02:05:00.001+08:002009-11-09T02:27:39.463+08:00030. 4 ‘Kids’ & 1 Huge ‘Playground’ – Semakau Land Survey Pt.1<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg30rv3YGYfDvglbDUpP2H6_pUUHA1FtBhiHVAARY7UFgTx0CIlGkT-jxeliMsgdnaTkQ9JwpJbnXTSNrUwiDHCptLA7mzLStcjTvig2QcqCQb0ilRmb6rsrkDGZ97tAzSjzKYifDEPd3R/s1600-h/IMG_205225.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2052-2" border="0" alt="IMG_2052-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH4GH3NdI/AAAAAAAABvI/QRt69FVMwJ4/IMG_20522_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="430" /></a>It was a trip down our childhood years as 8 of us literally bashed through the wild grassland that grew with abundance in the landfill cells. Never mind that the Mimosa stood tall and overshadowed the smallest of us (approx. 150cm in height), all thoughts of prickly burrs from the Love-in-the-Mist (<em>Passiflora foetida</em>) and thorny abrasions flew as Jia Yi and I exclaimed excitedly over our finds. Spiders, grasshoppers, butterflies, dragonflies etc were all part of our treasure trove as we swept figure-of-eights over the heads of the swaying <em>lalang</em>s. With Robert as boss of our team (and Ed as leader of the other), us 3 girls slowly became acquainted with the microfauna that made up the inhabitants of Semakau’s unexplored grassland. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH4iT2CqI/AAAAAAAABvM/HknrnlRyDVI/s1600-h/IMG_2009%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2009" border="0" alt="IMG_2009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH5VcJW0I/AAAAAAAABvQ/KWQdO_IGwuA/IMG_2009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="304" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH6UqUMpI/AAAAAAAABvU/7GIRaz84Es0/s1600-h/IMG_2015-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2015-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2015-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH67v7AOI/AAAAAAAABvY/30_DMNfVKcU/IMG_2015-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="304" /></a> <br />(left): Getting ready the equipment with butterfly nets as the main gear…</p> <p align="justify">(right): .. before we entered the tall, thick overgrowth. The cells that we entered are the ones that have already been packed to the brim with ash (rubbish-incinerated produce). None of the plants found here are human-introduced but were instead dispersed by the wind and creatures like birds. Notice the irony of the situation? :) (of course, we are there for a purpose, hence it’s a-ok!) But before moving on, let’s introduce the intrepid ‘pioneers’ of the insect-team! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH7vvC1mI/AAAAAAAABvc/0wxLItfEzy8/s1600-h/IMG_2044-2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2044-2" border="0" alt="IMG_2044-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgLGPSx8Q8glHngf_mpNuwOyvi049CZF6lNBCJjLCR-dY9cLfNnFJOTGypDDEBu01y9UoLygd8EHNEUeASNnGEXy0Hq19K53whRatqe2ZQvd3yO9I6LRvmoigMqH7d2fz8SAJWrvP_n0V/?imgmax=800" width="213" height="281" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPi5-H4CctkUlbwd_hbwYie4yDxpJRHF-KaH9I5l_aqfnMkUWz2YsTx-HgNzm2qu_c0ZQVM5aCrnNR0DbCh_t2IfNH07lPPzkr8jlJl9oOjuUSj68FhZOOFAy6E2gISBfPAXMbEMBTxva/s1600-h/IMG_2060-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2060-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2060-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH9t0VqwI/AAAAAAAABvo/P8_gkeZ0E5U/IMG_2060-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="281" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUixGdZNexThW-VlugN2twRegZm2h-W_qXyTfTadGYOUtshcA17xhGfxmekiPWHJgr6tdGbARM5z_MVus9DE61JytuwwWeVaHe_1xqhYshZs_xCtzfPJssxhUoc619mX2YLp9rwB7H-nn/s1600-h/IMG_2062-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2062-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2062-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcH_M1vclI/AAAAAAAABvw/D01slN5E808/IMG_2062-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="281" /></a> <br />(left): The youngest and the most bubbly of this surveying team is Jiayi. Though many a times she got overshadowed by the tall, prickly Mimosas, she made her way through slowly. And her ‘haul’ of the day included a rather thug-like hornet, several dragonflies and tons of spiders (none were hurt in the process). =)</p> <p align="justify">(middle): With a concentrated look, Meiyi made sure she didn’t miss out any potential microfauna that will be useful in mapping out the inhabitants of the grassland-cum-ash-filled cells ecosystem of Semakau.  </p> <p align="justify">(right): Halfway through the sweeping-checking-transferring-releasing process, Ying Wei got side-tracked and ended up in our group. :) Transferring the many-legged creatures into containers require full attention as we wouldn’t want them escaping. Also, we had to be careful that neither us nor the animals get hurt in the process (we might get stung while the latter might lose a limb). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIAGwsMyI/AAAAAAAABv0/5pEC_ZfzwUw/s1600-h/IMG_2072-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2072-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2072-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIAsiCWPI/AAAAAAAABv4/kyw4YWGCAio/IMG_2072-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIBd3PdFI/AAAAAAAABv8/2HlbPyyDrws/s1600-h/IMG_2073-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2073-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2073-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIB0AveuI/AAAAAAAABwA/dOuZVOVpLts/IMG_2073-1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <br />And last but not least, we had Robert as our Columbus to pave a way through ‘unchartered’ territory. It ain’t easy being the first man at the front since the grasses proved to be quite the formidable wall. Roots and the snaking rhizomes could easily cause a trip if not careful. Also, the thick and dry turf that we stepped on were so uneven that a slight imbalance could cause one to fall down and kneel over. With an impish grin, Robert said that he didn’t mind the ‘royal’ treatment … –.–”’</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjcqiakXmT-d-7G_PiiE-MOR4fAUj0lPaZZxt1oXiKJcbaLWwKbAhhYsnxiWQ2ScIcQkqc561BeOj8M1afOLpqxn-FDgaxfiyrTtJqgWAYT-AYUdNDNBfKb5-Nb18jWuJGPrj7KU7H_ez/s1600-h/IMG_2021-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2021-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2021-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIDSoA-zI/AAAAAAAABwI/uOS7T2EyMLg/IMG_2021-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0zWGaSrcAw1tGX9bmUGizgPKcCmLalLOUM49wR7uNeAxXvSAfuxqM7TE5Fxzj6KPb6Nilu2EsXHP5Z7bkUDpzziZAepE4GeMN2Kv2X4CJFbRh0-Qccomk2Dx3xEwX78_WdJURyQOIhva/s1600-h/IMG_2024-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2024-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2024-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIFBPrBWI/AAAAAAAABwQ/tKIvdOaCH70/IMG_2024-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <br />1st: Testing out skills before meeting the grassland head-on. Once entering the bushy overgrowth… </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLC8wfOmmXqzG_gmZkuDkYr3BxI8IoRokFZm_QCU-VHPexZshCMR4nAs499CIqf0G12t-vlaATRRvsc8nf-d5jzi4YO8YRoeFat9sUi9b9l96I-ILcPc17xCYNWwBZbL6SMjDvNI5SPN5/s1600-h/IMG_2033-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2033-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2033-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZjJWjqpQNsCK_v6vtdFhJmy3bUrxaA1P_rfRXt_69vFsfywL4B8F0sxiBvSdGrK19nSEx2T2h2ozqPNmsFe-ODVwON0KGFOGvh8DCcNTDE3G_08rqoX-M5z5LHH3Vo4I3w87ihHzd8OF/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIHegTtLI/AAAAAAAABwc/2WBsBf7ugz0/s1600-h/IMG_2050-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2050-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2050-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIIOkZw8I/AAAAAAAABwg/5p0fwG0nhFA/IMG_2050-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <br />2nd: … it’s time to sweep, sweep and sweep!! Leave no stone unturned as they say. :)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB7iqwmNqSkwrtuD0yfJpGqe8zf77BxP1b-wQgRtDQCc6S3kKthPfpJp9m3lMnpWetFu8u96X4qfMSVkBh55SLcqYZ1fbdwzxbmub2ZJYeS3_Qy-bksMgzhnhYcI0G18_Z9HGCQCmP1Oj/s1600-h/IMG_2056-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2056-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2056-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIJgTQK6I/AAAAAAAABwo/lf4mCuHsgFA/IMG_2056-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIKq70fNI/AAAAAAAABws/6vio2Nl-oKU/s1600-h/IMG_2069-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2069-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2069-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcILHmuWkI/AAAAAAAABww/V_cO0brnV0w/IMG_2069-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <br />3rd: Once a small patch is explored, stop awhile to check on the insects captured. Seek advice to avoid containing the same creatures. All that was needed was 2-3 of each species. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGa2i_y0OJZehTarEAhbQ2gRVhuX0o1BaaaZ5_rnRFkZNtovqELd9hWymXeOTylA2GxPu1juXuwEhpl3TZsCB96twMhTRV7pDWO2akUyGF3KNnzNFwT11mhzGWAi3gEKpRYX8dydKgmVZ/s1600-h/IMG_2038-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2038-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2038-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIMtHB3UI/AAAAAAAABw4/JOYu0HmgXqY/IMG_2038-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcINlRt7-I/AAAAAAAABw8/Pnw40wNMapQ/s1600-h/IMG_2058-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2058-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2058-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIOGzJ_2I/AAAAAAAABxA/KNNaYlG__yQ/IMG_2058-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <br />4th: Transfer creatures into appropriate containers. Butterflies and dragonflies went into the larger ones while tiny spiders can be sufficiently enclosed in one of those slender tubes (right pic). </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIPPnaHaI/AAAAAAAABxE/5oDtd36eoM4/s1600-h/IMG_2043-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2043-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2043-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xmyUzhiQN5BofeqIjUKVvQebFLzeWeZnzccz_rZfiCzrYp8xwTq3no9C29nxVJKvN6ted2HRFCmvcHJzMlLC_yTwS5iRW9aRanqv0s7JUI66qNa7YvSx_VfvsO8HWg713RyP5eHkRn3I/?imgmax=800" width="570" height="430" /></a>Time for a short water break before carrying on. Since we only had 3 nets per team, I was in-charge of carrying the containers that temporarily housed the specimens. Also, if in need of an empty container?  Just give me a holler~ =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIQzxWCFI/AAAAAAAABxQ/L6hbzplUUH8/s1600-h/IMG_2049-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2049-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2049-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIRj6ILXI/AAAAAAAABxU/fNTy6orB4BQ/IMG_2049-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcISm00J6I/AAAAAAAABxY/Vs_elopJ7Mg/s1600-h/IMG_2076-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2076-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2076-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcITIYJeNI/AAAAAAAABxc/0YxnYe0BFzg/IMG_2076-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <br />We were given 2 hours to net as many creatures as possible. By the time we near the end, I had a bagful of containers that were a-buzzing with life. Quite a haul too and we didn’t even had to walk all the way through one end of the cell to the other end. We knew we had reached the road when the refineries came into sight (right pic).  <br />   </p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2064-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2064-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIToKrVAI/AAAAAAAABxg/E2P4VGE-Snw/IMG_2064-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="430" /> <p align="center">Against the setting sun as backdrop, Robert can be seen sweeping for the last time before we packed up our equipment and called it a day.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIUiRPJtI/AAAAAAAABxk/F_XXzsL74mE/s1600-h/IMG_2082-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2082-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2082-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_IBx0BdnWtkWj3iMH_Lz_xDYs7FlTwGHtWwmcnCadh2w33qsSlnF6lO2V1VAHfU5hUb4H26iFvhaoFETdIkV4sOt59WKSh5N7Yir-Jkk8MMve6XFYQISAZmmewVtoV-YGaIDfwf-7DTP/?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIWBm1jcI/AAAAAAAABxs/JZ45HH3ZaUc/s1600-h/IMG_2083-1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2083-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2083-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIW4fhQ6I/AAAAAAAABxw/KTmONyzHmPQ/IMG_2083-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="240" /></a> <br />(left): As we were busy sweeping for insects and spiders, the bird team set up mist nets nearby to catch birds for identification. The ones that faced sideways can be easily seen while the ones that faced frontwards blended easily against the background. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIXjQTaGI/AAAAAAAABx0/kkx6huUGoSI/s1600-h/IMG_2088-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2088-1" border="0" alt="IMG_2088-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIYYIp-CI/AAAAAAAABx4/clYXXhR-2Ns/IMG_2088-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="430" /></a>And the haul from the 2 combined teams, with 2 bottles of alcohol standing-by for preservation purposes. Later, the organisms were sorted out via generalised categories like ‘Spider’, ‘Dragonfly’, ‘Bee’ etc. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIZRzyrmI/AAAAAAAABx8/7P8ILrx3s40/s1600-h/IMG_2105%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2105" border="0" alt="IMG_2105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVfZKoNAEhgxuhyphenhyphen2jSr0qh8Z4DYJ4CCTFgROhOpFR4mrb6J7NLrn-fosrFRaJMg2zPwjB7_CK_AOgz77223aRopHXTp3a6YNz5lGqU9WKuEWIM86bXmr6niF-lLoQmduuUYm7tsX5M4tb/?imgmax=800" width="570" height="430" /></a>Taking images of the arachnids were not an easy job as still focus and lively spiders don’t usually go hand-in-hand.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIa_WSmtI/AAAAAAAAByE/ROEeVrTPY0I/s1600-h/IMG_2163%5B18%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2163" border="0" alt="IMG_2163" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvcIbuqayyI/AAAAAAAAByI/bTb_QzRSzJk/IMG_2163_thumb%5B18%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="571" height="429" /></a>One of the captures of the day – a robber fly (aka ‘Robert’ fly) from the family Asilidae. The dense moustache on its face helps protect its head and face from preys that just don’t give up easily. Its short but strong proboscis is used to stab and inject its victims with saliva that paralyzes and digest the innards, before it all gets sucked up. The adults attack other creatures that range from other flies to to the predatory spiders. It’s cool but damn, this sure is one vicious fly. *nods*</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-75394649405466299662009-11-05T23:15:00.001+08:002009-11-05T23:45:37.717+08:00029. Around the World in 14 days<p align="justify">Collecting dust, that’s what this blog’s been doing. What can I say, I took more than I could handle this semester and now my plate’s overflowing. Spilling even. Compared to having read through 13 pages of some bloke et al. going on about epigenetics, rDNA, episome etc (yawns), blogging about my adventure yesterday with Miss Woo might perk me up a bit. </p> <p align="justify">Now then, here’s a little something. Can you guess what this lovely creature (bottom) might be? With its feathery antennae and fur-like covering, it looks somewhat like a rabbit. It’s a matter of imagination of course. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr4c7jmEI/AAAAAAAABqs/xttRl54bHvQ/s1600-h/IMG_1990%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px auto 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1990" border="0" alt="IMG_1990" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr5Q_cBPI/AAAAAAAABqw/Qcgz2dqAbhg/IMG_1990_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="423" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Weather’s been cold and damp these past few days. Add in a dash of thunder and gusts of cold breeze, and you have a perfect day to snuggle warm against your blankets. After the rain stopped pouring somewhat, Hen and I walked around campus in search for <em>Dillenia </em>sp. patches. They are going to be spots where she will spend at least 2 hours of her time (per observation) to note down the birds that make the red <em>Dillenia</em> fruits part of their diet. As we were just about to call it a day (and head down to Business Fac’s dessert stall), the above creature caught my eye. </p> <p align="justify">What caught my breath weren’t its colours but its sheer size as it held still against a large <em>Dillenia suffruticosa </em>leaf. And yeap, as some of you might have guessed already, it’s the giant Atlas Moth (<em>Attacus atlas</em>). Measuring against my notebook, its wingspan was at least 25cm while its vertical length (from head to wing tip at the bottom) was approximately 15cm. Named after the Titan in Greek mythology, its wings’ patterns are said to look like maps. Again, it’s all up to eyes’ of the beholder. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr64jLZFI/AAAAAAAABq0/cJkERPrhTQc/s1600-h/IMG_1965%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px auto 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1965" border="0" alt="IMG_1965" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr7qNPcJI/AAAAAAAABq4/FaOoM4SJDa4/IMG_1965_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" height="422" /></a></p> <p align="justify">This, I assumed, is a male as males are said to have bushier antennae to seek out the pheromones released by their female counterparts. Hence, any of the chemicals that carried downwind can be easily detected by his large, feathery antennae. But in comparison, females are noted to be even larger in size. However, neither sex possessed fully-formed mouth parts and hence do not feed. The 10-14 days they have on Earth is spent mating and reproducing. And throughout this period, they survive on nothing more but their larval fat reserves which they had accumulated while they were in their caterpillar stage. <img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px auto 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1985" border="0" alt="IMG_1985" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr8fHckfI/AAAAAAAABq8/3ldMXD5uXcc/IMG_1985_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="563" height="424" /></p> <p align="justify">And this leads me to a question, what ecological role do these moths have on the stage which Mother Nature runs as director? And by role, I am not referring to the silk which they are known to be cultivated for. Compared to the Silkworm moth (<em>Bombyx mori</em>), the silk of the Atlas moth is secreted as broken strands. Known also as <em>fagara</em>, its brown, wool-like silk is thought to be longer-lasting.  Anyway, they can’t be doing nothing but mating and spawning… right? I couldn’t come up with anything substantial via Google though… </p> <p align="justify">Generally, Atlas moths are tawny to maroon in colour with roughly triangular, see-through "eyes" on both forewing and hindwing that’s bordered in black (bottom picture, right). Their reason of existence is still rather vague, but they are thought to be important in avoiding predators (small mammals and birds). The bodies of these moths are rather hairy and disproportionately small compared to their wings. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr9eikIQI/AAAAAAAABrA/XE1KdD28DEY/s1600-h/IMG_1978%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 65px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1978" border="0" alt="IMG_1978" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr-ExIH7I/AAAAAAAABrE/gaBOwA6XWNs/IMG_1978_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="245" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr-9s6bCI/AAAAAAAABrI/qVhA3GuWjOE/s1600-h/IMG_1995%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1995" border="0" alt="IMG_1995" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLr_xIhLDI/AAAAAAAABrQ/o6Dro6Airic/IMG_1995_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="245" /></a></p> <p align="center">The moth in its full glory…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsAunV40I/AAAAAAAABrU/ljeyaz8zo4U/s1600-h/IMG_1998%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px auto 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1998" border="0" alt="IMG_1998" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsBZ9jiPI/AAAAAAAABrY/wuXE6_9SOh8/IMG_1998_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="365" /></a></p> <p align="justify">..but I wonder, why the need for these red streaks at the side of its wings? Is it suppose to bear resemblance to a mouth? (since it’s noted that the hooked wingtips are said to look somewhat like a snake's head (complete with eye), to scare off predators)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsCQusNSI/AAAAAAAABr8/vgwSxqovY88/s1600-h/IMG_1996%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1996" border="0" alt="IMG_1996" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsDhXr9MI/AAAAAAAABsE/f-kcPYVaOco/IMG_1996_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="427" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsEfnYr1I/AAAAAAAABsM/x7zikS3-v3s/s1600-h/IMG_1997%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_1997" border="0" alt="IMG_1997" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsFVJpJWI/AAAAAAAABsQ/MbVmjCWwUEc/IMG_1997_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="427" /></a></p> <p align="justify">And here’s a look on what’s at the front.. caught this as the moth started to beat its wings softly… (but looking from behind, the hooked wingtips look somewhat like a parrot’s head). =) Common as it might be (especially from November to January), it can’t be denied that this creature is truly a majestic beauty.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsGO1K8KI/AAAAAAAABrs/yc4xCNoI54s/s1600-h/IMG_2001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2001" border="0" alt="IMG_2001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsG8ZF4-I/AAAAAAAABrw/K_yEViRHYXE/IMG_2001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="430" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsHiHYR4I/AAAAAAAABr0/_U2iL3XJRhg/s1600-h/IMG_2004%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2004" border="0" alt="IMG_2004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SvLsIW_UwUI/AAAAAAAABr4/efsB5fnFDKE/IMG_2004_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="431" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Okie, okie… back to hitting the books.. looks like it’s gonna be a long night. >_></p> <p>Reference: <br />1. <a href="http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Attacus_atlas#encyclopedia">http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Attacus_atlas#encyclopedia</a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-89490337649928587272009-08-05T16:06:00.000+08:002009-08-05T16:28:06.317+08:00028. ABC (Alvin’s Bathhouse for the Chipper) – Welcome! ヽ(´∇`)ノ<p align="justify">lol… I just couldn’t resist putting that as the title when I recalled the image of Alvin, arms akimbo, announced “My kingdom!!” as he gave the neat black rows of budding seedlings a satisfactory onceover. ^__^ Then, as quick as it disappeared previously, the crimson sunbird dipped by and fluttered excitedly before finding its favourite spot on the crisscrossing pipes up above. Before I get you anymore confused, this place – with its sprinkler pipes and its daily stream of ‘customers’ – is none other than the NUS nursery. Set at about 5:30pm (give or take), the sprinkler turns on for approximately 15 minutes and the nursery immediately turns into ‘bird bathhouse haven’. Blimey, it was 4 lifers (<em>refers to birds not seen befo</em>re) in the span of 2 days; and literally under my nose too! I would probably have lil’ chance to catch and identify these 4 kinds of feathered fluffs under such close proximity if it weren’t for Wee Foong and Alvin respectively. *salutes* :)</p> <p align="justify">It all started when I heard a firing of repeated <strong><em>chee-yup, chee-yup, chee-yup</em></strong> as I was heading down to the patch that I am currently shackled lock-and-key to (till they finish fruiting), albeit voluntarily.. heh. My ears strained and it seemed to be coming from the direction of the nursery. The source proved rather elusive as they tended to stop beneath the thick <em>Dillenia </em>leaves before becoming the blur specks that twittered and tweet away. Not till they flew and stopped near the nursery did I see it was a group of the not-so-common (from yours truly point of view) <strong><u>Common Tailorbird (<em>Orthotomus sutoris</em>)</u></strong>. Ka-ching, ‘customer’ <strong>no. 1</strong> is up~~</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXUBTyzYz_RB0wR_OQGpc1KHNgBepZO-YJnmBdIa9N8f-okz3aE8bmBXp1esdC7ierxxc_fhrSdSoX2Dnh8qF2w0Ut26HqekYKwXgekfUt9StiISC-Vfpvt5eEjlQUzThEAVLKdYPN6e0/s1600-h/IMG_025112.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0251-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0251-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8VmIGKtI/AAAAAAAABeE/TAo5cOWEwi0/IMG_02511_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="240" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8Wd6qz2I/AAAAAAAABeI/hLrJbaUonlY/s1600-h/IMG_028222.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0282-2" border="0" alt="IMG_0282-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeDaPx7_MLUgTQ1X5nwd_RlfjIObgXbSQ-4u6b34a8NjXd5c3u6QrNw6SwvGZR_Dm72X7_n95cIKwboPQ8pyOq6wL83-9ixkky74Hj_IHoDkXfGvhQkXg15dIOqfYJAs_5PbnSdVn99xI/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="241" /></a></span></em> <br />Limited to just hearing the explosive 2-syllable calls, I could only imagine that the Common Tailorbirds(<em>Orthotomus sutoris</em>)</span> were enjoying a good soak from the sprinkling drizzle. From where I was standing, my view was limited by the black netting that cloaked the top of the nursery. Unless the birds came near the edges, I could only wait and hope while keeping a look-out for any other birds that might come near the nursery. And finally, after what seemed to be a long time, a chestnut head popped into view (<strong>left</strong>). Preening itself and fluffing its wings dry, the tiny twitter hopped from one broad leaf to another before taking off towards the secondary forest behind. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <div align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 10px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 15px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1feca5b9-03d8-4350-8974-4e7759fd3b7a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="42ac5b0b-7b99-4144-aade-f81e250b9095" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oobuc91h1-w&fmt=18" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8Xuhe06I/AAAAAAAABho/X8cC747aNQk/video2dadc82588e1%5B32%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('42ac5b0b-7b99-4144-aade-f81e250b9095'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oobuc91h1-w&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oobuc91h1-w&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </div> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">After an hour or so, I decided to move along (though rather reluctantly) to check out the <em>Melastoma</em> patch. And it seemed that there was a flurry of activity going on about the area <strong>(picture at top right)</strong>. Going in for a closer look brought this tiny chick into view… oh my god, isn’t that just the cutest thing ever?! Puffed up like a toasted marshmallow, the lil’ critter was going <strong><em>cheet-cheet-cheet</em></strong>… while waiting for its parents to show up with food. And whaddya know, the parents were none other than the Common Tailorbird. Sweet!! </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">  </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <div align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 15px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ec4b93fc-32ec-4a9a-a806-fe8f8ed6d0df" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="a49c8154-529b-4d18-9116-74ff28f39b8d" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjdJAIu93Vc&fmt=18" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8YNuo1eI/AAAAAAAABhw/wBWNo4ZbMoY/videoa2a96800f65c%5B32%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a49c8154-529b-4d18-9116-74ff28f39b8d'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KjdJAIu93Vc&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KjdJAIu93Vc&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </div> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">It was definitely a real treat as this was the first time seeing a family of Common Tailorbirds on the <em>Melastoma </em>patch which I have picked to observe the fruiting phase of the plant. But nothing good last long, and true enough a walking couple and a passing car soon sent the skittish family to the top of a nearby <em>petai </em>tree. In this video, the adult’s <strong><em>pit-chik, pit-chik, pit-chik</em></strong> intermingled with the younglings’ <strong><em>cheet, cheet, cheet. </em></strong></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">    </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8YwmAXYI/AAAAAAAABeY/jNWj1oZyOcA/s1600-h/IMG_029614.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0296-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0296-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8ZZcsXgI/AAAAAAAABec/MzEtpkeWGdM/IMG_02961_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></em> <br />And my favourite picture by far, a snapshot of the cherubic babies. I can almost hear the fangirl within me squealing<em>~~ </em>Luckily for you and me, she doesn’t come out often… =). Tailorbirds get their name from the way its nest is constructed. As its namesake suggests, this lil’ birdy uses its needle-like bill to pierce the edge of a large leaf before <a href="http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/data/503/nest-1j.jpg">sewing them together with plant fibre/spider web</a> to form a cradle. And within its snug comfort, <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/Common_Tailorbird_%28Orthotomus_sutorius%29_Nest_in_Hyderabad,_AP_W_IMG_7246.jpg">the actual grass nest is put together</a> [1]. Although Junior 1 and Junior 2 were perched atop a <em>Melastoma </em>tree, they were fed with stuff that weren’t plucked from the tree. In fact, the parents flew away from the patch before returning 5 minutes later to soothe the hungry calls of their young. Like most warblers, Common Tailorbirds are insectivorous. </p> <p align="justify">Just so you know, warblers are not particularly closely related, but share certain characteristics, such as being fairly small, vocal and insectivorous. :) Also, they tend to be more easily heard than seen. Being mostly brownish or dull greenish, identification can be difficult. But apparently, they can be told apart on the basis of song alone [2]. That certainly helps some.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8aJC8FlI/AAAAAAAABeg/OQXDxf_46YY/s1600-h/IMG_031014.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0310-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0310-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8a-iNImI/AAAAAAAABek/vOCqrhVN5sA/IMG_03101_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="304" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsV8uXndaZcfpfKJHXArNcyPIFVz3Qjq7N6kGJ_E1ysldTMadIRbVNCZi0SQZIUQB-ZT2YhYuxQNokAM_4Al4QO6OZlUiHNEVYccTgxczITkq6ENnLOlVRwpb81ddTxWalGXt9aMetqI5/s1600-h/IMG_031113.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0311-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0311-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5UDmBzDHjsADvXn9yHVXX7pPK6SioVCgnJXgKWL7qKz1Vq_nJ3nZm5X-RzRyjKuxNyII0-pmDGLKFG1YiojrOmaKD00o-_ShoJrG6vP7kaBjX4g0BhJU7FXe1Z__-7zlyRRsHVDDxfmw/?imgmax=800" width="405" height="304" /></a></span></em> <br />Not a very flattering picture, ‘customer’ <strong>no. 2</strong> seemed to be thoroughly enjoying its fair share of drizzle. With a chestnut-brown crown and yellowish head-sides and underparts, the <strong><u>Striped Tit-babbler (<em>Macronous gularis</em>)</u></strong></span> is a chunky bird with a short bill. As its common name <em>tit</em> might suggest, it’s a small bird like the Tailorbird. And just like the Tailorbird, babblers are also insectivorous and rather vocal. Even so, tit-babblers are no Idol contenders. Their calls are usually a well-spaced <strong><em>chut-chut-chut-chut-chut </em></strong><font size="1">(Song/Call courtesy of </font><a href="http://www.xeno-canto.org/asia/"><font size="1">Xeno-canto/Asia</font></a>)<font size="1">:</font> <br /><object width="350" height="40"><param name="src" value="http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/XRABICUARW/R09_1629-Striped-Tit-Babbler.mp3"> <param name="autoplay" value="False"><param name="controller" value="true"><embed src="http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/XRABICUARW/R09_1629-Striped-Tit-Babbler.mp3" autostart="False" loop="false" width="350" height="40" controller="true"></embed></object> <br />…but then again, when the group of three (or maybe 4) flew into the sheltered nursery, their calls were more of a harsh <strong><em>chrrrt-chrr, chrrrt-chrr-chrri </em></strong><font size="1">(Song/Call courtesy of </font><a href="http://www.xeno-canto.org/asia/"><font size="1">Xeno-canto/Asia</font></a>)… like so:- <br /><object width="350" height="40"><param name="src" value="http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/AFEHYCAHZR/StripedTit-babblercallsVNEdwards.mp3"> <param name="autoplay" value="False"><param name="controller" value="true"><embed src="http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/AFEHYCAHZR/StripedTit-babblercallsVNEdwards.mp3" autostart="False" loop="false" width="350" height="40" controller="true"></embed></object> <br />Of course it’s never good to generalise for there are always an exception or 2. The chestnut-capped babbler (<em>Timalia pileata</em>) whistles a rather, supposed, pleasant tune [3]. It’s subjective of course. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8dVSxgKI/AAAAAAAABew/8oRqiwN29KE/s1600-h/IMG_023915.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0239-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0239-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8eJRfSsI/AAAAAAAABe0/ayIRLwVj_S4/IMG_02391_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></em> <br />And <em>irrashaimasu</em>, it seems that ‘customer’ <strong>no. 3</strong> is back! But this time, instead of the male, it’s the female <strong><u>Olive-backed Sunbird (<em>Nectarinia jugularis</em>)</u></strong> that made a visit. Unlike the resplendent male and his iridescent onyx-blue  forehead, throat and breast, his mate sports a banana-yellow underside. As its generic name <em>Nectarinia</em> indicates, the Olive-backed feeds largely on nectar, though they do feed on insects and fruits. This also applies to sunbirds in general. </p> <p align="justify">They bear similar resemblance to their counterparts in 2 very distantly related groups: the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummingbird">hummingbirds</a> in the Americas and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeyeater">honeyeaters</a> of Australia. Due to convergent evolution as they share a lifestyle of nectar-feeding, their bills have evolved to be long, thin and curved while their tongues are brush-tipped and tubular. One other classic example of the convergent evolution is the wing. Both birds (Class Aves) and bats (Class Mammalia) can fly but the two are from completely different lineages after diverging from a non-flying common ancestor. Hence, even if hummingbirds, honeyeaters and sunbirds look like triplets side-by-side, the functional traits that are in charge of the processing of their water and sugar diet may vary [4]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lQZ3OZ4wF0WqGDlHHmbuw3wfgCHQLwIZg2Q4dxFOqAeeOzbXzh_K5p5x3Zx_TMvnCPtKQJ0AGHums67dj0aLJBYW3ty-PTyWjXLKDAVvlSXQV09XhW1tPoFDhXUBO8hFllnpgADMGeqr/s1600-h/IMG_032112.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0321-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0321-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7InZZ83IayZ1E_x5k9thKACUuwaU1ZPkNtMSfX417c0G6GJSmui8FoUY5-t1KGAavg0CxYXi54oXUPZrpIPWgP1ln5lsLCdOLZuIhQrVc_KxeMUjylbrhAqhIC_-Iqjp1uaFVUMc1QN0/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="241" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8gen1OhI/AAAAAAAABfA/zTchKkBhNqc/s1600-h/IMG_032512.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0325-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0325-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZ6ByYYwR4TJOukuA0reLVwELT4vNjx3r7svI6ND4bUaq1Nnmctw9o_VxMW_kNlm7XSZHHV6r3VyZc8EONNe10Of5OgMabCvsom2PBCbOOKLPlrE57eH5V15FNLjpbvQ4G3yEXvWdrgw6/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></em> <br />Belonging to what might be considered as the most primitive of genera, ‘customer’ <strong>no. 4</strong> – the <strong><u>Brown-throated Sunbird (<em>Anthreptes malacensis</em>)</u></strong> has a shorter and straighter bill compared to the long, thin and downcurved bill of the Olive-backed. So yes, besides having nectar and fruits on their menu, sunbirds like the Brown-throated feed chiefly on insects that scuttle about on leaves [5]. Derived from the word <em>anthos </em>(blossom) and <em>threps-</em> (nutrition), its generic name <em>Anthreptes</em> would therefore mean ‘flower-derived nutrition’. Probably a general description of the sunbirds’ diet. Probably. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8hzqE7PI/AAAAAAAABfI/Ws2MjQ4q8TI/s1600-h/IMG_03249.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0324" border="0" alt="IMG_0324" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8ioEmnOI/AAAAAAAABfM/W5Ac91U62J8/IMG_0324_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8jGYlqGI/AAAAAAAABfQ/NtAVg5hOmss/s1600-h/IMG_032712.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0327-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0327-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9prl8Z6qELJU-AWxaeKLycMcaLsTRJYiW737ce9GLtLC6Cc0d6Y9l8jcjLQaQN_yscgpkhZ3s0OIJS52wzUueZDP2LU7iWagbJCB5KNGelbkrn-oZPPKNOQXC9vxbtujagCnz_2nwHHy/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></em> <br />Perching high-up on a <em>Dillenia</em> stem, its <strong><em>wrick-wrick-wrick-wrick </em></strong>(as described by Craig Robson’s <em>A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia</em>) or <strong><em>chick-chick-chick-chick</em></strong> (in my opinion ^^) rang out crystal-clear. Only at a certain angle did I catch sight of the bird trying to feast off the pods of the <em>Dillenia</em> fruit. <br />*Shout out to Hen: Brown-throated Sunbird eats <em>Dillenia</em>~~</p> <p align="justify">And one thing that separates a sunbird from the hummingbird is that sunbirds cannot fly backwards unlike the latter. Both birds can hover over flowers [6], but the sunbird prefers to perch and feed compared to the buzzing hummingbird. Also, sunbirds live only in the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) while hummingbirds reside in the New World (Americas and Australasia). </p> <p align="justify">And last but <em>certainly</em> not the least, ‘customer’ <strong>no. 5</strong> graced us with its presence. And it’s none other than the…</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8kR3YEJI/AAAAAAAABfY/OHEJagpb7Ws/s1600-h/IMG_0339page4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0339-page" border="0" alt="IMG_0339-page" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8lJ6oM9I/AAAAAAAABfc/iTJ7B7ED_iM/IMG_0339page_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="444" /></a></span></em> <br />… <strong><u>Crimson Sunbird (<em>Aethopyga siparaja</em>)</u></strong>! Derived from the Greek word <em>aithos</em> (fire, flame) and <em>–puge</em> (rump, rear end), sunbirds of the genus <i>Aethopyga</i> are among the most brilliantly-coloured animals alive! Species of this genus also have short bills like the Brown-throated. But then unlike the Brown-throated, the bill of the Crimson is down-curved. From the middle picture, I can honestly say that the crown is blue. But based on the description found in the field guide, the males are said to possess an iridescent <font color="#004040"><strong>dark-green</strong></font> crown. And that’s why, when I saw it during the first of the 2 days, I thought this was the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/wondersf/birds08/temminck_sunbird.jpg">Temminck’s Sunbird</a> (endemic to Sumatra)… feh. >_< That will teach me not to base everything solely on a book. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8lnwO6cI/AAAAAAAABfg/SLQ-uUKQ9cc/s1600-h/IMG_0344page4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0344-page" border="0" alt="IMG_0344-page" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Snk8ma2-hLI/AAAAAAAABfk/1VYx5hYFk9I/IMG_0344page_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="444" /></a></span></em> <br />But anyway, I felt much better after the Crimson Sunbird stilled enough for me to get sharp shots of it. ^^v I can’t decide which I like best, so here they are. Hopefully, I can get a better shot of the Striped Tit the next time but once more, here’s my heartfelt thanks to Alvin and Wee Foong. Your jobs (or hobby, in WF’s case) rocks! ~(^∀^ ) </p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">Reference: <br />1.  </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tailorbird" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tailorbird"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tailorbird</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warbler" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warbler"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warbler</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/597094/tit-babbler" href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/597094/tit-babbler"><font size="1">http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/597094/tit-babbler</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><a title="http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/206/4/659" href="http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/206/4/659"><font size="1">http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/206/4/659</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">5. </font><a title="http://animals.jrank.org/pages/1312/Sunbirds-Nectariniidae-PHYSICAL-CHARACTERISTICS.html" href="http://animals.jrank.org/pages/1312/Sunbirds-Nectariniidae-PHYSICAL-CHARACTERISTICS.html"><font size="1">http://animals.jrank.org/pages/1312/Sunbirds-Nectariniidae-PHYSICAL-CHARACTERISTICS.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">6. </font><a title="http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/sunbirds.html" href="http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/sunbirds.html"><font size="1">http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/sunbirds.html</font></a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-78804133487892227552009-07-26T23:22:00.001+08:002009-07-30T15:43:35.042+08:00027. Pulau Semakau 2nd Hunt – It’s a whole new world down there~~<p align="justify">With the sunlight piercing through marshmallow clouds up in the heavens and the water swirling cool between my knees, I must say I was tempted to stay rooted and start snapping away. And with my camera safely ensconced within a Dicapac underwater casing, I couldn’t resist dunking my camera every once 2 seconds just to get some sea and sky shots. Though the corners of the images snapped seem to be hindered by the grey outlines of the casing’s edge, it’s all just a matter of cropping it and voila, it’s as good as a real underwater snapshot. ;) </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0hxRn-0I/AAAAAAAABbI/w_HRfkrjRJM/s1600-h/IMG_007215.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0072-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0072-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0iuHsi5I/AAAAAAAABbM/LJy6z1EaPS8/IMG_00721_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a> </span></em></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0j1MzwhI/AAAAAAAABbQ/gz3d1oJrk0A/s1600-h/IMG_00341page5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0034-1(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_0034-1(page)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0k_nz3gI/AAAAAAAABbU/-TJzR16dKgM/IMG_00341page_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a> </span></em> <br />Amongst the seagrass and algae were sponges with one housing the Hairy Crab (<i>Pilumnus vespertilio</i>) above. Also known as the ‘teddy bear’ crab, the fluffed-up (when submerged underwater) creature triggers a ‘hug me’ reflex in some. >_< The fluffed-up feature (besides eliciting the aww-so-cute-I-wanna-cuddle-it reaction) also serves to break up the body outline, easily passing off as floating debris before the roving eyes of a hungry predator. On terra, their long, silky hairs (sounds like something off a hair shampoo advert.. lol) traps sediment, and thus blending them perfectly with their surroundings [1]! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0l-oJs1I/AAAAAAAABbY/mY8ZBpJ5h1s/s1600-h/IMG_00801page5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0080-1(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_0080-1(page)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0m5OPf7I/AAAAAAAABbc/OIyimyDgX38/IMG_00801page_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a> </span></em> <br />(<strong>top left</strong>): In the stream that gently snaked towards the reef, TC found a patch of egg casings hooked atop a blade of tape seagrass. </p> <p align="justify">(<strong>top right</strong>): Also, burrowed in the sandy bed of the stream was an inconspicuous Sandfish sea cucumber (<em>Holothuria scabra</em>). And just as its common name suggests, the sea cucumber lives in sand and comes out to from its hidey-hole once night falls and the stars twinkle. Did you know that the sandfish sea cucumber is known to harbour symbiotic Pea crabs (<i>Pinnotheres</i> sp.) in its rear ends?  -.-</p> <p align="justify">(<strong>bottom left</strong>): On Semakau Island, tape seagrass (<em>Enhalus acoroides</em>) covers kilometres of the shoreline. And just like the <a href="http://midori-no-michi.blogspot.com/2009/07/026-pulau-semakau-1st-hunt-stop-smell.html">Sunflower Mushroom Hard Coral</a>, the tape seagrass (so far) is the only species for the genus <em>Enhalus</em>!</p> <p align="justify">(<strong>bottom right</strong>): Restricted to Malaysian and Singapore in particular (based on the Singapore Red Data Book), the survival of the Noble volute (<em>Cymbiola nobilis</em>) is threatened by its own beauty. Cloaked in orange/yellow/beige with reddish-beige/brown zigzags, the shell is seen somewhat as an attractive accessory. Perfect, more clutter for dust to settle upon.. oh wait, most collectors are usually rich enough to hire servants to do the dirty work. =.= Anyway, it’s unadvisable to collect empty shells from the beach as they are potential homes for hermit crabs that have grown too big for their old homes [2]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXYy2uYhi-Vdw6YzxxJpZcCDDfwtWQ9VJlbn_yNoClimb7S6Tf83c-3_IF6vf0skiqZaok6HCpJaZtKD66UZxsnggeyYQDDH94u5njE6EYrCxdwrwCTEBLEwKoaFqismQqykzQncwZwEN/s1600-h/IMG_01011page5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0101-1(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_0101-1(page)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0ooecCyI/AAAAAAAABbk/iOC0ODX5gWE/IMG_01011page_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a> </span></em> <br />(<strong>top left</strong>): Can’t remember the exact reason, but it’s not right to say male or female flowers (<em>need to flip through my biodiversity notes</em>). Hence, the flower bearing the female sexual organs is large and held on a long stalk. When flooded by the tide, the petals of an unpollinated ‘zips up’ and unzips back when the tide ebbs. It spreads apart to allow easy access to incoming flowers bearing pollen. </p> <p align="justify">(<strong>bottom left</strong>): While the flowers bearing the female gametes are big, the situation is otherwise for flowers bearing pollen. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1778957&l=ec4c8800ce&id=590130718">Looking just like small pieces of white polystyrene or styrofoam</a>, these flowers are produced from a cup-shaped inflorescence that forms at the base of the tape seagrass. With one end water repellent and the other attracted to water, the flower is able 'stand' upright on the water surface (a wet finger-tip too)! This way, the pearly blooms tend to form <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1778961&l=4ee0690c12&id=590130718">'rafts'</a> with all ends facing the same direction. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0p2psFrI/AAAAAAAABbo/fy7m3AyTr7o/s1600-h/IMG_0083119.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0083-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0083-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0q0ZlUOI/AAAAAAAABbs/8NQ_1SAlfrg/IMG_00831_thumb17.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a> </span></em> <br />And my find for the day at our transect was the Black Phyllid Nudibranch (<em>Phyllidiella nigra</em>). This black nudibranch with its distinctive pink bumps can often be seen on the southern shores of Singapore, near coral rubble and reef. Indeed, this was where I spotted this lil’ pink one, right at the tip of Semakau reef. This time round, there was no need to worry about avoiding shadows cast by the sun overhead. All I need to do was dunk and snap. I have not felt this excited about taking pictures for quite some time now [3]. :)</p> <p align="justify">And the star of the day, I present to you….</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0ruc-JGI/AAAAAAAABbw/hr2eEjs2fus/s1600-h/IMG_01221page5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0122-1(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_0122-1(page)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Smx0sQA6jBI/AAAAAAAABb0/YOU1hkZwJ7I/IMG_01221page_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a></span></em> <br />… the Blue-lined flatworm (<em>Pseudoceros</em> sp.) of china porcelain colouration. Gorgeous isn’t it? I was practically leaping with excitement when my eyes caught hold of this tiny gem on the sponge along the sandy shores. It all happened when I was walking back towards the meeting point, and a tiny fleck of blue and white caught my attention. </p> <p align="justify">Usually, this small white flatworm with blue lines is seen on coral rubble near living reefs. Made up of folded edges of the body at the front, is a pair of erect pseudotentacles (as shown in the picture) [4]. As it swept gently across the sandy substrate, my camera followed its every move like the provincial chick (and I mean the one that goes cluck, cluck). Every peer and glance, dip and dive was faithfully embedded onto the digital memory of my A720IS. And with this to commemorate my first acquaintance with DICAPAC WP-510, I can’t wait for my next trip down to Semakau Island! </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">おねえーさんわ大好き!!  </font><font size="2">The picture above is dedicated to you, thank you for the lovely gift \( ̄ー ̄)/ <br /></font></p> <font size="1"></font> <p align="justify"><font size="1">Reference: <br />1. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/crab/pilumnidae/pilumnidae.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/crab/pilumnidae/pilumnidae.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/crab/pilumnidae/pilumnidae.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/volutidae/nobilis.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/volutidae/nobilis.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/volutidae/nobilis.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/nigra.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/nigra.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/slugs/nudibranchia/nigra.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><font size="1"><a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/blueline.htm">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/blueline.htm</a></font></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-3603820066358787892009-07-26T20:43:00.001+08:002009-07-30T15:37:21.262+08:00026. Pulau Semakau 1st Hunt – Stop & smell the roses! (25th July 2009)<p align="justify"><em><font color="#ff0000">Edited. </font></em></p> <p align="justify">Well, metaphorically at least. But that’s not to say that the shores are devoid of flowers. Within the mangroves, sea hibiscus provides a cheery-sunny view with its red yellow flowers. Amongst the seagrass lagoon, when it’s within season, tiny pearl-white beads of the tape seagrass pollen can be seen floating <em>en masse </em>towards its female counterpart (more of it in the 2nd hunt). </p> <p align="justify">Another flower, an even prettier sight to behold when embraced within the lapping waves of the sea, is the anemone. However, these are far from the floral ones that grace the terrestrial fields. Many have said they share a resemblance to each other, appearance-wise. But that’s where all similarity ends. One attracts bees while the other can sting like one. >_< I must say, the fella who was responsible for bequeathing the marine creature its common name must had fancy plants quite a bit. Even with the images below, it takes quite a bit of an imagination to be able to see where the similarity overlaps.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxO-4FAEYI/AAAAAAAABY8/zfWp9nd_TDM/s1600-h/Anemone%20compare%5B3%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Anemone compare" border="0" alt="Anemone compare" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxO_iHBlLI/AAAAAAAABZA/Y8GzHTOQfl4/Anemone%20compare_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"></span></em>Once equipped, it’s towards the shores we made our way as the sun slowly rose from its mauve folds of comforters. This time round to Semakau Island involves putting on our “hunting caps” and keep a sharp eye for any lurking creature, whether its beneath sandy terrain of soggy sponge. Once found, the creature (or its species) is kept tabs on via keeping a survey sheet. These data would then be used as a baseline for monitoring purposes besides contributing to public use via the <a href="http://projectsemakau.rafflesmuseum.net/">Project Semakau</a> website. All this serves to enhance the island’s value as an education-cum-conservation site. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPAUVy2yI/AAAAAAAABZE/c3T19qMpohk/s1600-h/IMG_001815.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0018-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0018-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPBT5S7wI/AAAAAAAABZI/IQl-rVBzupg/IMG_00181_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SnFNps3el2I/AAAAAAAABcc/BJJswnXcZB8/s1600-h/IMG_0020-1%28page%29%5B7%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0020-1(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_0020-1(page)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhEklj8or9ou9rl9ktuF-Uq552qSqQfcm6C1ArEc1po0tHWnI2wCyVk1pR4CxaPHsn3Ggisz6Jhgm8JnvR2w5jhuJc67JpW7_goK8XdqJ5QczcLk3s7HoSQunUbrpjwYWRSnbUbvg60EJ/?imgmax=800" width="314" height="425" /></a> __<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SnFNrK0RWQI/AAAAAAAABck/gQe9M--k-zs/s1600-h/IMG_0029-1%28page%29%5B7%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0029-1(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_0029-1(page)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SnFNrm9DX6I/AAAAAAAABco/Z3maJFRag80/IMG_0029-1%28page%29_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="425" /></a> </span></em> <br />Some of the first few creatures that made it to the data sheet my group partner, Tiong Chin and I was in charge of was these <strike>nerites</strike> molluscs. To the untrained eye, a glance of the top may reveal few but once flipped to its bottom, the markings and bumpy edges tell a different story for each species. However, to a conchologist (mollusc and shell expert), the shape or the texture are a big enough giveaway of their identity. <br /><strong><font color="#ff0000">Edit- <br /></font>(left):</strong> Previously thought to be a nerite turned out to be a Toothed Top Shell Snail. Translated literally as the ‘One-toothed lip’, the <em>Monodonta labio</em> indeed has a single, tooth-like protrusion at the lip of its opening. And unlike the thick trap-door which the nerite on the right possesses, the <em>M. labio</em> has a thinner trap-door (aka <strong>operculum</strong>) that is made of corneous or horny material. Flexibility-wise, this allows the snail to withdraw deeper into the dark corner inside its cone-like but asymmetrical shell – not from the curious glances of a piqued audience, but from the voracious prying of shore-inhabiting crabs. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Compared to the snail in the left picture, nerites like this <em>Nerita chamaeleon </em>has a thicker trap-door. In fact, the variable hues in which a operculum can  come in plays an important part in nerite ID. However, the <em>Nerita chamaeleon </em>or the Chameleon nerite earned its namesake for showing great variation in shell markings and colouration. Thicker in operculum relative to the Toothed Top Shell, the shape of the nerite is also different as in it sports a semi-marble figure. This unique semi-globular probably helps by extending its lifeline a little. Forget about eating, what use is lunch if it keeps slipping from one’s crab-by grasp? >_<</p> <p align="justify">During the low tide, these nerites lead an ‘idle’ life and creep about slowly (if any at all) on the rocks garnished with lichen. In fact, their favourite low-tide spot would be one where the food source is readily available. Also, this must also include areas above tide line as no nerite in their right mind would enjoy being the next dish for quicksilver gobies etc [1]. </p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPFed-pWI/AAAAAAAABZc/AhuTBLlqQ7M/s1600-h/IMG_002512.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0025-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0025-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPGF6IW3I/AAAAAAAABZg/AtcE9kgkQ58/IMG_00251_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a>__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPHIwPSoI/AAAAAAAABZk/SX72g1ryatE/s1600-h/IMG_00402.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0040" border="0" alt="IMG_0040" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPHsPg58I/AAAAAAAABZo/7Mm1-4NyMZc/IMG_0040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></em> <br />Next up on the introduction list, we have members of the Family Cnidaria. Never mind their tendency to be slow-moving (sessile for some), they can still ensure their survival on the reefs. Thank you very much. On the <strong>left</strong> – from <strong>Order Actinaria – </strong>the Banded bead anemone looked fairly similar to the coffee sweets I used to suck when I was a kid. When the tide ebbs, the tentacles of this true anemone are tucked into its body column, making it look like either blobs of glassy, spat-out coffee candy or beads of jelly. :) Although they can often be found in clusters, the banded bead is a lone wolf, a solitary polyp to be precise [2]. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right)</strong>: Also <strong>Order Actinaria</strong>, the Giant carpet anemone (<em>Stichodactyla gigantea</em>) was next to be seen. With its capability to span about 40-50cm in diameter, the giant carpet anemone rivals the <a href="http://midori-no-michi.blogspot.com/2009/07/022-pulau-sekudu-mini-series-24-not.html">Haddon’s carpet anemone</a> (<em>Stichodactyla haddoni</em>) in size. Covered in short tentacles so that it looks like an unkempt carpet, the giant carpet anemone has a folded oral disk (as can be clearly seen in the picture). Although it resembles the Haddon’s somewhat, it differs by lacking the fringe of long-short tentacles which the Haddon’s possess at its edge [3]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPIoIEZ6I/AAAAAAAABZs/6A91lZHB9yI/s1600-h/IMG_00472.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0047" border="0" alt="IMG_0047" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkGCMcBDQCz3aZREVl_KDS3QI2V578iCDjLf95o-aoGgt_qYi_ek9pO9M9eVuqVAfWcGAFWmszH48lzbvRLBUTDOplSgTeIbyG1L5QWfSUdQFQRWmBfQ0RHMymxJ9Fg4gOsQruzeK2aBw/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPKdUbaZI/AAAAAAAABZ0/mZ5Fpz33w7k/s1600-h/IMG_004112.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0041-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0041-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPK2KIDNI/AAAAAAAABZ4/12EKCrQ9-bc/IMG_00411_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></em> <br />Another characteristic that separates the Giant carpet anemone (<em>Stichodactyla gigantea</em>)  from <em>Stichodactyla haddoni</em> is that the thin-tentacled giant carpet has a flashy underside compared to the plain one of the former. From shocking pink to royal velvet, rows of verrucae make eye-catching patterns on what can be termed as a splashy background [3]. Verruca, for your information, is a small, flattish, wartlike prominence –usually found growing at the bottom of the foot – and not the tantrum-throwing, greedy kid from ‘Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’ (though her existence could be likened to one).In fact, according to wiki, Dahl claimed that "Veruca Salt" was the name of a wart medication he once had in his medicine cabinet. Wicked sense of humour, he has (always had a fondness for his books)!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPLy8LUHI/AAAAAAAABZ8/qOP14AZcltE/s1600-h/IMG_00641crop2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0064-1(crop)" border="0" alt="IMG_0064-1(crop)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPMxbzetI/AAAAAAAABaA/k-aDLpDvkBs/IMG_00641crop_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8If5SvdhDzt1yNYJzSYEFuNA4TSjkzG-oFggVHnfnaMTU6-81QEN5c6HPwKXZAR_ErGGzBW6yUBgcIyZZlN7zbq6M-agQjhB95PeneSqJDveg9X8KrWu3E-iZFDdQXqpMXv1IM6zAnixB/s1600-h/IMG_006012.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0060-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0060-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPOrnYe5I/AAAAAAAABaI/HkK-wbgJD-M/IMG_00601_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="241" /></a> </span></em> <br /><strong>(left)</strong>: Found stuffed between a rock and a hard place was the Branched tentacle anemone (<em>Phymanthus</em> sp.) <strong>(Order Actinaria)</strong>. In fact, that’s where they are mostly seen, wedged between crevices! :) </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right)</strong>: Characteristic to these sea anemones are the fine branching located on their tentacles. As can be seen from the image, the slaty-grey body column has longitudinal rows of verrucae (just like the Giant carpet anemone, but less flamboyant) in white. When disturbed, it tucks its tentacles into the body column like so (the picture shows it’s half way there) [4]. </p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPPnSacgI/AAAAAAAABaM/epCymxHOJpE/s1600-h/IMG_003315.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0033-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0033-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPQRx851I/AAAAAAAABaQ/QE3brkT0n4s/IMG_00331_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a></span></em> <br />Another household similar, an untidy mop this time round which we crossed paths with was the Swimming anemone <strong>(Order Actinaria).</strong> Though it has a pedal disk (the structure which attaches the anemone to the ground), it isn’t very sticky and the anemone can still swim by undulating its numerous manners in a coordinated manner. At low tides like this time, the anemones can be seen lying freely on the ground or attached loosely to the seagrass/algae. They don’t really swim all the much. When threatened, its been said that the anemones will lose its tentacle on purpose as distraction. Now attracted to the wriggling tentacle, the swimming anemone would make its escape (possibly by retracting its tentacles) while its predator’s attention is still elsewhere. Since its generally a slow-moving being, the anemones rely on their harboured photosynthesizing zooxanthellae (a type of algae) for food [5]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPRQlKdII/AAAAAAAABaU/8o2IYoeXF_E/s1600-h/IMG_00692.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0069" border="0" alt="IMG_0069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPSI63nrI/AAAAAAAABaY/3lXGp4HkQs8/IMG_0069_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPS7H-_8I/AAAAAAAABac/bOX4q5705s4/s1600-h/IMG_006611.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0066-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0066-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPTar5cyI/AAAAAAAABag/QCqH1D2J3d4/IMG_00661_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a> </span></em> <br />Zooxanthellae-wise, the same can also be said for the Bubble tip anemone (<em>Entacmaea quadricolor</em>) (<strong>Order Actinaria</strong>). And just like the Branched tentacle anemone, the Bubble tip anemone is generally found nestled amongst hard walls (corals especially). However, the tip does not always appear bulbous but can be inflated at will. If bulbous, the band of white near the tentacle tip would be located somewhat near its “equator”. Not quite sure what triggers the inflation/deflation, though it has been related to the presence of anemonefish [6]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPUZKOs_I/AAAAAAAABak/KgA30yansbA/s1600-h/IMG_005117.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0051-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0051-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YaOWiw-H48cXUKMPJJoZx0bSyJraWw0dyAYtS6tgl3iU7lHoEaeyEwGtNPAtF1_9t1JxXUxjRpJVbdwkaBR_MaJWJ9q7e_DiyI9_2NNimDLkGgDPugZh9-E8-uRXLCxllsyoTNQRls39/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500" /></a></span></em> <br />Let’s play a game of “Spot the Sunflower Mushroom hard coral”. How many can you find? =) <br />Clue: Yotsuba! ヽ(´▽`)/</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPWtPSCAI/AAAAAAAABas/1BJW7BQvKC0/s1600-h/IMG_005512.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0055-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0055-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPXQf73eI/AAAAAAAABaw/Y3YbVCGA7QM/IMG_00551_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPYGHmowI/AAAAAAAABa0/_ph0SAPKuWY/s1600-h/IMG_005612.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0056-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0056-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPY3X-EXI/AAAAAAAABa4/6VB_upyQz8Q/IMG_00561_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></em> <br />Though it has bulbous tentacles not unlike the Bubble tip anemone, the Sunflower </span></em>Mushroom hard coral (<em>Heliofungia actiniformis</em>) is not a sea anemone but a hard coral of the <strong>Order Scleractinia</strong>. Free-living in its adult stage, the coral is commonly seen on Pulau Hantu and here at Pulau Semakau ^^v. Uniquely, it’s the only species in its genus <em>Heliofungia </em>and is considered to be the largest of polyp among hard corals. Yes, you guessed it. The entire mass is a single animal! </p> <p align="justify">Besides being mistaken for sea anemones, the Sunflower Mushroom has also been mistaken for the Fungia Mushroom hard coral. However, telling apart these two can be seen using the picture on the <strong>left</strong>. The Sunflower Mushroom has large, rounded teeth on the skeleton walls (the rounded forms at the top in the middle) while this feature is lacking in the Fungia Mushroom Hard Coral. </p> <em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></em> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPZiiCisI/AAAAAAAABa8/xK1d88cH8VI/s1600-h/IMG_0036118.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0036-1" border="0" alt="IMG_0036-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmxPaof2KhI/AAAAAAAABbA/tZrt14P31rc/IMG_00361_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a></span></em>  <br />That’s Tiong Chin there, my co-partner during yesterday’s hunting-seeking session, as he trudged through verdant beds of algae and seagrass as the hunt continued...  </p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">Reference: <br />1. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/neritidae/neritidae.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/neritidae/neritidae.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/neritidae/neritidae.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/beadbanded.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/beadbanded.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/beadbanded.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/gigantea.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/gigantea.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/gigantea.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/phymanthus.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/phymanthus.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/phymanthus.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">5. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/boloceroididae.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/boloceroididae.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/boloceroididae.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">6. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/entacmaea.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/entacmaea.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/actiniaria/entacmaea.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">7. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/fungiidae/heliofungia.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/fungiidae/heliofungia.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/coralhard/fungiidae/heliofungia.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><em><font size="1">Credits: Thank you, Song Kiat for identity rectification :)</font></em></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-21314395761812142242009-07-19T03:11:00.002+08:002009-08-05T16:32:07.958+08:00025. 7’s Haven for High-fliers (sequel)<p align="justify">Oh my god, I can’t believe that the aftermath of the glimpse I caught yesterday is still sending my tummy-inhabiting butterflies into a frenzy. Okay, so it might not be such big a deal to some, afterall it’s only a myna. ┐('~`;)┌ But mind you, this glossy, black being is not just any canteen-hopping avian. Numerous times, the resounding calls of the Hill Myna (<em>Gracula religiosa</em>) has accompanied me –  just before the mauve skies reflect the first fiery shafts of the sun, and my friends start awakening from their deep-night slumber. Seeing the elusive creature, never mind that it may be 2-300m from me, was the next must-do on my list! Not any clip from the web (doesn’t matter if the resolution is crystal clear and shows even the eyelash), I will not settle for anything less but the real thing. Picky, I know. =) </p> <p align="justify">But before I start gushing on and on about it, I would like to illustrate a bit on the other feathered friends which frequent (some only once in a blue moon, or maybe that’s just me) the verdant settings King Edward 7 Hall and its surroundings have to offer <a href="http://midori-no-michi.blogspot.com/2009/04/012-7s-haven-of-high-fliers.html">(besides the one that I wrote about previously)</a>. </p> <p align="justify"><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"><strong>P</strong></font><em>sittacidae </em>(Family): <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId4Pmg7yI/AAAAAAAABVQ/PsfHMZZ0fw8/s1600-h/IMG_640518.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6405-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6405-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId5BqR7rI/AAAAAAAABVU/GFWWB4-v1U4/IMG_64051_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Seen on my way to class one day was a couple of Long-tailed Parakeets (<em>Psittacula longicauda</em>). These guys resemble a parrot somewhat, except that parakeets generally have long tail feathers (it’s not just this species as its common name might infer). :) Unlike the female (<strong>right</strong>), the male (<strong>left</strong>) has longer tail-streamers. It’s my first seeing this bird after all, and I might just have identified it wrongly. But the Long-tailed Parakeet was my best bet, not only because of its evident red beak… </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId5_ALOcI/AAAAAAAABVY/158nox7ADYk/s1600-h/IMG_640615.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6406-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6406-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId69wpEtI/AAAAAAAABVc/wz_wREM0xyY/IMG_64061_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="489" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />… the sides of the parakeet’s head is also a reddish-pink hue! And whaddaya know, these birds are also endemic to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Yes sirree, these birds weren’t introduced but instead call the two neighbouring countries their home (besides the regions of Andaman islands, Nicobar islands, Sumatra and Borneo). And interestingly, they usually form groups of up to 20 birds, although it’s also known that at times <strong><em>up to 800</em></strong> parakeets can congregate, particularly at coastal roost sites [1]. I guess seeing just 2 would either mean that these pair wanted some private time (for chrissake, doing it with 20 pairs of eyes around you could be a lil’ unnerving, but that’s just me, heh) or …. it could mean that the population status of these birds are not looking up.</p> <p align="justify"><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"><strong>P</strong></font><em>icidae </em>(Family): <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId78tcScI/AAAAAAAABVg/rhpHlFyv3Zo/s1600-h/IMG_97331.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9733-1" border="0" alt="IMG_9733-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId8h4GyfI/AAAAAAAABVk/rSz9x4TxoF8/IMG_97331_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="496" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Other than the <a href="http://midori-no-michi.blogspot.com/2009/02/btnr-18th-feb-2009-cradling-last.html">Banded Woodpecker (<em>Picus miniaceus</em>)</a>, this woodpecker (I am torn between the <a href="http://www.mangoverde.com/birdsound/picpages/pic104-190-1.html">Laced Woodpecker</a>, the <a href="http://ibc.lynxeds.com/files/imagecache/node/pictures/Picus_viridanus_Njh.jpg">Streak-breasted Woodpecker</a> and the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnN_XBydwro1R4UXQA-K3LtpS-rUkRd71_EfL7SMUNv3WAyZL1B6mBy4KVZ2htUz3QLY5y9yS4ZHo0nll3dKBaYvxIleMGsUeiUH-vKzOjazA03jek4Dw02rTwAQ7UiAhBn9C-4lg1SJt/s800/Streak-throated+Woodpecker+9587.jpg">Streak-throated Woodpecker</a>) is the first I have seen at Kent Ridge near my hall. But chances are that this might be a Laced Woodpecker (<em>Picus vittatus</em>) since in an observation, some had been <a href="http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/46/46rbz113-122.pdf">observed in the vicinity of Kent Ridge Park</a>, but then again that was back in 1998. Actually, I have seen another woodpecker but then the pictures were just a blot of blur movements that direct identification from them would drive an ornithologist cuckoo. =)</p> <p align="justify"><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"><strong>P</strong></font><em>ycnonotidae </em>(Family): <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId997qUaI/AAAAAAAABVo/i4XduK_AiKs/s1600-h/IMG_97473.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9747" border="0" alt="IMG_9747" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmId-us-PsI/AAAAAAAABVs/3lEbOnhMKUE/IMG_9747_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="250" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOECidKmqQ4bQndJ9rUFJn5Cc1kk_2oDdKQt-bH50zWF3uxIJy2MqQvK8x1BXCO0jsYmndviyVL9XHwXkxzxaDOqr57wbtbfU-YXF5G6Ywt1PHOQ6v4mBgl2ASp-2LaoJpJDXN6KD6gM8R/s1600-h/IMG_976812.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9768-1" border="0" alt="IMG_9768-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO_w_4gZQBwv_V_hUyq68sc21jfDna_tnu0B1Cpel_RQhUGRcugfM2zI05AxF-BzD5kgf5sgB3BOJMp9KWihf7oE-eSkJc0N1hEfhYSJSaLI8guePJb8t28nZfeEqVaYuWpQNcZOW1iRy/?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a></span></span></em> <br />And just in case you might have wondered what birds do when it’s raining cats and dogs, this is an example what happens. Compared to its sunny-day slim physique, the drenched Yellow-vented Bulbul (<em>Pycnonotus goiavier</em>) seemed to have put on more weight! By the way, the Yellow-vented Bulbul is called so because its vent (or butt) is a distinctive yellow hue(<strong>left</strong>). </a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin3bINZu2GzF648813B4LNTrJzWCMeHSEArR_cqZBiM0qtS4H4T8sZVOPfnTHRukcQYNCTcVI2-hYKvR8SnMYpfd4jMTKC2lJczwIeVX8sarnLBvRqW-UG4_Z0n4fLPzBEPDNEmAzi-i5/s1600-h/IMG_976315.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9763-1" border="0" alt="IMG_9763-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeB-7uWwI/AAAAAAAABV8/DQDpwn30NwQ/IMG_97631_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeC3oJlKI/AAAAAAAABWA/ZoRb57iERP4/s1600-h/IMG_976015.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9760-1" border="0" alt="IMG_9760-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeDRtjjlI/AAAAAAAABWE/XbEVOaK_2yM/IMG_97601_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Kawaii (or adorable) as it might seem at the moment, the Yellow-vented Bulbul (<em>Pycnonotus goiavier</em>) becomes more ball-like as the feathers are puffed-up to keep the little fella warm. While watching it trying to keep out of the rain (though failing rather miserably), I noticed that the Yellow-vented flew back and forth for a 2-3 times back and forth another tree. Not sure about the reason though.. </p> <div align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:27d81398-3067-45cb-a155-59410cf32a78" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="8b12f256-cc20-4a21-bc99-a4ee29e3d8a0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X70ictajWWU&fmt=18" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sm7OoAo2wgI/AAAAAAAABh4/WBp5KBH7xtM/videoebc8ffe56605%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('8b12f256-cc20-4a21-bc99-a4ee29e3d8a0'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/X70ictajWWU&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/X70ictajWWU&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Here’s a video of the Yellow-vented Bulbul (<em>Pycnonotus goiavier</em>) and its calls during that faithful day. Unlike the nasal quality of the Long-tailed Parakeets, the calls of the yellow-vented is a rapid, bubbling <em><strong>chic-chic-chic</strong></em>… and sharp harsh <strong><em>chwich-chwich</em></strong>.     </div> <p align="justify"><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"><strong>O</strong></font><em>riolini </em>(Tribe): <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeE6XogvI/AAAAAAAABWM/K38QSFXgxUA/s1600-h/IMG_879614.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8796-1" border="0" alt="IMG_8796-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeFg9D6bI/AAAAAAAABWQ/cDMOLGD5lU4/IMG_87961_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="424" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeGVq8KXI/AAAAAAAABWU/68euWORJSug/s1600-h/IMG_881411.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8814" border="0" alt="IMG_8814" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeHGZI6nI/AAAAAAAABWY/5mSPsNk0lBM/IMG_8814_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="424" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Though <em>Oriolus chinensis </em><strong>(above)</strong> would win hands down in terms of sporting a bright, yellow coat, it’s common name is the Black-naped Oriole. Of course,  in its juvenile state, the back of its head (or <strong>nape</strong>) is still a sulphuric yellow. Talk about being misleading. :) Anyway, this was another bird that kicked me into a frenzy. I still remembered catching sight of it initially at the top of the Macarthur Palm’s (read as Mac-Arthur) as it was in the process of picking and swallowing the ripe fruits. </p> <p align="justify">Skittish by a sudden human presence, it immediately flew down to a drain below. By this time, I was tingling with excitement as I was pretty certain I have never seen the likes of this bird in my life (the truth wasn’t revealed till I showed the picture to LK). By then I was straining to either stay in the spot to observe the bird or go back into my friend’s room and grab my camera, I decided on the latter whilst cursing (blast it, of all times my camera wasn’t there when I needed it) and hoping fervently it stay puts till I return.</p> <p align="justify">And thank goodness, when I returned it was hopping by the drain before I caught a glimpse of it flying to the staircase at the end of the block. Stalking it, I went 3 floors down before I was approximately 50cm away from it. But just as I was ready to capture a shot of it drinking water, my battery decided to breathe its last breath. Internally I was cringing and going “Arggggghhhh!!!! Bloody hell, of all times, why, WHY?!!” Berating myself for my negligence, I ran all the way back to one end and then back again to see that (thankfully) the bird was perched atop another palm. And with the the batteries’ juice running to the fullest, my eyes and my lenses never left the oriole. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeH7FF_JI/AAAAAAAABWc/aK7h2SCC5Bc/s1600-h/IMG_882015.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8820-1" border="0" alt="IMG_8820-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeIg3lNCI/AAAAAAAABWg/i2M05lIIJQs/IMG_88201_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeJ7Nv4oI/AAAAAAAABWk/5T-egjnXcPg/s1600-h/IMG_880015.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8800-1" border="0" alt="IMG_8800-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeKYsay0I/AAAAAAAABWo/AYIQ3buS31Q/IMG_88001_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Splendid in manoeuvre, the Black-naped Oriole sweeps and circles to pick the fruits in style. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeLVGwZeI/AAAAAAAABWs/79_Kd9z_xy4/s1600-h/IMG_880518.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8805-1" border="0" alt="IMG_8805-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeMRn9FTI/AAAAAAAABWw/NYmS6I3aawE/IMG_88051_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="489" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />Caught in the act! One of my favourite pictures of the Black-naped Oriole during its feeding session. As if it knew that it had me entranced, it turned back and continued to pick the fruits while perching nonchalantly on the stem. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeNm0w7RI/AAAAAAAABW0/6GcTWonOybc/s1600-h/IMG_882814.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8828-1" border="0" alt="IMG_8828-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeOpJLM2I/AAAAAAAABW4/Uu_RLu1dixY/IMG_88281_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="489" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />Shrouded in a juicy trove of glowing citrine and shimmering green tourmaline, the Black-naped feasted till its little heart’s content before taking off towards the evening skies. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"><strong>S</strong></font><em>turnini </em>(Tribe): <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIePrYcjOI/AAAAAAAABW8/3YTvF9CMSfI/s1600-h/IMG_987917.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9879-1" border="0" alt="IMG_9879-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeQVv2_JI/AAAAAAAABXE/W9p7ntv32jU/IMG_98791_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeRdS7QHI/AAAAAAAABXI/HfcAHqSi7JE/s1600-h/IMG_988015.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9880-1" border="0" alt="IMG_9880-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZyLDeqyRWTZiZZm0T61T1Moy_mx2o8eq_No77aMNlrzZbTiBfLl2Wf6ehOs1c9UTBaAvTRJI6dL4AUqZi4P48OqE4bv-tGYz_XSOzW4f8VmDF_Ur3uojTB1OF4iBivjoEY14gmidXDvW/?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />And last but not least, the bird that I have been raving about since the beginning - Hill Myna (<em>Gracula religiosa</em>). From the picture on the left, you can see that its nape and the feathers covering its ears are a bright mango yellow while the right snapshot shows a decent shot of its deep orange bill (albeit small). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeS6T-ImI/AAAAAAAABXQ/8nwIvkLMIrg/s1600-h/IMG_9875118.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_9875-1" border="0" alt="IMG_9875-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SmIeT11qb8I/AAAAAAAABXU/WRG_lKJgTP0/IMG_98751_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="490" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />From where I was standing, I would have not noticed 2 blotches of black amongst the dark, verdant foliage of the towering tree beside King Edward 7 Hall if not loud, piercing<strong><em> ti-ung</em></strong> that reverberated through the cool evening air. </p> <p align="justify">It regularly perches in exposed tops of tall trees but I seriously hope this would not be the first and last time I see it. Next on my agenda would be to catch a crystal-clear shot of this avian. Yeah, it’s either I sprout wings… or churn up a DSLR with zoom lens, so unless I have latent powers of Angel, the latter it is then! Matte ne!</p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">Reference: <br />1. </font><a title="http://www.avianweb.com/longtailedparakeets.html" href="http://www.avianweb.com/longtailedparakeets.html"><font size="1">http://www.avianweb.com/longtailedparakeets.html</font></a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-13151364786841221172009-07-16T11:22:00.001+08:002009-07-16T22:24:55.741+08:00024. Pulau Sekudu Mini Series (End) – Don’t even be thinking of chilli crabs…<p align="justify">… if you value your fingers! But then again, not all the crabs that you see below aren’t suitable to be sold on the shiny silver platters for your 8-meal course. Those that come from mangrove areas are usually the ones caught, though the blue swimmer crab has been eaten as such delicacy.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6coPrXsaI/AAAAAAAABTU/5HKhv1eqESE/s1600-h/IMG_79742.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7974" border="0" alt="IMG_7974" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6coyz4cHI/AAAAAAAABTY/GxlEmi_PXnI/IMG_7974_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cp_1es6I/AAAAAAAABTc/2HoacJMjSWs/s1600-h/IMG_79772.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7977" border="0" alt="IMG_7977" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cqbDynJI/AAAAAAAABTg/gzQTeTkcP0E/IMG_7977_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left)</strong>: Thunder Crab (<em>Myomenippe hardwickii</em>) – so called because of the belief that only by the clap of a thunder, the crab will free you from its pinch – that is if your fingers get in between its pincers in the first place. It’s pretty common but prefer the shelter under rocks. At low tide, it will either crawl into a burrow or peer its way out from beneath a rock. With green eyes rimmed a crimson red, it hunts for clams and snails during the high tide before rendering them to tasty chow with its large, powerful pincers. What’s terrifying to the molluscs is nothing but delicious cuisine for us humans. We eat them – with the pincers particularly favoured!</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right)</strong>: Spoon-pincer crab (<em>Leptodius </em>sp.), with its spoon-tipped pincers (not obvious in the picture) are commonly seen on the shores and islands southern of Singapore, whether it’s amongst coral rubble or near the living reefs. Instead of sharp, pointy tips, the black pincers have white, spoon-shaped tips, which are presumably used to scrape off their meal (algae and detritus) encrusted on rocks. Imagine trying to eat pudding with chopsticks in place of the usual dessert spoon. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6crWZg63I/AAAAAAAABTk/_gRm-sZ1zyY/s1600-h/IMG_80315.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8031" border="0" alt="IMG_8031" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6csRdcTDI/AAAAAAAABTo/tA4Lbu0Ut50/IMG_8031_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6ctUzlSoI/AAAAAAAABTs/Ro9tnRGZQn4/s1600-h/IMG_81032.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8103" border="0" alt="IMG_8103" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6ct0thYSI/AAAAAAAABTw/600PTxaVmJk/IMG_8103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left)</strong>: Here we have a Sponge crab (Family Dromiidae) that’s on a sponge – an upside-down position compared to its usual form. Using its pincers, the Sponge crab will snip out a bit of a living sponge (sometimes ascidians) that’s just right for its body. Then using its last pair of slender legs that’s bent over its back, it holds the sponge atop – with a firmer grip provided by the leg’s sharp, little claws. As the living sponge continues to grow, the crab will continue to trim it to a suitable size. So unless it moves (and slowly too!), it really takes a trained eye to spot this well-camouflaged decapod. Besides providing an invisibility cloak of sorts, the sponge is also a good deterrent for potential sponge crab diners. Taking a bite of the crab (or the sponge in this case) will usually make the predator swear off sponge crabs – unless desperation takes the upper hand. :) </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right)</strong>: Flower crab (<em>Portunus pelagicus</em>) – all-time favourite seafood (or just one of them anyway) is another common crab, but difficult to spot as you can see (from the picture) that it tends to bury itself beneath sand and mud. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cvN504DI/AAAAAAAABT0/RbGZoHpnh_I/s1600-h/IMG_81074.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8107" border="0" alt="IMG_8107" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cv6NFjqI/AAAAAAAABT4/ukBcxh9bQzQ/IMG_8107_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Males (like this one) are more beautifully-patterned and usually have bright blue legs and claws. On the other hand, females tend to sport colours like dull green and brown. Also, the boys have longer pincers – twice or three times longer than the width of their body. While the males possess a more pointed triangular shaped abdomen, the females are broader as it’s used to carry eggs. </p> <p align="justify">Being a predator, the pincers are armed with sharp spines to snag swimming creatures. Never mind that the prey are motile and quicksilver in water, this crab that’s fully aquatic in nature is just as limber. Reason being that its last pair of legs are paddle-shaped and can rotate like propellers. And that’s why the Flower crab is also known as the Swimming crab. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cw7ndOMI/AAAAAAAABT8/T3E6cjh_PPU/s1600-h/IMG_81738.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8173" border="0" alt="IMG_8173" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cxi-XDDI/AAAAAAAABUA/fGt8iWEYAN0/IMG_8173_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />In a pose that seems to say “Hug me!”, this body of the bulky-built Thunder Crab’s (<em>Myomenippe hardwickii</em>) was found amongst a bed of lush seaweed, an appropriate final resting place – till the tide washes in, that is. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cyWZaCcI/AAAAAAAABUE/MdElGZ1o7CE/s1600-h/IMG_81454.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8145" border="0" alt="IMG_8145" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6czLYGSsI/AAAAAAAABUI/s_6pFsS5eUo/IMG_8145_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6cz9GAMxI/AAAAAAAABUM/PvG3yrt1qd8/s1600-h/IMG_81532.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8153" border="0" alt="IMG_8153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD_P8jAPiX4ad56xNfBPMUulxubOvApaAzPL0pnBkdksp-U_5XdJ_taiPKrtkohIRp1iSGnKpa3_57Y1ilTXFFQB-J51V0VGoL4x_aNms0ZrrAjxrE_vDtveDBAtTry1q-nAudCe2Hb0P/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />What looked like it might have been a young Spider conch (<em>Lambis lambis</em>) is actually a different mollusc altogether. It’s thought to be the juvenile of the <em>Lambis lambis</em> (<strong>Class Gastropoda</strong>)because it lacked the spines of the a typical adult <a href="http://naplesseashellcompany.com/lambis_lambis_spider_conch_shell.JPG">conch</a>. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c1bAfF8I/AAAAAAAABUU/i3lrBvv-kjk/s1600-h/IMG_81422.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8142" border="0" alt="IMG_8142" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c16npCiI/AAAAAAAABUY/TfSuoC8kq44/IMG_8142_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhng9vcZxFI8IoSR1NQQMXIJMP7EmsPH2GSo76fSNFQpsXlhYCAf8pwD-cHzF1jJEUVDvnRml6kfQZArJon4p30IpiiMShl6t5C0a4aAeRuoPXdgttD7OOy7yFg1vqDBOZsZh1ERUo7Pc76/s1600-h/IMG_81772.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8177" border="0" alt="IMG_8177" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c37q3wII/AAAAAAAABUg/oC24ekJnaAc/IMG_8177_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left)</strong>: Another gastropod that we bumped into besides the supposed Spider Conch is the Blue-spotted nudibranch (<em>Dendrodoris denisoni</em>). But unlike the usual gastropods, nudibranchs lack the external protective shell common to snails and slugs. But compared to most nudibranchs (from the Greek “naked gills”), the Blue-spotted lacks the special set of minute jagged teeth (radula) that acts like a saw for breaking up food in typical sponge-eating nudibranchs. Instead, it releases digestive liquid, dissolves the sponge to soup-like texture before sucking it all up. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right)</strong>: Another gastropod found was this small, air-breathing onchs (Family Onchididae). Onchs, unlike nudibranchs, have simple lungs or modified gills, allowing them to survive on terra. Sea slugs like the nudibranchs are limited to aquatic environment as they respire via gills. At high tide, they crawl away from their favourite spot on the rocks at shore to burrow into sand and mud; breathing from the air bubble trapped under the folds of their mantle. As the tide ebbs, these shell-less creatures crawl back onto the rocks and start grazing off the algae and lichen. To reduce water loss when out in the sun, they rely on their tough skin to do the work. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c4sc9Y9I/AAAAAAAABUk/enNbeTl3HqQ/s1600-h/IMG_8060page24.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8060(page2)" border="0" alt="IMG_8060(page2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c5OBNCAI/AAAAAAAABUo/INSIeK0nDU8/IMG_8060page2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></span></em> <br />And my first time seeing an octopus, alive and kicking, on the shores of Singapore! Other times were limited to either a glimpse of one of its limbs or a dead body lying limply on a sun-baked shore. Octopi are also molluscs (or soft-bodied creatures) (Family Cephalopoda). Though these intelligent creatures have no internal nor external skeleton, they have a beak (similar to a parrot’s beak) held at its mouth to kill and decimate prey. It’s also used crack shells and inject poisons and digestive fluids into shellfish and other prey. Each of its arms have double rows of suction cups, each of which consist of ‘taste sensors’ to identify food. </p> <p align="justify">Though they have good eyesight, octopi are deaf (not that it will be useful underwater or above it). Here are some of the ways which octopi use for locomotion purposes. There’s the slow <strong>crawling</strong> method, followed by ‘<strong>walking</strong>’ (2 alternating arms behave in a rolling gait while the remaining arms are utilized for camouflage). Then, there’s the usual <strong>swimming</strong> motion and the faster <strong>jet-propulsion</strong> technique. And last but not least, octopi have been known to also ‘<strong>fly</strong>’. I kid you not. Though not a usual travelling method, octopi have been observed to blast themselves out of water completely to escape predators [3]! How cool is that. :) </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c5996eII/AAAAAAAABUs/0Au0ffXVnow/s1600-h/IMG_7972page4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7972(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_7972(page)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6UV_8pltn8ISCcTYS3doKKdLqZIw_qBoqqv_TaBrdPSRD8yZNiilX6ti0plcP1kaL5MrCOczU-BDGIkcdxAa1b4fek2UH7qUqBJAb_KPszpkks_Km2PwRwubDfcTvR6vsnGriza1USkO/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></span></em> <br />To my delight, another gem which Pulau Sekudu yielded was the gorgeous Blue Dragon (<em>Pteraeolidia ianthina</em>). Another first! An aeolid nudibranch, the Blue dragon has evolved a method of capturing and ‘farming’ its own fresh batch of zooxanthellae (golden-brown algae), which proliferate and convert the sun’s energy into sugars before passing a portion to the nudibranch [1]. An aeolid nudibranch is a type of nudibranch in which the mantle is extended into long finger-like projections (<strong>ceratas</strong>), rather than a feather-like external gill on the dorsal (or top) surface. </p> <p align="justify">Also, aeolid nudibranchs have developed an amazing strategy to protect themselves from predators. They extract nematocysts from the coelenterates (comb jellies etc) on which they feed and store them in the special sacs at the tips of their ceratas. The nematocysts are used by coelenterates as stinging weapons to catch food and for defence. Aeolids ‘steal’ these weapons and discharge them when needed in their own defence [4].</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c7WOjoCI/AAAAAAAABU0/fTIH3scnpj8/s1600-h/IMG_8001page9.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8001(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_8001(page)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c8B-N6WI/AAAAAAAABU8/a3p1KTRepPI/IMG_8001page_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Some other creatures which can rival the beauty of the nudibranchs are marine flatworms (Family Pseudocerotidae) such as the one above. Okay, so this example might not be a jaw-dropping beauty, but it does come from a family which consists of bella donnas like <a href="http://www.sergeyphoto.com/underwater/miscinverts.html#flatworms">these</a>. Unsegmented, flatworms are extremely flat (usually less than 1mm thick). Of course being flat, respiration is a cinch as oxygen can diffuse easily from any part of its body. Nutrients can also diffuse rapidly from the central gut to the entire body. </p> <p align="justify">Marine flatworms are hermaphrodites, that is they both possess male and female reproductive organs. In some cases when two flatworms meet, they exchange sperm by simply insert their needle-like penis anywhere in the body of the partner. But in other species, each flatworm refuses to be the ‘girl’ and tries to impregnate the other without getting impregnated as producing eggs require more energy. In short, they need to eat more! This results in a bout of 'penis-fencing' when such flatworms meet! I have yet to come across such an interesting display but one can only hope. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c8_XKcrI/AAAAAAAABVA/M4ETKgLNrUA/s1600-h/IMG_81342.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8134" border="0" alt="IMG_8134" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c9ekQzJI/AAAAAAAABVE/J8Izc1eeIUc/IMG_8134_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoK9ErUBzG5mKisdtsPtYEWZ2oqLzT_2hls8CrSoD9iSub71Pqn4MkXj81sPibVCN7nXAnAPO-00xM6o1kFHqbGXe5TakFKS4nJnZETCg8UJE3bQ9Q29Iv7oX67M2_CmBVES6TC-K4_yY/s1600-h/IMG_80404.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8040" border="0" alt="IMG_8040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl6c-y1KdjI/AAAAAAAABVM/5Utwb82E5aM/IMG_8040_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />And speaking of eggs, the white casings in the left picture belong to the Spiral melongena (<em>Pugilina cochlidium</em>) while on the right are eggs bore by the squid.</p> <p align="justify">All in all, it was once again a smashing trip down the Southern shores of Singapore. A big thanks to Ron and LK also for providing me an eye-opening opportunity like this. My gratitude to Ron, July and KS also for their blog entries as all three provided some information pertaining to the identification of the critters above (and the 3 entries before). :)</p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">References: <br />1. </font><a title="http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=pteriant" href="http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=pteriant"><font size="1">http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=pteriant</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/chekjawa/text/c311.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/chekjawa/text/c311.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/chekjawa/text/c311.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://www.octopus.com/" href="http://www.octopus.com/"><font size="1">http://www.octopus.com/</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><font size="1"><a href="http://www.sergeyphoto.com/underwater/nudibranchs.html">http://www.sergeyphoto.com/underwater/nudibranchs.html</a></font></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-14129247381842886612009-07-15T11:07:00.001+08:002009-07-15T11:15:19.834+08:00023. Pulau Sekudu Mini Series 3/4 – Something smells fishy…<p align="justify">… and I am not talking about the sudden question one of my hallmates raised pertaining to my moving out next semester or the fish tanks that’s just 1 room away from the lab that I am currently hanging out in (sounds casual but the atmosphere points a 180 degree-otherwise). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HcLhAp7I/AAAAAAAABRI/yF2EysZ18uI/s1600-h/IMG_80353.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8035" border="0" alt="IMG_8035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HdLtI-VI/AAAAAAAABRM/tGlyM4MW7Co/IMG_8035_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="425" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hd0YfMrI/AAAAAAAABRQ/wrFXWRcSLxg/s1600-h/IMG_81513.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8151" border="0" alt="IMG_8151" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HenGJkFI/AAAAAAAABRU/pNkfrm0DPBU/IMG_8151_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="425" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Besides the above sponges and blankets of seaweeds (and seagrass – not the above picture though), we bumped into few finned-surprises. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hfw0teAI/AAAAAAAABRY/YlXMMmaggR8/s1600-h/IMG_80052.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8005" border="0" alt="IMG_8005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hgju6WvI/AAAAAAAABRc/m3xG-beyjQc/IMG_8005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hh0Ll7TI/AAAAAAAABRg/WkzB3Oyjbls/s1600-h/IMG_80082.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8008" border="0" alt="IMG_8008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HivNna1I/AAAAAAAABRk/SpJ_Fqv5Iyo/IMG_8008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />From afar, these cluster which wriggled and flickered through the shallow pools of water on Sekudu Island resembled tiny tadpoles from a distant. But taking a look at the ‘ball’ of sperm look-a-likes revealed creatures which were far from being amphibian. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HjkKE0kI/AAAAAAAABRo/S9I1hhwJrhE/s1600-h/IMG_8010crop23.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8010(crop)" border="0" alt="IMG_8010(crop)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HkqUZbBI/AAAAAAAABRs/oNZlkpac5zY/IMG_8010crop_thumb21.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="500" /></a></span></span></em> <br />*drum rolls* Presenting Striped eeltail catfish (<em>Plotosus lineatus</em>), with their vanilla stripes, are quite the frequent visitors of Singapore shores. They are currently the only catfish found in coral reefs. Small ones, being more vulnerable, tend to congregate into a ball of squirming wrigglies (like <strong>above</strong>). Even when it moves from one place to another, they continue to remain in a ball. However, larger ones can either be found in smaller groups or by itself. </p> <p align="justify">Although they may seem harmless, appearances can be deceptive. The sawed spine on the dorsal fin (fin that’s situated at top) and on each of the pectoral fins (fin situated at the sides) are venomous. Its sting can pack quite a punch; and at times, may even send the victim 6-feet under. We must have quite a masochistic streak, if the fact that the aquarium trade for these fish are popular is true. As they get bigger, not only do they eat their tankmates, they have also being known to indulge in cannibalism. >_< Reminds me of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtWYqevwppI&feature=related">Black Ghost Knife</a> which <a href="http://reublim.blogspot.com/2009/01/fishies.html">my friend</a> once kept. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HllD9NkI/AAAAAAAABRw/LOo9S45xj0s/s1600-h/IMG_81272.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8127" border="0" alt="IMG_8127" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hm-dkCQI/AAAAAAAABR0/M6K0BLYblyA/IMG_8127_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Can you find it (but then again, these pictures are an easy guess, the object will usually be smacked right in the middle :D)? This masquerader of the sandy shores is none other than the Largetooth Flounder (<em>Pseudorhombus arsius</em>). Unlike the chubby <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_of_Disney%27s_The_Little_Mermaid#Flounder">Flounder</a> in ‘The Little Mermaid’ (by the way, Flounder isn’t a flounder –.-), the Largetooth is as flat as a pancake. </p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hn18acMI/AAAAAAAABR4/uy0DVOmcNNI/s1600-h/IMG_8126%28page%29%5B3%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8126(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_8126(page)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HogU_PhI/AAAAAAAABR8/-8YcDZjsfX4/IMG_8126%28page%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="425" /></a>__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hpxk3LhI/AAAAAAAABSA/s8stYR99euc/s1600-h/IMG_81318.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8131" border="0" alt="IMG_8131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrZnMyBq9JsP3Ft9erTuJySfpbZ6YmMVYiFzzp7oeps1Ijtd960W4ViB1t073NE4jctjCWqFRZAtjauSq8wHWnQkGUsa-9LkWP8_KzQfMnxgbuS-SqwOq_hFmAidwi5ZOozPNbT5gQcbk/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="424" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(left)</strong>: One way to tell apart the Largetooth from the other flatfishes is that the caudal fin of the Largetooth’s is clearly separated from its dorsal and anal fins. Can you spot its eyes? Though flat and oval-shaped, the flounder isn’t symmetrical <strong>(right)</strong>. In fact, the eyes are situated a bit to the left (towards the dorsal fins) [2]. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right)</strong>: If turned around to its ‘blind side’ (since both eyes are on the other half), one can actually see the distinctive shape of a fish. A carnivore of the sandy and muddy substrates, this particular fish has its mouth filled with teeth, especially enlarged canine ones [3]. Even so, that does not faze us two-legged ones one bit, as they are often used for human consumption. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hs41gEDI/AAAAAAAABSI/Y4ZNGdX5z4k/s1600-h/IMG_80512.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8051" border="0" alt="IMG_8051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Htu5PsOI/AAAAAAAABSM/yIlmizzfNyQ/IMG_8051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1Hux_kyYI/AAAAAAAABSQ/jny6RmMjrmc/s1600-h/IMG_81542.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8154" border="0" alt="IMG_8154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_uqnrwD_EEWvGu3GnvpHaYQQMsWRLk5lU72KwWhM-tzr3naCBxLvosLhfUsKjiR_FF8GW8xMKP4sMonu-I2fBG47-Q6ghyZv0MOWoRCoZwEhWQ6nKbbk6_XXkiOrDskmbLDOwRep77my/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Another fish that we bumped into which laid flat on the substrate was the Filefish (family Monacanthidae). Its common name is inspired by its rough, sandpapery skin, which was said was once used to finish wooden boats! But unlike the flounder, the filefish has one eye on each side. The first thing that usually comes to mind when most of us see a fish lying flat on its side without a movement or sorts is to label it as door-nail dead. And that’s why assumptions should always be voiced out, better to have our mistakes pointed out and be learned than be silent and wrong. =)</p> <p align="justify">One reason why the filefish behave as so could be because they aren’t really Michael Phelps material. :) Their small fins confine them to a sluggish gait, hence they are often seen drifting head downward amongst seaweed. Playing ‘dead’, it’s presumed that the filefish does so to fool both prey and predator alike. Their menu differ with species, so some might favour algae and seagrass, while others satiate their hunger with small benthic creatures (e.g. tunicates, gorgonians, and hydrozoans) while a few are knowned corallivores (coral-eaters) [3]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HwUc-Z5I/AAAAAAAABSY/mCzTmLt9GLI/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HxYIGLDI/AAAAAAAABSc/2MQ16j43lG4/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Fancy some dried Filefish? Apparently Filefish jerky or 쥐포 (jwipo) is a popular snack food in Korea. It is typically roasted before eating [4]. Learn how to cook dried file fish jerky <a href="http://www.homecookingdiary.com/2008/09/baked-file-fish-jerky.html">here</a>. Not sure if this stuff can be bought in Singapore in the first place. :P</p> <p align="justify">  </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1HyU47sNI/AAAAAAAABSg/onMM8U7lJ2Y/s1600-h/IMG_8074page7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8074(page)" border="0" alt="IMG_8074(page)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQzoKLiR0muMiBtYKqf4YxD1MJVMm_FzqsInVA4QMM3K7uyJ8inkJU51lqOd0i2sXjqW4xE40lfP4lUERFLiQhajeXH9CreNX_jiCDZ8vHITLV_ePa7pXPuOmjr3mIeY_z2NbvE0G_Kw2/?imgmax=800" width="651" height="491" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Suddenly, a shout rang in the air. It appears that something has gotten stuck to LK’s booties and it ain’t chewing gum. Lifting up her leg and you can see what caused a sudden rush of activity at the pool yonder. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H0Uc95rI/AAAAAAAABSo/8omcpxkU3Zc/s1600-h/IMG_8077MangroveWhiprayHimanturawalg%5B1%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8077 (Mangrove Whipray -Himantura walga)" border="0" alt="IMG_8077 (Mangrove Whipray -Himantura walga)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H1Ie9gVI/AAAAAAAABSs/A03MQAISfmg/IMG_8077MangroveWhiprayHimanturawalg.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnkE_rPDZwPBPmd1xGD5irAqHcdcvU0J3a-1iKoH039Sy-7qCBB7DJChVF6gk6SbfYf9P-XToJXCL9oedUHgRWJZ9t2BBXtl_FdEafD3S-ArDP6qXlgrt8mgZgOQSwHTIBA1AEo0BnONM/s1600-h/IMG_80907.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8090" border="0" alt="IMG_8090" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H2rJU5nI/AAAAAAAABS0/cpQjOGu9lCY/IMG_8090_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Stuck to the booties by its spine was a toffee-coloured Mangrove whipray (<em>Himantura walga</em>). Apparently, Pulau Sekudu is famed for its rays, and one may unknowingly step onto a sand-hidden one if not careful. Most stingrays have 1 spine often at the base of the tail where it (the tail) meets the body. The spines are jagged and can cut deeply and secrete venom into a penetration, causing one heck of a sting. But even so, the spine is not used by the ray to hunt but for self-protection (but if lost, rest assured, it can be regrown). Hence, most stingray injuries at shore can only be blamed upon our own negligence towards our surroundings. As it blends well with the sandy substrate, it’s therefore always better to be one step at a time when treading through such territory. </p> <p align="justify">Despite its common name, the mangrove whipray is not usually found in mangroves. Instead, it’s more commonly encountered in clear-water lagoons over sand and rubble, near coral reefs. The name of mangrove whipray comes from the description by Macleay of an immature female specimen caught near mangroves off Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea [5]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H4rIJ-bI/AAAAAAAABS4/j_Phkkwftno/s1600-h/IMG_81378.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8137" border="0" alt="IMG_8137" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H5TPu5XI/AAAAAAAABS8/QtY0BhSWH5E/IMG_8137_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQdo8C19sjGF6aPsvEa7uwAma-abNvulnHrUCDWT4vKQjzOyCln6lOBds-2MJFW0cukzKJiJGxSyOB03MT4HQUgaPKIIZ1YWqh4Qao3t76HqXZmyTSO1LRFsda56wIpguzdXs9SjBqxBc/s1600-h/IMG_81409.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8140" border="0" alt="IMG_8140" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H7O3UM6I/AAAAAAAABTI/nps6PHqtsBk/IMG_8140_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />The second kind of ray spotted was the Blue-spotted fantail ray (<em>Taeniura lymma</em>) (pun intended)! As there’s a broad skin fold under the tail (left), it’s also sometimes known as the Blue-spotted ribbontail ray. Its tail is also long and thick with two blue stripes running down the length. With the rising tide, the ray will wade into shallow, sandy areas to search for snails, clams, worms, shrimps and crabs. As the tide ebbs, this nocturnal creature takes shelter in caves and under ledges. This one, unlike the Mangrove whipray, is rarely found buried under sand [6]. </p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H8PFseDI/AAAAAAAABTM/hwkd57EW_cI/s1600-h/IMG_805912.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8059" border="0" alt="IMG_8059" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sl1H8x6jyuI/AAAAAAAABTQ/KonbjV_J3V4/IMG_8059_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="651" height="491" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />Sekudu at first glance as the weak rays of the morning sun embraces its verdant, seaweed-covered shores. </p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">References: <br />1. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/plotosidae/lineatus.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/plotosidae/lineatus.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/plotosidae/lineatus.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/marinefish/text/384.htm" href="http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/marinefish/text/384.htm"><font size="1">http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/marinefish/text/384.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/paralichthyidae/paralichthyidae.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/paralichthyidae/paralichthyidae.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/paralichthyidae/paralichthyidae.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filefish" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filefish"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filefish</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">5. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove_whipray" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove_whipray"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove_whipray</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">6. </font><a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/dasyatidae/lymma.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/dasyatidae/lymma.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/fish/dasyatidae/lymma.htm</font></a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-48745070831561873092009-07-12T07:59:00.001+08:002009-07-15T01:18:02.215+08:00022. Pulau Sekudu Mini Series 2/4 – Not unlike Jelly & Chendol… yum?<p align="justify">Gosh, one would have thought that with the lack of sleep and a not-so-accommodating tummy, the last thing that one would have in mind is food. Sweet, sweet tooth, I wonder what would I be like without thee? :) Anyway, continuing from where I left off, this time round we shall be graced by the presence of some of the more graceful anthozoans (which can literally be translated into ‘flower animals’). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Slkm-r8I28I/AAAAAAAABPk/oxH0ZHk5vts/s1600-h/IMG_80239.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8023" border="0" alt="IMG_8023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Slkm_kj44mI/AAAAAAAABPo/u3jbIoskX-U/IMG_8023_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknAkpHU2I/AAAAAAAABPs/Wd1ZAIOAt-M/s1600-h/IMG_80372.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8037" border="0" alt="IMG_8037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknBX-vdgI/AAAAAAAABPw/po4hq_IBfbw/IMG_8037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />To distinguish the Haddon’s from the other carpet anemones is fairly simple. This particular anemone <strong>(Order Actiniaria)</strong> has a tentacle-free central area (1-2cm). Often, the bulbous tentacles are band-like and/or two-toned. Also, the Haddon’s lives in sand and can/does completely retract when disturbed [2]. Not sure how this big guy does it for a spectacular size such as its own. Besides, Haddon’s (unlike other carpets) lack any coloration, spots or markings on the underside and its column [1] <strong>(right)</strong>.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4-nvNUzl-xrLIbqeAmk_ceU5WubPSY2OF4QPIsBHyoOEL9b1KPH3eNIFruAKCWvkHsiD0Sx6Hk2e_jWNNl9KNMaekdKm1AGiAEKeNHYMo4oj08ln_O-qEvhKzP0pu9IxoVL0j1fxRivL/s1600-h/IMG_80042.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8004" border="0" alt="IMG_8004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknD-mcHII/AAAAAAAABP4/Y9Ezx3J5exQ/IMG_8004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz1Ba5VIH5mp1j4vzks4JPm1rcVw1UARNTNDRLxVyRIyA8hB3XOanRTbjSOE13eLe7On-VVKbY64zZcco6Kg0QuTbnqwZPNAnQ77YWQbCKU5Ei58nry8FdnGPLdBlE_fsosqu0RnH8lDh/s1600-h/IMG_79802.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7980" border="0" alt="IMG_7980" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknF_Ba45I/AAAAAAAABQA/6gJPkhxlKk8/IMG_7980_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Being lone wolves, Haddon's Carpet Anemone (<em>Stichodactyla haddoni</em>) are usually found living singly in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea [1]. And with their swathes of multi-coloured tentacles and their ability to grow into immense sizes (up to 92cm/3 feet), they share similarities with the lush and luxurious Persian carpets [2]. When in the pink of health, the anemone is sticky to the touch and rather reluctant to let go, when gently felt.. or if it’s a prey in its grasp.  These guys are also one of the few anemones that can cause severe reaction in humans. Hence, it’s best to keep those fingers to yourself. =) [1] </p> <p align="justify">AND, here’s an interesting fact for the day: ALL Carpet Anemone species are fish eaters [2]. Check this picture out. Who would have thought? Fish-guzzling carpet in action! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpamj3kaGYoa_AF8XfrNXq5ZKuEMVLpnnazwGyZWuhDnUlZT1lNFvPzhiASzUr4Gsk9hglJViJwCAjTelxEzReyvyvgvCjkCVZQe8u3qEFn7z9XvP-vOukYEUEfRo30PoJC_LMwvp7J3mV/s1600-h/IMG_802415.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8024" border="0" alt="IMG_8024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknHjPWM9I/AAAAAAAABQI/eKk99jX92sA/IMG_8024_thumb15.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="495" /></a></p> </span></span></em> <p align="justify"> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknIuhfTrI/AAAAAAAABQM/RXp1QiCLy4A/s1600-h/IMG_81116.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8111" border="0" alt="IMG_8111" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknJaKnefI/AAAAAAAABQQ/hTf3V3rypu0/IMG_8111_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknKUlxzZI/AAAAAAAABQU/LYh62g6MfkA/s1600-h/IMG_81125.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8112" border="0" alt="IMG_8112" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknLLU6jbI/AAAAAAAABQY/4OT9YyHyiBo/IMG_8112_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Peacock anemone <strong>(Order Ceriantharia)</strong>, so called because it comes in an array of rainbow colours and patterns. Unlike true anemones, peacocks have two types of tentacles – the inner ring of tentacles are usually shorter than the outer ones. The longer ones gather food before handing it over to the shorties, which then bring it (food) into the mouth. And true to its namesake, both long and short tentacles can differ in coloration [3]. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknMJ-gOnI/AAAAAAAABQc/NkzC6tSjdWk/s1600-h/IMG_80963.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8096" border="0" alt="IMG_8096" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknM8wBRcI/AAAAAAAABQg/Ng9COTlqX2M/IMG_8096_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kRQ5x8WWs6dzEG7x7u4XgjXIRSxte4cop_LjXdgPmvgNo6p3zHDoyNnSqtW5_IjHiAEVQpw7BXkcoekqPZz01ox4o0uaUpQSEM7_jzCI2Q2eVtXjmLA3iIaJQx861Chp-2Z8WgrwzdMi/s1600-h/IMG_81014.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8101" border="0" alt="IMG_8101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfLeCdw8EJ2vUPnnY3qKHwGSBN01UlvUzkgppwDZRlyyi5fkIbuuwAMrNFafJt0K8CgcBCap3PaVxXAAloatIYRlEENuSMzI3lHI2tbk38V30fR2rzj1sUCPs9A69sioVGyjKiS2xm18W/?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />And see the way the tentacles flop limply over the animal? That’s because the Peacock does not have a ‘door’ to seal off the entrance, hence, the top part of the tube (tentacles too) flops over and effectively shuts any opening to reduce water loss.</p> <p align="justify">Besides being known as the Peacock Anemones, these cnidarians are also known as the Tube Anemones, with the reason being that these animals live solitarily and permanently in a tube that’s burrowed under terra.  These tubes are formed using specialised stingers (aka ptychocysts) special to the Peacocks. These stingers create sticky strings that lace together with sand and slime before hardening to form a tube. Only a short portion shows up above ground while the rest (1m or more) spans underground [3]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknQDWTeSI/AAAAAAAABQs/8Qy5AyxSuC0/s1600-h/IMG_811512.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8115" border="0" alt="IMG_8115" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknRP5ao9I/AAAAAAAABQw/YDrrR8-YEeM/IMG_8115_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="495" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />Since the Peacock is unable to tuck its tentacles into its body column like a true sea anemone (Order Actiniaria), the tentacles are bundled up together before retracted into the tube by strong muscles running along the body column [3]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknSB4tb7I/AAAAAAAABQ0/1C3KohLH_5Q/s1600-h/IMG_8122%5B2%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8122" border="0" alt="IMG_8122" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknS1hSwfI/AAAAAAAABQ8/zlQ_Kg0gDec/IMG_8122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknTzahuwI/AAAAAAAABRA/NRT6rlRkNlw/s1600-h/IMG_7979%5B7%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7979" border="0" alt="IMG_7979" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SlknUgO8cOI/AAAAAAAABRE/7kgoMFUuU2g/IMG_7979_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(left)</strong>: Colonial anemones <strong>(Order Zoanthidea)</strong> are another kind of anthozoans that aren’t true anemones. They are frequently mistaken for corals, but unlike corals, they are completely soft. Zoanthids are usually found in groups of many individual polyps, which are joined to one another. And just like the Peacocks, zoanthids have tentacles that come in twos. But this time, they are double rows of tentacles that are of the same kind and equal length (short too!). Zoanthids, like true anemones, do not live in tubes [4]. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right)</strong>: Banded bead anemones <strong>(Order Actiniaria) </strong>are true blue anemones like the Carpets. The Banded Beads are common on shores, especially on rocks high on the intertidal zone, often in rock pools. When the tide recedes, the anemone tucks its tentacles and appears like a dark blob of jelly (unfortunately, naive as I was then, I forgot a macro-shot of the creatures… blast!). >_< Once the tide returns, it unfurls its tentacles and start feeding. </p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">References: <br />1. </font><a title="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+499+602&pcatid=602" href="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+499+602&pcatid=602"><font size="1">http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+499+602&pcatid=602</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://www.wetwebmedia.com/carpetanemones.htm" href="http://www.wetwebmedia.com/carpetanemones.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wetwebmedia.com/carpetanemones.htm</font></a><font size="1"> <em>(identification of various carpet anemones)</em></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. <a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/others/ceriantharia/ceriantharia.htm</a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. <a title="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/cfringtentacles.htm" href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/cfringtentacles.htm">http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/cfringtentacles.htm</a></font></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-62078017975438147382009-07-12T00:09:00.001+08:002009-07-12T04:44:59.464+08:00021. Pulau Sekudu Mini Series 1/4 – Cakes & Biscuits Galore! (27th May 2009)<p align="justify">Dang, it’s been a long while (a month or so, I must say) since I last updated my blog with anything new. Procrastination has been keeping me company all this while and I must say, it’s time to show this fellow to the door. =) Though this site seems to have amassed a large amount of dust bunnies; my life, on the other hand, has been pretty much keeping me on my toes (fingers too!). All the projects and deadlines have been making me real hungry, and lately, cakes have been number 1 on my must-have craving’s list. So here I am, keeping my fingers tap-dancing atop the keyboard while waiting for my cakes to thaw (the 20 minutes should be up any moment now). But before that, let’s take a look at what my trip last month to Sekudu Island had in store for yours truly. ^^</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4TzWsFlI/AAAAAAAABK8/CwLICr709EE/s1600-h/IMG_7984BiscuitSeaStarGonodiscasters%5B2%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7984 Biscuit Sea Star (Gonodiscaster scaber)" border="0" alt="IMG_7984 Biscuit Sea Star (Gonodiscaster scaber)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4UvwPG1I/AAAAAAAABLA/H2jjhnY-uOA/IMG_7984BiscuitSeaStarGonodiscasters%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSu3ThZ6b975csBWFdrhzV12Byfqn3-_Ld0h9pLpiA2qI7FxqbVBcWfcMGrSi1Q1MuhLqOwa-8Y09dUzdbMkhqyIplsXOhwacsyiV7SMMUNktCSS0oYj4HzXo6G7dR5VkJUbPGTw5sCTi/s1600-h/IMG_7991OralOrangetippedSeaStarGymna%5B1%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7991 Oral Orange-tipped Sea Star (Gymnanthenea laevis)" border="0" alt="IMG_7991 Oral Orange-tipped Sea Star (Gymnanthenea laevis)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6fDLbiBcLjFHgdtugBLjsbgVCWW2SN5mpmuf3eQigWzkrQhbrdgC41cWSqyeu7I0t99HfSgafTn3sf5OC68wGe-TJxSz94YoAfmJyjq9BoY3Yo818fJ9O3DJ3_8XTfye_vRonCEMafqP/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br /><strong>(left)</strong>: Biscuit sea-star (<em>Gonodiscaster scaber</em>) – aboral side. <br />Aboral basically means ‘away from <strong>(ab-)</strong> mouth <strong>(-oral)</strong>’. The mouth of a sea-star, like so, is situated beneath. According to the “<em>A Guide to Sea Stars and Other Echinoderms of Singapore</em>”, the Biscuit’s surface is sandy brown with black markings scattered in areas between the arms (otherwise known as the <strong>interradii</strong>). Also, as you can see from this Biscuit, it also has a dense covering of light-coloured, rounded projections. Something like a sprinkle of finely-chopped light brown hazelnuts atop a star-shaped cookie, yes?</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right)</strong>: Biscuit sea-star (<em>Gonodiscaster scaber</em>) – oral side. <br />Turn it around, and you’ll see that surrounding its mouth (at the interradii area) is the hue of a dull yellow before becoming white at the edges.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4XWErqgI/AAAAAAAABLM/6y_z6TLws8Q/s1600-h/IMG_8087page7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8087 (page)" border="0" alt="IMG_8087 (page)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4YC0i9qI/AAAAAAAABLQ/bRZ-UDw7AZA/IMG_8087page_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" height="495" /></a> <br />Here’s another Biscuit with its oral side labelled to give readers a clearer gist of what’s what and where’s where before a horde of question marks start having a mass demo in the head (just kidding~). So as mentioned, on the oral side, we have the mouth (right at the center) that’s surrounded by five interradii (coloured yellow) and also five rows of ambulacral grooves. Running along the grooves are numerous squiggly and squirming tube feet.  For identification purposes, the Biscuit’s pigmentation around the mouth and partway along either side of the ambulacral grooves is a shade of purple. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4Y-q5sBI/AAAAAAAABLU/ftRbeY5peAY/s1600-h/IMG_7989OrangetippedSeaStarGymnanthe%5B2%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7989 Orange-tipped Sea Star (Gymnanthenea laevis)" border="0" alt="IMG_7989 Orange-tipped Sea Star (Gymnanthenea laevis)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4ZuFbH1I/AAAAAAAABLY/1eLNOpP4Fog/IMG_7989OrangetippedSeaStarGymnanthe%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4ak9utSI/AAAAAAAABLc/aCwkIZErp0E/s1600-h/IMG_79937.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7993" border="0" alt="IMG_7993" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4bWCYNzI/AAAAAAAABLg/WSmUPemw6O4/IMG_7993_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br /><strong>(left)</strong>: Orange-tipped sea-star (<em>Gymnanthenea laevis</em>) – aboral side <br />With tips a bright orange, it’s obvious why this sea-star has its common name as such. The five arms, like the Biscuit, are blunt. But unlike that ‘cookie’, the Orange-tipped has slightly upturned tips. Usually, a sea-star will curl its tips when it’s out of the water for too long, but I guess it’s different for this particular fellow, even when it’s immersed in salty H2O. Other notable features for rough identification is the obvious spine-like projections on the surface (center, and sometimes at its adjacent). </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right)</strong>: Orange-tipped sea-star (<em>Gymnanthenea laevis</em>) – oral side <br />Unlike the squeaky clean oral side of the Biscuit, the Orange-tipped has its own a-scattered with dark flecks. Also to differentiate between the Biscuit and the <em>Gymnanthenea</em>, one other prominent feature that can be used is the pedicellariae that’s abundant on the oral surface of the latter. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4cL1wOGI/AAAAAAAABLk/ml0ZFcxrV1Q/s1600-h/IMG_7992pedi18.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7992 (pedi)" border="0" alt="IMG_7992 (pedi)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4dHV66kI/AAAAAAAABLo/hEj9shx3t2E/IMG_7992pedi_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="495" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />Pedi-what, you say?? Pedicellariae (pronounced ‘pear-duh-sur-lair-ee-uh’) is the tiny pincer-like structures that’s common on the surface of starfish (sea urchins too!) used for self-grooming and capturing tiny prey. Talk about killing 2 birds with 1 stone. =) And courtesy from the photographer herself *ahem*, we have a close-up shot on the pedicellariae of the Orange-tipped. So next time, when a Biscuit and an Orange-tipped decides to pull a trick and play the ‘Guess who’ game, just flip over the sea-stars and look for huge, bivalved pedicellariae (or the lack of it). Easy peasy. :)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4eS3HtpI/AAAAAAAABLs/vWF69cqzMAQ/s1600-h/IMG_79971.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7997" border="0" alt="IMG_7997" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4e-sRcKI/AAAAAAAABLw/NUXxwjCkJqU/IMG_7997_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4fjyApjI/AAAAAAAABL0/liO2pkG-pdA/s1600-h/IMG_8021pediedit1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8021 (pedi) edit" border="0" alt="IMG_8021 (pedi) edit" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4gePjoWI/AAAAAAAABL4/eNTDftTIJ6M/IMG_8021pediedit_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Next up on the ‘menu’ of Mother Nature’s own patisserie is the Cake Sea Star (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>). Just like a cupcake, the upper surface (or the aboral side) of the Cake is generally slightly convex while the bottom is flat. Similar to the Orange-tipped, the arm tips are slightly upturned. Compared to the no-pedicellariae evident Biscuit and the oral-pedicellariae-d Orange-tipped, the Cake has those structures prominent on both sides of its surface (<strong>right</strong> picture shows aboral surface). </p> <p align="justify">Though colours and shape seem candy-licious, it’s advisable to think twice (or thrice) before you sink your teeth into any of these echinoderms. Though there are vendors in the streets of China selling starfish like <em>satay</em>, it’s far from being one. Yes, not only is it meat-less (sea-stars have an external body wall of calcite), the body wall of sea-stars (asteroids especially, like the one in the videos below) are chock-full of toxic biochemicals [1]. But true to our nothing-is-inedible nature, the videos below show us why <em>Homo sapiens </em>are kings at the top (albeit precarious) of the food-chain. After all, everything can be consumed <em><u>at least</u></em> once. It could be either a gastronomical experience <strong><em>or</em></strong> its bye-bye and off to the pearly gates you go! Wonder what were the fates of the people that ate the fried sea-stars though…</p> <div align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 20px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:68edba87-4d03-4b01-b62d-10135c39d111" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="3da9a31e-bf07-4256-b475-1c96208b3e21" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IVs2KaLLL0&feature=player_embedded" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Slj5xYzfNtI/AAAAAAAABPY/8rTyxo9IQWY/videoeed2bd8bc333%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('3da9a31e-bf07-4256-b475-1c96208b3e21'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/9IVs2KaLLL0&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/9IVs2KaLLL0&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </div> <div align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ff873b56-169a-4b12-89a0-87f23786042f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="103e69c1-85d7-4560-9542-af7fdfba9f27" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1QwTmqtCa0&feature=player_embedded" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsdl81iaql3d7iPDoeoAnBKmz4VLh6VSztHx-MH5F9zCIovfnb2OgCY4Imdzf5TwKCp6dTEik41h2D8mDUbROlvGC-tVTbv3wFslnugMQGG_y72VP4lnZxooAD1nQY3NbkHODyFeGMf7O/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('103e69c1-85d7-4560-9542-af7fdfba9f27'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/F1QwTmqtCa0&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/F1QwTmqtCa0&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </div> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4iu9oG4I/AAAAAAAABME/gc6SxLJ9Bv0/s1600-h/IMG_80158.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8015" border="0" alt="IMG_8015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4jZOBsVI/AAAAAAAABMI/gVOW66cn5Ds/IMG_8015_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4kj5-oMI/AAAAAAAABMM/GIeffPTrrHM/s1600-h/IMG_80212.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8021" border="0" alt="IMG_8021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4lXEtF-I/AAAAAAAABMU/PYfcVKyXbbA/IMG_8021_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Here are two Cakes (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>) with both a specific hue of their own. If you scrutinize the left picture, you will some tube-feet sticking out from the tips of the arms (nearest to the ruler) of the red-speckled, brown-edged sea-star <strong>(left)</strong>. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4mVkEjfI/AAAAAAAABMY/RY1R6Z1i860/s1600-h/IMG_80134.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8013" border="0" alt="IMG_8013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4nIpGcxI/AAAAAAAABMc/cYb2ihISsPc/IMG_8013_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4oBqj2rI/AAAAAAAABMg/zkM4bo2Q2Z8/s1600-h/IMG_80166.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8016" border="0" alt="IMG_8016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4o2xiVQI/AAAAAAAABMk/8F6kW-UEgcw/IMG_8016_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br />A look on the oral side of both Cakes (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>). They seem fairly plain compared to the dark-flecked Orange-tipped and the yellow-purple pigmented Biscuit. And as stated above, the oral side, like the aboral side, are strewn aplenty with the sea-stars own grooming device. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09OkW8thO_vfCZ5FDuy0XvPWnOQJu3rLM6FV4y4STOUkbXvAr0pw2TglKh78wTn2nsz1ZlPqDXoPJCyP6bFdXnZsoGyrcu1K7tFVOEnN6BiT71LiPv6fU75-gmRHmNi0biliv5LpEvq1W/s1600-h/IMG_8013pedi7.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8013 (pedi)" border="0" alt="IMG_8013 (pedi)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4q0GsQeI/AAAAAAAABMs/eKstFodhpr4/IMG_8013pedi_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Pedicellariae on the aboral side of the red-speckled, brown-edged Cake Sea Star (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>).</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4rqyV8tI/AAAAAAAABMw/L7ITKHjSsbc/s1600-h/IMG_8016pedi8.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8016 (pedi)" border="0" alt="IMG_8016 (pedi)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4skG8lII/AAAAAAAABM0/GeO92B48ZeE/IMG_8016pedi_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="495" /></a></span></span></em> <br />The orange Cake Sea Star (<i>Anthenea aspera</i>) has a slightly different version compared to the previous, but they are rather prominent just the same.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4tvF0MAI/AAAAAAAABM4/0dULuM8dNL8/s1600-h/IMG_8038edit6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8038 - edit" border="0" alt="IMG_8038 - edit" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4uudu4MI/AAAAAAAABM8/wErTnteeAfg/IMG_8038edit_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8O9IAG5cWaZ9-zRGAPH8ZtPLX_UEYWOG_QVzipJOm5sKnO_UnhBZO2SJcU4A68PYLBPhMR3CQ_QHUz7IXuAK7IjZNN9hJpFnFF7RHRg3Im_anrdTyiUBRqqfYyfskTTj3WBwW6CTVfOsT/s1600-h/IMG_80439.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8043" border="0" alt="IMG_8043" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4wNd31XI/AAAAAAAABNE/xf6_2O_hhig/IMG_8043_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></em> <br /><em>Protoreaster nodosus</em>, otherwise more fondly known as the Chocolate Chip Sea Star, no prizes for guessing why. The ones we bumped into at Pulau Sekudu were freaking huge, with a single arm as long as my 15cm ruler! Skimming over coral-reef substrate or meadows of seagrass, the Chocolate Chip satisfies its appetite with the minute organisms that made those areas home sweet home. To feed, the sea star (like many others except a couple) will turn its stomach inside-out over its food. Breaking its food down via the digestive liquid that it secretes, the nutrients are then only absorbed. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4xe2TQgI/AAAAAAAABNI/jEH1uUjkZuI/s1600-h/IMG_80442.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8044" border="0" alt="IMG_8044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4yUIRXFI/AAAAAAAABNM/cRdoZwiukAo/IMG_8044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><em>__</em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4zNH08zI/AAAAAAAABNQ/VUYxd7U-R20/s1600-h/IMG_8045crop2.jpg" target="_blank"><em><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8045 (crop)" border="0" alt="IMG_8045 (crop)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli40G5J1sI/AAAAAAAABNU/v9HMLbWRC18/IMG_8045crop_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></em></a> </span> <br />Another find of the day was the Brittle star (<i>Ophiothrix</i>  sp.) and boy, was it a first of me to see a whole one. Usually, the most I would be able to see is just one limb <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1609796&l=9a541a71e1&id=590130718">(or two if it was feeling generous)</a> before it disappears into the dark shadows of a sponge crevice. >_< Even at the gentlest handling, the long and gangly-armed Brittle Star will not hesitate to say sayonara to its one of its limb in attempt to distract any potential predators, kinda like a lizard I must say.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli41_fRi9I/AAAAAAAABNY/TxGKGbYdjmQ/s1600-h/IMG_79944.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7994" border="0" alt="IMG_7994" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli42lJELmI/AAAAAAAABNc/OtTVt0d9IGM/IMG_7994_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli43SeAyPI/AAAAAAAABNg/TeIk-85mGxA/s1600-h/IMG_79962.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7996" border="0" alt="IMG_7996" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli44YwQS1I/AAAAAAAABNk/HrxXRnpG6NY/IMG_7996_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br /><i>Astropecten</i> sp. or Spiny Sand Star is one sea-star that has rows of spines extending along the edges to give it a comb-like appearance. Astropectinids, unlike the Biscuit, Orange-tipped, Cake, Chocolate Chip etc (we think with our tummies indeed), have the ability to ingest their food whole instead of turning their stomach inside-out to digest their prey. Now a question to ponder upon a rainy day: which came first on the evolution track, sea-stars that ingest internally or the ones that thrust their tummies out? And why the need for such an evolution?  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli45ai_CsI/AAAAAAAABNo/TPyZzVtfjYE/s1600-h/IMG_81592.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8159" border="0" alt="IMG_8159" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli46TcGujI/AAAAAAAABNs/eywuuAKcVSM/IMG_8159_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><em>__</em></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli47Hj8YAI/AAAAAAAABNw/3kMkGTtK39c/s1600-h/IMG_81652.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8165" border="0" alt="IMG_8165" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli47-V4jgI/AAAAAAAABN0/N9yBm9Hbn48/IMG_8165_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a> </span></em> <br />(Left): Apart from the Astropectinids, luidiids like the 8-armed Sand Star (<em>Luidia maculata</em>) also share the ability to ingest their food externally. This critter here was my first <em>Luidia </em>and man, was it the cutest little thing I have ever seen. This lil’ luidiid was so small that it’s only <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuDgx0y3H-r51z53NIXp5c8lC1fTCJHrwzlbxxmyGQP4CSn3F5L4aRZ-o6nm0xxbocgTbBRivZij1DNtBTQel1ndlFQ6uTReQ9unrO5WUgaWwNFFpXGfbTJDyyw6z3tB_cVKEl73OQhg/s400/echskd270509p09.JPG">one fifth</a> of my palm, a baby still as indicated by its growth (photo credits to KS). </p> <p align="justify">(Right): And yet another baby which we crossed paths with – the Rock Star (<em>Asterina coronata</em>). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli49Aa9BxI/AAAAAAAABN4/H5pSM5M0ek4/s1600-h/IMG_81558.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8155" border="0" alt="IMG_8155" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli49zWoi_I/AAAAAAAABN8/1dIse42BW3c/IMG_8155_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><em>__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4-klrqkI/AAAAAAAABOA/D2zZhVxmcaw/s1600-h/IMG_81562.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8156" border="0" alt="IMG_8156" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli4_YBkG6I/AAAAAAAABOE/su14yc9KIm8/IMG_8156_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </em></span> <br />And as we took another step, more babies came into view. This time round, a juvenile Cake Star <strong>(left)</strong> and a young Biscuit Star <strong>(right)</strong>. Just above the Biscuit is a pretty in pink sand dollar (<em>Peronella lesueuri</em>).</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5ARtAAVI/AAAAAAAABOI/rPNfe_HWriI/s1600-h/IMG_81179.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8117" border="0" alt="IMG_8117" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5BMsdxVI/AAAAAAAABOM/Lk1VxnH3dwk/IMG_8117_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5Ctin8gI/AAAAAAAABOQ/VjL0fW3Skcw/s1600-h/IMG_811610.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8116" border="0" alt="IMG_8116" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5DiQAq-I/AAAAAAAABOY/gwp7LKtZxrw/IMG_8116_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></em></span> <br />Again another first, and I should be counting my lucky stars since these beauties are not common in Singapore waters. The near-circular and hard protective shell of the sand dollar is the one that’s coloured a cotton-candy pink while its underside <strong>(right)</strong> is a soft peach. The ‘petals’ <strong>(left)</strong> as can be seen, extend only halfway out to the edge of the disc. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTFS7nZfFlbxhdN8ZajzVkOrTyt8SIOwCZWW1ffs_zzxPocNWpQf805COy0RfF5J3O4vjYVzv4_o1adIh6KVcdKBfhlPMLjL3195kUECO8YUqJ55YoejAV6q4uxFugF1-72FVfR8ZJYvM/s1600-h/IMG_79716.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7971" border="0" alt="IMG_7971" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5FXwBjGI/AAAAAAAABOg/ilIC5dtvCb4/IMG_7971_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5GbQ4_hI/AAAAAAAABOk/63goHpIfmBk/s1600-h/IMG_79759.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7975" border="0" alt="IMG_7975" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5HE7Nj8I/AAAAAAAABOo/YUmWnOqTyLM/IMG_7975_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br /><strong>(left)</strong>: Though not as gorgeous as the <em>Peronella</em>, the Ball Sea Cucumber (<em>Phyllophorus</em> sp.) is more abundant and is a rather common sight at Pulau Sekudu. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right)</strong>: Sandfish Sea Cucumber (<em>Holothuria scabra</em>) – a delicacy at many Chinese restaurants, was also spotted. Even so, it needs to be processed and cleaned off its toxins before it can be served on a platter to the customer. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5IYOJhxI/AAAAAAAABOs/5CWdVvyLBO8/s1600-h/IMG_801223.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8012" border="0" alt="IMG_8012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5JY0yzuI/AAAAAAAABOw/B3bZaa2zHE4/IMG_8012_thumb24.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="502" /></a> </span></em> <br />And last but not least, I present the Thorny Sea Cucumber (<em>Colochirus quadrangularis</em>). Cut it cross-section (or in half), it will look square or quadrangular. Cucumbers like this one are seasonal – one moment there may be none of them and then at other times of the month, a baby boom occurs and the beaches of Changi and Ubin Island will be blanketed by pink juveniles. </p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sli5KWGKL3I/AAAAAAAABO0/DFHyAIDNK84/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="457" height="350" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />In case anyone was wondering (otherwise the wall would do just as well), Pulau Sekudu or the Frog Island was known as such because legend has it that three animals from Singapore - a pig, an elephant and a frog - had a challenge to see who could reach the shore of Johor first. Whichever animal failed to reach the shore would be turned into rock. All three creatures had difficulties swimming, and while the frog turned into <a href="http://www.hobohideout.com/mp_singapore_pulau-sekudu_map.php">Pulau Sekudu</a>, both the pig and the elephant turned into a larger island, Pulau Ubin [2]. For animals so small, they turned into something relatively large. Either they were deities looking for a lil’ fun without having to use their magical powers or they were ginormous creatures to start with… either way, there’s something wrong with the picture here (and I don’t mean the one above.. :P)</p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">References: <br />1. </font><a title="http://echinoblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/people-eating-starfish.html" href="http://echinoblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/people-eating-starfish.html"><font size="1">http://echinoblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/people-eating-starfish.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Sekudu" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Sekudu"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Sekudu</font></a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-54763126892367748492009-06-07T16:19:00.001+08:002009-06-07T16:24:35.222+08:00020. The Legend of Princess Santubong (End)<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit2s1CsxTI/AAAAAAAABHM/B9sraIVcEO8/s1600-h/IMG_68481.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6848" border="0" alt="IMG_6848" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit2yPFNMyI/AAAAAAAABHQ/-K46GyM_NgQ/IMG_6848_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="459" /></a> <br />See that mountain in the yonder? Legend has it that it used to be a Princess before she incurred the wrath of the Heavenly King and was then turned into a mountain. It also tells of a tale of 2 cousins who descended from the pearly gates above to make peace between the neighbouring villages – Pasir Kuning (Yellow Sands) and Pasir Putih (White Sands). Along with this was the rule that they must promise not to quarrel with each other. </p> <p align="justify">So Princess Santubong – famed for her weaving skills, and Princess Sejinjang – master rice thresher, ruled over Pasir Kuning and Pasir Putih respectively. Soon, peace and prosperity proliferated throughout both lands. Besides being experts in their own fields, they were also gorgeous to boot. Every suitor that came left dejected as both princesses, being princesses, were rather hard to please. </p> <p align="justify">But nothing remains bright and sunshine-y forever as dark clouds slowly inched its way through their lives. Their bane and downfall was brought on by their love for the same guy (isn’t that how the story always go, love and war?). And boys being boys, the Crown Prince Serapi of Matang wanted both of them as his wives. Apparently, his love was big enough for both of them. But of course,  that wasn’t the case for both cousins. </p> <p align="justify">And because of him, the cousins fought with each other. The promise which they were entrusted by the Heavenly King shattered at the first exchange of blows. Furious, he turned both princesses into mountains. Indeed, it is said that Mount. Santubong (picture <strong>above</strong>) resembles a woman lying on her back. But we were lucky that the mountain and her ‘moods’ were fairly sunny during our climb to the summit. The 850m tall summit which we scaled was the second one from the left.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg-RNFiMmZDm-ZGjzjS_X86u_IEGKOqvfb7_NxFfoMzQJQimFFl7JLQqz-ZTFkbZxP3JTtpPGoveCGWkVW1uYqPAP6IAeomDGo0mlB7iPDENYxP4Ocp0NoS15Gcy4gEE17L-gHZxAk2pg/s1600-h/IMG_72494.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7249" border="0" alt="IMG_7249" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit24--vaoI/AAAAAAAABHY/Yj-1tNo76T4/IMG_7249_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2WM7OP-KuM0sfaPHT4HiUefUF8pV3yef5Muz4Xt3IIN3m0fVrKTHCP-ZZJziZJb-tVRfLDJOdvAUAiuovjO09EkYa61nvQznGytknQfjgozleSa-nP2IRi7NRlbOk99P5-ScKDSUSXkb/s1600-h/IMG_72514.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7251" border="0" alt="IMG_7251" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit27f4-vPI/AAAAAAAABHg/WlcvJg_7-58/IMG_7251_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />As we trod through the damp pathway that led to our cabin,  rain poured down quite heavily from the skies. And the first creature that greeted us at our lodgings was none other than the gorgeous Asian Fairy Bluebird (<em>Irena puella</em>). Perching on the fronds of the palm, it slowly picked on the abundant, crimson fruits before it took flight (it probably sensed the 4 cameras that were stalking its each and every move.. lol). *This one here is a male; differentiated from the female by the shining, deep-blue on both its upperparts and undertail-coverts.  But like the females, they have red eyes (click on the pictures for a larger image). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit2--HTTsI/AAAAAAAABHk/yWiA1bVdeNY/s1600-h/image7.png" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3AHUGT-I/AAAAAAAABHo/rvF1ss2rcqo/image_thumb5.png?imgmax=800" width="167" height="235" /></a>Interestingly enough, the scientific name of the fairy bluebird seems rather… how would I say.. ermm.. feminine? Well, <em>irena </em>is usually a name bestowed upon girls. In Greek mythology, Irene was one of the the 3 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horae">Horae,</a> the personification of peace and wealth. On the other hand, <em>puella</em> is Latin for young girl. Well, it can’t be denied that  the bird is one pretty little thing but I am not sure if the male would care to have his gender disputed by Latin know-its (albeit amateurs). Not as brilliant as the male, the <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/435533716_7fe1a11289.jpg?v=0">females</a> are described to be more of a dull-turquoise blue. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3FnoodeI/AAAAAAAABHs/pNkOZMxccZs/s1600-h/IMG_72595.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7259" border="0" alt="IMG_7259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDDV8nF_5PBoePRYo7JZvTgPOAHr4yzsA76m2OmcxTcSt3KoU1uyRyzLXzBKif72ZND7i38DzZ1BCuADkdamrN5VzG9U-dvHkbhNPR0XM6i-2rEta60pffFYZZj310Lh539N_7Gy5Id9C/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />After a while, it was the Red-Crowned Barbet’s (<em>Megalaima rafflesii</em>) turn to grace us with his presence. Yes, this one is another male. One reason why males are more brightly-coloured than the females are because she needs more protection. It’s Mother Nature’s way to keep her hidden from her enemies as she has to be tucked safely in the nest to hatch her babies. The other reason is also to attract the female’s attention during the breeding season. And also, it’s supposedly at this time that his colours are the brightest.  As cited, ♥ at first sight indeed! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3Og-TS_I/AAAAAAAABH0/bG-Vcr9-b4o/s1600-h/IMG_729316.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7293-1" border="0" alt="IMG_7293-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3Pk2MZBI/AAAAAAAABH4/cFWBUht3baY/IMG_72931_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />Prostrating on the ground (in my so-called trademark position.. lol), it wasn’t too long before I managed to snag a picture of the Appias sp. After scanning through many pictures, I have a feeling that this might be a <a href="http://butterflyeffect.vox.com/">Plain Puffin</a> <a href="http://butterflyeffect.vox.com/library/photo/6a0100a801ee89000e0110164c6220860c.html"><em>(Appias indra plana)</em></a>. There aren’t much information about this near snow-white creature except that I am sure it’s from the Family Pieridae. </p> <p align="justify">One important characteristic is that most members of this family are white, yellow or orange in colour besides being often marked by black spots. In fact, the waste products in its body are the source of their unique hues. One butterfly’s crap is another butterfly’s makeup? Anyway, another interesting fact – here’s why butterflies are called butterflies. And no it’s not because someone mistaken for a flying butter for this insect :) , it is believed that the word ‘butterfly’ was inspired from a member of this family –> the <a href="http://www.photographersdirect.com/buyers/stockphoto.asp?imageid=2088564">Brimstone (<em>Gonepteryx rhamni</em>)</a>, which was called the “butter-coloured fly” by early British naturalists [1]. Well, scientists aren’t really famed for their creavity… </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><sup><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieridae#cite_note-CaterDK-1"></a></sup></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3TDGl1RI/AAAAAAAABH8/CUUJO40dxOg/s1600-h/IMG_73052.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7305" border="0" alt="IMG_7305" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3TyOJd8I/AAAAAAAABIA/xp4BqpPxApI/IMG_7305_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3W6OjB8I/AAAAAAAABIE/_-VuOROvexc/s1600-h/IMG_73112.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7311" border="0" alt="IMG_7311" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3Xw6BRLI/AAAAAAAABII/fHjlWarQPRs/IMG_7311_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />One other butterfly that I managed to get down in pixels was a Blue Pansy Butterfly (<em>Junonia orithya wallacei</em>) that was helping itself to the nectar of a patch of Coat Buttons (<em>Tridax procumbens</em>). Prettiest of the pansies, its beauty is (again) limited to the males. For the sake of being low-key in the eyes of predators, the females usually have very little or no blue colouring at all. Like the <a href="http://midori-no-michi.blogspot.com/2009/03/010-calling-shots-at-rifle-range-27th.html">Archduke and Cruiser</a>, this six-legged insect comes from the family Nymphalidae that relies on only 4 legs for locomotion. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3aYdmfGI/AAAAAAAABIM/g_zXmZ0eJbY/s1600-h/IMG_75522.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7552" border="0" alt="IMG_7552" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3bODc2TI/AAAAAAAABIQ/SbCoWtj1tbs/IMG_7552_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3dQB6NWI/AAAAAAAABIU/a5wyMRB9omc/s1600-h/IMG_75542.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7554" border="0" alt="IMG_7554" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3eewUqFI/AAAAAAAABIY/TozKjSsnKhI/IMG_7554_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />The butterflies that fluttered and flew weren’t just limited to the ones in open areas (beside the roads on grassy patches), the top of Mount. Santubong was another butterfly haven. Out of the numerous beauties that weaved their way through the paths that were made narrow by the dense vegetation, this sailor was the one and only butterfly that stilled just enough for my camera to get a few shots. The identity of this sailor, unfortunately, cannot be distinguished since yours truly forgot to capture the underside of the creature.. bleh.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3fzsDzWI/AAAAAAAABIc/OByTAT2aQBo/s1600-h/IMG_7371113.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7371-1" border="0" alt="IMG_7371-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3ielLlwI/AAAAAAAABIg/LE7UTteb-uU/IMG_73711_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />Another insect which managed to make a lasting impact in my mind (and SD card) was the dragonflies and the damselflies. They could be seen hovering still over rain puddles and swampy-like habitats, while others prefer rushing streams and tiny falls like the one (flowing from some source high-up in Santubong) in the picture above. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3jm8TdUI/AAAAAAAABIk/OIwrsydbjRY/s1600-h/IMG_73562.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7356" border="0" alt="IMG_7356" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3kgcBpSI/AAAAAAAABIo/OFrFN5p1ZxQ/IMG_7356_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3ljnr7QI/AAAAAAAABIs/es67niWMcJQ/s1600-h/IMG_75287.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7528" border="0" alt="IMG_7528" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3m6NaKQI/AAAAAAAABIw/-_a847Gdsuo/IMG_7528_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> Seen perching on a lean twig in the rushing river, it seems that this is characteristic of the <em>Euphaea impar. </em>Males, in fact, prefer brightly-lit perches as they are presumed to use those spots to display their wing iridescence to their best advantage. Not only does this attract the ladies, it also serves as a defensive mark of a territory adjacent to moving water [2]. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> Though <em>Euphaea</em> sp. might resemble dragonflies, they are actually damselflies. And the way to tell them apart is that the forewing and hindwing of the damsels are similar while these differ for the dragons. I am not sure why a damselfly is called a damselfly but there are some unique tales of the origin of the word ‘dragonfly’.</p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3oAENIYI/AAAAAAAABI0/DqSBUqhu_eI/s1600-h/IMG_75885.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7588" border="0" alt="IMG_7588" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3pJRhazI/AAAAAAAABI4/l5efDoK7hpY/IMG_7588_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></span></em> <br />So why’s a dragonfly a dragonfly? Though it (the etymology) has not been clearly established, the dragon has long been used in Christian symbolism to reveal the existence of the devil. Hence, it suggests that the origin of the seemingly extraordinary balancing feats of a dragonfly could only be due to satanic influence [3]. Cool eh? But it makes me wonder, if this etymology is indeed true, do people shun streams with this creatures or kill them at first sight?  </p> <p align="justify">Up above in mountains, at 850m from sea level, in a pond on the peak of Santubong was a lone male <em>Brachydiplax chalybea.</em> Well, there might be others but memory only remembers this one.. heheh. Coloured a powder-blue, it is known that the males are strongly territorial and their sexual activity peaks in early afternoon. Ok, I might be right then, there truly only was a single male in the pond ^^v. And because of its metallic blue coloration on its body, this <em>Brachydiplax </em>sp<em>. </em>has ‘<font color="#0000ff">made of steel</font>’ for its species name [4]. Sweet~~ <br />1) Greek: <em>brachy</em> “short” <br />2) Greek: <em>di “</em>double” <br />3) Greek: <em>plax </em>“flat surface” – probably referring to the wings <br />4) Latin: <em>chalybea</em> “made of steel”</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdebS2BLSgOeZj9QUlUPxpPW8ZBUOLwLXm5cZZRytQ_J8bbH8XR2af3j77ycxblptw-nwJ56f3im-5fgL5KsRMN8-LnPobKME8dYMcLQAepJkHS1hEzlzTKg77DwODrWJ9IjwgdyIVVgPP/s1600-h/IMG_751512.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7515-1" border="0" alt="IMG_7515-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3qpElVOI/AAAAAAAABJA/d5KE51sbl-M/IMG_75151_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3sCA25FI/AAAAAAAABJE/qd-rxtHwA34/s1600-h/IMG_75332.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7533" border="0" alt="IMG_7533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0b7Urg99GfTBT-s1KBOIDezLFjc3Z7o8vJl70tWGjEG3c7gCdtefo74BVzQk-yqdIvPtYiXIqrc_BC2wEmD2npWKbw067Q3NVNPuTgY6cWxdQj6f4Fg7wegZex_3T7UuSJAepx54S9AH/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Tiny frogs no bigger than the size of palm (length-wise) could be seen on moss-green rocks while others were spotted hopping on the boulders by the waterfall. A vast difference indeed from the ones leading a urban life in the stone jungles. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3uLsKbGI/AAAAAAAABJM/_tujSMrjRl0/s1600-h/IMG_75472.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7547" border="0" alt="IMG_7547" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3vWxJOyI/AAAAAAAABJQ/Y-YTug-OB-I/IMG_7547_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGhbUvR4wbrtSG6XTlBbZdClyLlelVc2qhnG9CqB1qH1UIYXCbeon0SnKgHALFZJpNR2futWaBgtWLvBtK2pyiuJY8W_tgtZC761qRw-P8vpsBmMptGt1iP8gW4Kn7Z87FvPKP7cmUW0w/s1600-h/IMG_75722.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7572" border="0" alt="IMG_7572" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit30WJA2ZI/AAAAAAAABJc/mrJWO5jYh7A/IMG_7572_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> “<em>I’m on the top of the world lookin’ down on creation, and the only explanation I can find…</em>” <br />Indeed, from the top of Santubong, the Sarawak River meanders with serpentine grace about the Lego-like houses that flank its sides. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> Framed by verdant view, the South China Sea was a wide expanse from my right onwards. At the background, the cove-like area is actually <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2653470&l=b80a087078&id=590130718">Bako National Park</a>, where an isolated beach (Teluk Pandan Besar) remains pristine and out-of-reach from a majority of human civilization. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit31VrOFeI/AAAAAAAABJg/ROGsoap0Bj8/s1600-h/IMG_75816.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7581" border="0" alt="IMG_7581" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit33UDOxGI/AAAAAAAABJk/vjud8DCHj20/IMG_7581_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />The song by the Carpenters – Top of the World is a perfect fit of what I feel when I reached the summit of Santubong. Surrounded by greens and browns, the Malaysian flag didn’t look a bit of out of place as it stood high-up against a white cloud-blue sky backdrop. But all that immediately got flushed from the mind as the smell or sulphur swamped my senses as I got closer to the hut. Since many tourists stay overnight after a climb, they usually sprinkle sulphur around the hut to prevent snakes from getting close-by. Sprinkle all you want, but clean up the mess before you leave for goodness sake!! </p> <p align="justify">Apparently, some of these idiots need to relearn their Moral Studies in Year 1. Rubbish could be seen strewn all over beneath the hut. Why, there was even a rusty old kettle (without its handle) by the hut! And the hut, it may look fine from this picture, but it all changes when one takes a closer look. Again, some  thoughtless arses decided that their carvings would make ‘wonderful decorations’ to the rest area. Gosh, these people deserve to have a taste of their own medicine. Who cares what the ang mohs think of Malaysia, what I am ashamed by is the ‘deeds’ left by these so-called ‘wise ones’! <em>Homo barbaricus</em> would be more suitable in this case. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit34a6DmHI/AAAAAAAABJo/igS-KLd1r_4/s1600-h/IMG_76034.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7603" border="0" alt="IMG_7603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit35f5T9rI/AAAAAAAABJs/gcNGqb3LKyo/IMG_7603_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span></span></em><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit36TVCGeI/AAAAAAAABJw/8ojbrSGFDhQ/s1600-h/IMG_76085.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7608" border="0" alt="IMG_7608" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit37cijySI/AAAAAAAABJ0/8pvINaXLCfs/IMG_7608_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a> <br />Reaching the summit <strong>(left)</strong> was no easy work as we had to get pass a dozen of so of these rope-ladders <strong>(right)</strong>. There were a couple which dangled nearly three storeys from top to bottom. It makes you wonder how the natives constructed these in the first place. My highest salutations for their work! Without them, Mount. Santubong would still be another alien location on the map. But looking back, would that had been better? </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit39oQVgKI/AAAAAAAABJ4/tMqOLsObpUE/s1600-h/IMG_76172.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7617" border="0" alt="IMG_7617" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit3-fh4wHI/AAAAAAAABJ8/jic_Hl16yy0/IMG_7617_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit4AvNGkdI/AAAAAAAABKA/P3FM-XaU-9A/s1600-h/IMG_76202.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7620" border="0" alt="IMG_7620" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit4BjOojPI/AAAAAAAABKE/u7j3jJPvMgk/IMG_7620_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> After approximately 8 hours on the mountain, catching sight of civilization never seemed so good. Civilization = place to rest my weary, jelly-like legs = time for more <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2656796&l=c1f7b4b7d2&id=590130718">Teh C Peng</a> = Sweet!! </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> On our way down, Alex spotted some physical weathering that had occurred on a boulder, which was otherwise known as exfoliation. Exfoliation occurs when rocks are heated and expand in the heat of the day and then cool and contract in the cold of night. Thin slithers of rock tend to flake off the surface, and which break down further into tiny pieces [5].</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WSwnD_EIsItdPHvJt-RfEz1mhvrcRSMZAVJg1Os0hsoa08lcJX7nj58Je-BmnNdET4LzVapCtepN40PuVVetszryS6qJKOKm0HHJJt6wMZ4S-QUE02bqBvl04jvW9v8cs0Ra_XRoncrr/s1600-h/IMG_762711.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7627" border="0" alt="IMG_7627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHqXW8xtb6SoXnwzAmRGA6L3VGyd9UZe9zffRfBbxuTNDUE4ItFAgMmV3cA_i9EwIKzV7qalqoLI7tf_VC1Lw14EEOXygsNUnWcGHpMnT9Z_m3lR1mSI4HQaIy6OA8tk-rxTizZbsjb4A/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />Fare thee well, Princess Santubong and may our paths cross again one day in the future. :)</p> <p align="justify">And finally, a big thanks to Alvin for his help in Birds & Dragonflies 101; Wee Foong for his on the lepidopterans; Kai-Xin for guiding me through the tough-spots on Santubong and last but not least, Alex for extending an invitation to yours truly. Thank you!</p> <p align="justify">P.S: In case you are wondering the Malay poems which I have been posting in the early parts in 3 of my entries, they are actually lyrics to the song ‘Hijau’ by Zainal Abidin. Like Michael Jackson’s ‘Earth Song’, this song is my country’s own wake-up call to protect and conserve nature before we lose it all. Enjoy the clip! :)</p> <div align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c6d20d9c-3438-456c-9cb3-282488755000" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="feb4aedd-9f85-4d21-814b-f1ab2c2727f2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnoYNt-f2UE&fmt=18" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sit4EOEp-uI/AAAAAAAABKc/Ktov7rj9y3s/videof2038bceaec2%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('feb4aedd-9f85-4d21-814b-f1ab2c2727f2'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/BnoYNt-f2UE&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/BnoYNt-f2UE&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </div> <p align="justify">Reference: <br />1. <a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieridae" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieridae">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieridae</a></p> <p align="justify">2. <a title="http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/nis/bulletin2009/2009nis135-140.pdf" href="http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/nis/bulletin2009/2009nis135-140.pdf">http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/nis/bulletin2009/2009nis135-140.pdf</a></p> <p align="justify">3. <a title="http://www.sierrapotomac.org/W_Needham/Dragonfly_080514.htm" href="http://www.sierrapotomac.org/W_Needham/Dragonfly_080514.htm">http://www.sierrapotomac.org/W_Needham/Dragonfly_080514.htm</a></p> <p align="justify">4. <a title="http://www.entsocont.com/JESO/133_3-46.pdf" href="http://www.entsocont.com/JESO/133_3-46.pdf">http://www.entsocont.com/JESO/133_3-46.pdf</a></p> <p align="justify">5. <a title="http://www.gcsescience.com/rk8.htm" href="http://www.gcsescience.com/rk8.htm">http://www.gcsescience.com/rk8.htm</a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-23862379708125526482009-05-29T01:12:00.001+08:002009-05-29T01:44:36.644+08:00019. Wagler: Made in China? (Part 3)<p align="justify"><em>Bumi tanpa lautan <br />Akan kehausan <br />Pasti lambat laun hilang <br />Duniaku yang malang</em></p> <p align="center">(<em>Hijau</em>, Zainal Abidin, 1998)</p> <p align="justify"><u>Translation: <br /></u><em>An Earth that's without seas <br />Is as good as being thirsty <br />She will gradually fade away <br />O’ this poor Earth of mine.</em></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="3">(11th – 18th May 2009)</font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4zMUrB738eBvAzXo1vNqtDn-d8UZJ8Ok8V5QIHXYTgS7nffYi8zy9Ju2WbOMzj9FcxYKQHGzZ_SfHyNqVRnnWUAD8djYas1RlKromVWZO2pPLZX0rtRL_iXCeeBlrhKRLxBfNRi25UxN/s1600-h/IMG_70842.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7084" border="0" alt="IMG_7084" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FcSWYp4I/AAAAAAAABEs/w3me7eDwdXg/IMG_7084_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FdzwEOBI/AAAAAAAABEw/r6CDq566PCg/s1600-h/IMG_70892.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7089" border="0" alt="IMG_7089" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FeuxICvI/AAAAAAAABE0/nuWJBFzWQBg/IMG_7089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br />The tree that was situated a few metres in front of our lodgings – Chalet 4, was a hotspot indeed for locals and foreigners alike. It was like, every other minute, there will be groups after groups of tourists who will stay still, look high and low before their cameras went off and flashed like sparklers. Groups usually comprised of at least 2 persons would stop by, whether rain or shine to catch a glimpse of what lies in the cosy verdant niche of stems and plants. So, what caught their attention exactly?  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7Ffsn60PI/AAAAAAAABE4/0aB3YP8SQFA/s1600-h/IMG_673012.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6730-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6730-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FgoGQPOI/AAAAAAAABE8/C6Xr4Lyh138/IMG_67301_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FhqahR_I/AAAAAAAABFA/p8BhqbBsRGs/s1600-h/IMG_672912.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6729-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6729-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FiXRejII/AAAAAAAABFE/v5fZBNtWp6I/IMG_67291_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em> <br />Presenting the star: the Wagler’s Pit Viper (<i>Tropidolaemus wagleri</i>). According to Wiki, this reptile is a night creature and can be usually found on trees. They might appear quite sluggish as they remain motionless for long periods of time while waiting for dinner to pass by. Hence, Pit vipers are called as such because they have heat-sensing "pits" which occur on each cheek for prey location [1]. </p> <p align="justify">And when it does pass by, they can strike doubly quick. In fact, they would strike too if disturbed [2]. But in this case, I beg to differ. It didn’t even blink an eyelid when my camera went as close as 2-3 inches from the snake’s <strong>(left)</strong> view. Disturbing as it might be, it was rather curious too. Its lethargic movement could certainly give the <a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/sloth/">sloth</a> a run for its money, that’s for certain. Not once did it budge from its comfort zone during the 4 days and 3 nights we were there. This also goes for the juvenile <strong>(right)</strong> which was placed serpentine high up in the foliage. >_> If not for the tiny flicker of its tongue, the Pit-Viper could have easily passed of as a rubber snake. Seriously. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FjXNT1bI/AAAAAAAABFI/U0EuYUgo6Dk/s1600-h/IMG_71032.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7103" border="0" alt="IMG_7103" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FkIXFoHI/AAAAAAAABFM/M03wVC7WiOA/IMG_7103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FlA-EY1I/AAAAAAAABFQ/88p0HAklmPw/s1600-h/IMG_71042.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7104" border="0" alt="IMG_7104" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FlgniyBI/AAAAAAAABFU/X4xIXhvzYAk/IMG_7104_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Placed against a sunshine-y backdrop, the fine venation of a <em>Calophyllum</em> sp. leaf is really quite evident. From the Greek <em>kalos</em> “beautiful” and <em>phullon</em> '”leaf”, the plant of the genus literally means “beautiful leaf”. Also known as the Bintangor plant locally, in Borneo, related species of this plant has been found to contain anti-AIDS properties. Of course, further research is being conducted to ascertain the fact.</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(left & right)</strong>: One of the <em>Calophyllum</em> sp. which we bumped into during our walk towards Teluk Pandan Besar – <em>Calophyllum nodosum</em>.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7Fm_8-7DI/AAAAAAAABFY/t1Sjp-FuDcU/s1600-h/IMG_71476.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7147" border="0" alt="IMG_7147" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FnVxgFMI/AAAAAAAABFc/sSLl9e8-8n4/IMG_7147_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7Fo02Ef_I/AAAAAAAABFg/O1AKxIU0T8Y/s1600-h/IMG_753714.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7537-1" border="0" alt="IMG_7537-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FpglGpnI/AAAAAAAABFk/eJPhfeBO_es/IMG_75371_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> Another Beauty Leaf which we saw (at the beach area of Teluk Pandan Kecil) is the <em>Calophyllum inophyllum</em>. Because of its decorative leaves, fragrant flowers and spreading crown, it is best known as an ornamental plant [3]. Again, the fragrance is subjective. For me, there wasn’t any distinctive, sweet scent whatsoever (though it can be testified by Alex and Kai-Xin). It’s either my nose was faulty or… my nose was faulty. >_></p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> A large trunk of the <em>Calophyllum ferrugineum,</em> which we bumped into on our way to the top of Mount Santubong along the 45 degree slope. Its girth was the biggest I have ever laid my eyes on, and I could barely make out the leaves against the glaring skies. The other time I saw one was in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (Singapore), and the plant was a little, wee thing compared to this giant. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FqkQhQjI/AAAAAAAABFo/de36OjMpWrY/s1600-h/IMG_71112.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7111" border="0" alt="IMG_7111" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FrG4AJQI/AAAAAAAABFs/WQWgEnS5yT8/IMG_7111_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FsQqEyXI/AAAAAAAABFw/fY03LcSJJmg/s1600-h/IMG_71282.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7128" border="0" alt="IMG_7128" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7Fs3Bv1MI/AAAAAAAABF0/GvuKBYJ9-Xc/IMG_7128_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> From Telok Pandan Besar, the view of headlands and a sea-swept beach towards my left.</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> On towards Telok Pandan Kecil, we continued along the sandy path before coming to the cliff top that overlooks a bay below.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FuNCD9_I/AAAAAAAABF4/pMZL0H4_LmQ/s1600-h/IMG_71304.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7130" border="0" alt="IMG_7130" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FvNzQDxI/AAAAAAAABF8/wPhNzO20z2s/IMG_7130_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FwL70HOI/AAAAAAAABGA/lrxkj6QO1Ps/s1600-h/IMG_71414.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7141" border="0" alt="IMG_7141" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7Fw61R2LI/AAAAAAAABGE/Vst6RrsUyG0/IMG_7141_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> The sandstone formation on top of the plateau is unique indeed. Here’s Alvin trying to find a good spot to capture a picture of 5. <br /><em>Note: Just sent an email to my Prof. James Terry on questions pertaining to Bako’s terrestrial geomorphology, such as the one above. Hopefully I will get to hear from him soon. :) Will update if he does *fingers crossed*. </em></p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> After a 10-minute descent through cliff vegetation and gnarled roots, we soon reached the beach at the bottom. Caution must be practised here as a slip could caused wounds from gnashes to a swollen ankle.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7Fx_6GwRI/AAAAAAAABGI/c2BCx_QLJUw/s1600-h/IMG_71642.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7164" border="0" alt="IMG_7164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8Kkc3h6sRyi8-IEsAg0qWD5O5y4PPiyDrfcP-gOG5lmdJl3dcbmw-RmFDFAZVHKDRsFWPSJCM0qvB9pakGLs8J2Bzo0Q1lqUB4_oGxCgOcBGWVJlpDFggn3fIzoImDA9mj2q4TVdIWtC/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7FzU4wkII/AAAAAAAABGQ/I2eODBtBHZg/s1600-h/IMG_71802.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7180" border="0" alt="IMG_7180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F0IaJ5FI/AAAAAAAABGU/h0Tu6oI-nfs/IMG_7180_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> The beach, seawards. On the sand, we could see the tiny balls of sand left by Sand Bubblers. Besides that, there were also footprints of the (possibly) Bearded Pig (Sus barbatus). Apparently, the macaques also make the occasional trip down to the area to feed. Macaque motto: Humans = food.  </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> The beach that comes up seaward slopes down gently before heading far inland, towards the mangroves and then the forests. A secondary beach maybe? </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F1H3qcdI/AAAAAAAABGY/ZbwidG-_8Hk/s1600-h/IMG_71542.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7154" border="0" alt="IMG_7154" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F1lrJ5NI/AAAAAAAABGc/eHCdnsUXHsc/IMG_7154_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F2jlLf2I/AAAAAAAABGg/Wa9UOv-3tA0/s1600-h/IMG_71572.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7157" border="0" alt="IMG_7157" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F3XrAs-I/AAAAAAAABGk/fypjFsLU9N0/IMG_7157_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Amongst the balls of Sand Bubbler leftovers were hermit crabs <strong>(left)</strong> and other species from the Order Decapoda <strong>(right)</strong>. This one took a short break before scuttling into one of the larger holes made by the Sand Bubbler. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F4VP2UxI/AAAAAAAABGo/HjQr2Wwkic4/s1600-h/IMG_719012.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7190-1" border="0" alt="IMG_7190-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F44AulpI/AAAAAAAABGs/H7q1RuupbFg/IMG_71901_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span></span></em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F5_oP4KI/AAAAAAAABGw/tjt2juCq-yo/s1600-h/IMG_71752.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7175" border="0" alt="IMG_7175" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F6wQiQXI/AAAAAAAABG4/CsA96GA-E3c/IMG_7175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> A close-up of the famous sea stack just offshore of Telok Pandan Kecil Beach. A sea stack is caused by the natural erosion of <a href="http://www.georesources.co.uk/sea6.gif">headlands</a> along the coastline. Typically, the ocean wears a hole through the headlands first, creating an arch which slowly expands over time as it erodes. Ultimately, the arch collapses, leaving a sea stack on one side and the headland on the other. Separated from the shoreline, the sea stack will slowly start to erode, either eroded away into the water or collapsing [4].</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> A picture of the <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Wave_cut_platform.png">wave-cut notch</a>,which is mainly the result of wave erosion and other processes. The undercutting is usually caused between the high and low water marks [5]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F713nE7I/AAAAAAAABG8/KNnrZoifwRw/s1600-h/IMG_718421.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7184" border="0" alt="IMG_7184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F9BvwfCI/AAAAAAAABHA/J16fPFospG4/IMG_7184_thumb19.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a>  <br />Dark, ominous clouds sweeping across Santubong, with the sunlight barely shining through. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7F-nWZz2I/AAAAAAAABHE/xqr-lemU2xY/s1600-h/IMG_719710.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7197" border="0" alt="IMG_7197" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh7GBFjmGrI/AAAAAAAABHI/OPYtciXloWs/IMG_7197_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a>  <br />On our way back, rain could be seen falling in sheets on the front half of Santubong. Though it looked like the rain might be advancing towards Bako, it was a clear night on our last day at the National Park. </p> <p align="justify">Looks like Part 4 (end) will be coming up soon enough. :)</p> <p align="justify">Reference: <br /><font size="1">1. </font><a title="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/waglers_pit_viper.htm" href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/waglers_pit_viper.htm"><font size="1">http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/waglers_pit_viper.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropidolaemus_wagleri" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropidolaemus_wagleri"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropidolaemus_wagleri</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calophyllum_inophyllum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calophyllum_inophyllum"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calophyllum_inophyllum</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><a title="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-sea-stack.htm" href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-sea-stack.htm"><font size="1">http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-sea-stack.htm</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">5. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave-cut_platform" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave-cut_platform"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave-cut_platform</font></a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-8574506052083497582009-05-28T00:17:00.001+08:002009-05-29T01:27:32.386+08:00018. Beauty’s in the Eyes of the Beholder (Part 2)<p align="justify"><em>Bumi yang tiada udara <br />Bagai tiada nyawa <br />Pasti hilang suatu hari <br />Tanpa disedari</em></p> <p align="center">(<em>Hijau</em>, Zainal Abidin, 1998)</p> <p align="justify"><u>Translation: <br /></u><em>An Earth that's without air <br />Is as good as being lifeless <br />She will disappear someday <br />Without our notice.</em></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="3">(11th – 18th May 2009)</font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nCJpkrNI/AAAAAAAABBo/o6SzDJuQaKM/s1600-h/IMG_694511.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6945-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6945-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNS8ZFZR8YTkPGA2pHMRUrD7s1wa4HVrnMnzwZxK9boR73fZQpwsoVBcra54FLzAUUO1Du7pt7EXsOa0fEb2n2LW1ZWWg3Tc1t3morsTMe6PDUZSj_9iDCx5bqHmPHPr2rISzzQo-37dJ0/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />What if you were told that, to reach this waterfall above, you would need to trek continuously for 6 hours? Of course, there’s a chance that you will go hungry and your legs will start to beg for a rest. Just a while, they say. But deep down you know, that once seated and getting your hunger satiated before reaching the falls, the less determined you will be be to reach it. So, what’s the verdict? For us, we started out early at 8:45 in the morning, hoping to reach the Tajor Waterfalls by 12. If not, the latest was estimated to be at 1 noon.</p> <p align="justify">Never did I imagine that the trails <a href="http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/bakopic/bakotrail.htm">(consisting of the <strong>Lintang</strong> Trail, the <strong>Bukit Gondol</strong> Trail, the <strong>Paya Jelutong</strong> Trail, the <strong>Bukit Kruning</strong> Trail, and the <strong>Tajor</strong> Trail)</a> would lead us walking till 3 in the afternoon. Thank goodness for the shade and shelter provided by the forest canopy. :) But, whatever aches that I accumulated along the way was swept away once my eyes fell on the flowing white curtain of water that cascaded from the nooks and crannies of the rocks at Tajor. Talk about being therapeutic!  </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nEIWHNbI/AAAAAAAABBw/x8IYmd4YpVQ/s1600-h/IMG_686612.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6866-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6866-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nE32q74I/AAAAAAAABB0/_IHpc1c2XSE/IMG_68661_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nGasWHYI/AAAAAAAABB4/CsZ8bwRPoyg/s1600-h/IMG_686112.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6861-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6861-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0sasVDyaXIyUELFVs0tLOzN4b3xka4BbZcik-O7KHLfMGJxPXIPtuJHRMVXWCZ3Ey2hlSSupCDFb1-0vxHSbsMMaRbDfxbuHkKbauk9lLLZJU49kUr6ISgJTM9amzzQlXWk7KwG07-RX/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />As usual, we were greeted by the sight of Bearded Pigs (<em>Sus barbatus</em>) as we left our cabin for breakfast early in the morn. These swine (it’s the fad nowadays.. lol) get their name from the yellowish whiskers on the side of the face and over the bridge of the nose; hence their common name. <br />1) Latin: <em>Sus = </em>"pig" <br />2) Latin: <em>barbatus =</em> "bearded" </p> <p align="justify">Apparently, the body of this particular pig is the slenderest form among pigs, and it is supported by thin twig of legs.  With their diet comprising of fruits, it’s no wonder that they are often found following groups of gibbons or macaques, then feeding on the fruit that has been gnawed once upon and has then fallen to the ground right after [1]. And it’s true, right on the area (the cabins’ location) where the bearded pigs feasted on, were fruits that fell and got strewn when the macaques high-up shook and rattled the trees after their many bouts of jumping and leaping antics. </p> <p align="justify">Speaking about feeding, this reminds me of a.. how should I say.. unique behaviour of the male Sus. The feeling is subjective, it all depends on how you see it, my friend Mindy would say. =) On our last day of our stay in Bako National Park, we got to see the male pig licking the urine of the female as it gushed like tap water from her ‘watering hole’. After digging a bit, it seems that urine can contain pheromones or chemical substances that change in the course of the oestrus cycle. </p> <p align="justify">Unlike the female human way of dropping subtle hints (batting eyelashes and coquettishness as being noted by some) to entice their male counterparts, this is more like waving a flag with a ‘I’m In Heat’ emblazoned across in <strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">hot red</font></strong>. No reading between the lines there. So in order to know the status of females, males will lick the urine of the gentler sex to investigate their oestrous status. In fact, as some of the research conducted on pandas, the males are said to be able to discriminate the female reproductive condition on the basis of the chemical cues [2]. Wonder if this include male <em>Homo sapiens</em>? :)</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nH1p2DuI/AAAAAAAABCA/u4A93gq2n3U/s1600-h/IMG_6773-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6773-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6773-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nIvShWwI/AAAAAAAABCE/wJ1w1YsuMSQ/IMG_6773-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nJuOLyHI/AAAAAAAABCI/2Ws_lOnWCfU/s1600-h/IMG_67754.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6775" border="0" alt="IMG_6775" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nKRlUIaI/AAAAAAAABCM/xP3Gah5J4_4/IMG_6775_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span></span></em><strong> <br />(Left):</strong> According to some, it’s said the side view of the Pigeon Orchid flower resembles a flying pigeon. Well, after rotating the picture 180 degrees, it certainly looked somewhat like one, I must say. :) Other common names include the Bag-shaped Dendrobium. This latter would be more accurate, if its specific epithet <i>crumenatum</i> is used as basis. *nods* <br />1) Latin: <i>crumena</i> (= a leather pouch that held money and was secured by a strap around a Roman's neck)</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> When trekking through the Lintang trail, it’s not surprising to catch sight of the Orchid Pigeon (<em>Dendrobium crumenatum</em>) flanking the sides of the white, sandy trails. In Singapore, this orchid is the most common. In fact, it can be found growing naturally in the branches of older trees. Besides that, it’s also planted by the Parks & Recreation Department onto street trees [3].  </p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB33pFw474W8nfhv6RKmEGWTcSq4Og8CF0xZPGFUd258Xbs3lc2qAbA5Basv9htXmKyP7ToMUQjl8Uun4m6_AA2n4-PwQVyDXaEZ49Bfqn3onrFbJ8oQLRN7ePPmwwxx3O8uXJbYd5oRt3/s1600-h/IMG_68865.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6886" border="0" alt="IMG_6886" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nLtMToqI/AAAAAAAABCU/ISiq3RTV7I4/IMG_6886_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nMo56koI/AAAAAAAABCY/669wG4Rbfb8/s1600-h/IMG_688015.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6880-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6880-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nNNNjJNI/AAAAAAAABCg/FbhZrStUEqY/IMG_68801_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span></em></span></span></em></span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> Another pretty bloom from the orchid of the genus <em>Dendrobium</em> sp. As described with Latin, the <em>Dendrobium</em> sp. is "one that lives in the trees” or an epiphyte. <br />1) Greek: <em>dendron</em> “tree” <br />2) Greek: <em>bios</em> “life”</p> <p align="justify">To differentiate this genus from the rest in the Family Orchidaceae, here are some of the genus characteristics: <br />(a) Plants may have a group of leaf-bearing axes, which are either (i) cespitose or (ii) at the end on the branches of <a href="http://www.nccpg.com/Page.Aspx?Page=426">sympodial</a> ramificant rhizomes. <br />(b) The leaf-bearing axes may bear from one apical to numerous <a href="http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/aquariumplants2/Aquarium_&_Pond_Plants_of_the_World/key/Aquarium_&_Pond_Plants/Media/Images/Glossary_images/opposite_distichous.jpg">distichous</a> leaves. The leaves are generally rather thin, but in a few species these are leathery thick and/or laterally compressed. <br />(c) The inflorescence(s) can be lateral, sub-apical or apical, few to many flowered [4]. <br /><u><strong><font color="#0080ff"><font color="#0000a0">Definition:</font></font></strong></u> <br />-> cespitose = <em>growing in dense tufts <br />-> </em>sympodial = P<em>rimary axis that develops from a series of short lateral branches and often has a zigzag/irregular form <br /></em>-> ramificant =<em> branch-shaped <br />-></em> distichous =<em> leaves arranged in two vertical rows on opposite sides of an axis</em></p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> Another orchid which colours reminded my friend of the traffic-light popsicle that was found on our way to the falls was the <em>Coelogyne septemcostata</em>. Its generic name <em>Coelogyne</em> is derived from its concave stigma – the part which receives the pollen [5].  And on the same lines, its specific name can be literally translated to “7 ribs”. I am not sure why though. >_< <br />1) Greek: <em>koilos </em>(coel) “hollow” <br />2) Greek: <em>gyne “</em>woman” <br />3) Latin: <em>septem</em> “seven” <br />4) Latin: <em>costata</em> “with ribs/ribbed”</p> <p align="justify">For the <em>Coelogyne</em>, its distinct genus characteristics include [6]: <br />(a) Plants may be large and epiphytic <br />(b) Flowers are often have showy and delicately coloured. <br />(c) <a href="http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/cd-keys/orchidkey/html/characters/Pseudobulb_internode.htm">Pseudobulbs</a> are usually ovoid, conical or cylindrical from which 1 or 2 leaves arise at the apex. <br />(d) Leaves are broad, elliptic and plicate. <br /><u><strong><font color="#0080ff"><font color="#0000a0">Definition:</font></font></strong></u> <br />-> pseudobulb = <em>storage organ (nutrients & water) derived from the part of a stem between 2 leaf nodes <br />-> </em>apex = <em>tip <br /></em>-> plicate =<em> folded like a fan</em></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nNwkyr_I/AAAAAAAABCk/2Pr_PCLopBY/s1600-h/IMG_681012.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6810-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6810-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nOrjUuII/AAAAAAAABCo/MEUPsgUg1pg/IMG_68101_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></span></em>  <br />Looking back at this picture, I am not too fussy that this image of the <em>Bulbophyllum </em>sp. turned out kinda blurred. But it was the best I could do under breezy and lack-of-light conditions. With just one small puff, the stalk that held this bloom swayed back and forth like a compass gone haywire… lol. </p> <p align="justify">One feature of major significance is that the inflorescence (or collection of blooms) always arises from the base of a pseudobulb or from nodes on the rhizome. That means, instead growing from the top of the pseudobulb, it sprouts from underneath like the pretty thing above. :) However, depending on the species, the flowers may/may not be fragrant. In fact, it can even smell downright disgusting [7].</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nPyfcDKI/AAAAAAAABCs/2K_2E-IbkeI/s1600-h/IMG_68824.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6882" border="0" alt="IMG_6882" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nQ-aeCAI/AAAAAAAABCw/7I8ysj5aZ1c/IMG_6882_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nR07wJeI/AAAAAAAABC0/vqISak7yDBg/s1600-h/IMG_692914.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6929-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6929-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nS-kr9nI/AAAAAAAABC4/-jz1B4Pj3hM/IMG_69291_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> As can be seen from this picture of the <em>Bulbophyllum gracillimum</em> orchid, the scientific name – <em>Bulbophyllum</em> sp. is derived from the pseudobulbs on which the leaf is growing [8]. Each pseudobulb bears a solitary, terminal leaf. <br />1) Latin: <i>bulbus</i> “bulb-like”  <br />2) Greek: <i>phyllon</i> “leaf”</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> A rare bulbophyllum from Borneo, the <em>Bulbophyllum beccarii</em> is by far the largest species in its genus. Its huge bowl-shaped leaves are designed to catch falling debris and turn it into fertilizers. The inflorescence is produced from the rhizome near one of the <a href="http://www.dustindorton.com/orchids2/plantpages/bulbbeccarii/images/DSC_9072.jpg">pseudobulbs</a> and hangs downwards to about 20-22cm. Although it is comprised of hundreds of small <a href="http://www.dustindorton.com/orchids2/plantpages/bulbbeccarii/images/DSC_9064.jpg">sweet-looking yellowish flowers netted with red</a>, the blossoms of the <em>B. beccarii</em> is one bulbophyllum that stinks to attract various flies [9].</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nT8A0eDI/AAAAAAAABC8/_DAd1j37HMc/s1600-h/IMG_75602.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7560" border="0" alt="IMG_7560" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nUUeVNxI/AAAAAAAABDA/WMvLRdqMpII/IMG_7560_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nVUUXrVI/AAAAAAAABDE/uLyr5QL0BFA/s1600-h/IMG_75612.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7561" border="0" alt="IMG_7561" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nWHIKqyI/AAAAAAAABDI/FL3I7ALtUdg/IMG_7561_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> Other orchids include this Dendrochilum sp. which the guys found growing on top of Mount. Santubong. Noticed the brown protrusions that is attached to every blossom on the dangling stalk? I presumed that’s the lip which led to the derivation of the name of the genus, <em>Dendrochilum</em> sp. But ambiguity still exists in this case. Here’s why [10]: <br />1) Greek: <em>dendron</em> “tree” <br />2) Greek: <em>cheilos</em> “lip” @ <em>chilos</em> “green food – possibly, referring to its epiphytic growth”</p> <p align="justify">Some distinctive characteristics of this genus are [11]: <br />(a) The plants can be either epiphytic or lithophytic (plant growing on stone). <br />(b) The flowers are mostly very small but are produced in considerable numbers in long, dense, often distinctly two-ranked <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Inflorescences_Raceme_Kwiatostan_Grono.svg/200px-Inflorescences_Raceme_Kwiatostan_Grono.svg.png">racemes</a>. <br /><u><strong><font color="#0080ff"><font color="#0000a0">Definition:</font></font></strong></u> <br />-> raceme = <em>an inflorescence having stalked flowers arranged singly along an elongated unbranched axis</em></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nW0pxIFI/AAAAAAAABDM/ybEcDOjz6Qo/s1600-h/IMG_686714.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6867-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6867-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nXrbt5gI/AAAAAAAABDQ/JbNJzKlZpDw/IMG_68671_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nYe00xVI/AAAAAAAABDU/YuIXAlJ4PCw/s1600-h/IMG_68741.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6874" border="0" alt="IMG_6874" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nZXAjuTI/AAAAAAAABDY/Y1KU-XjtBBs/IMG_6874_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Outcrops of sandstone wall face were rather abundant when we walked through the 1st hour via Lintang trail. With staircases and painted signs to guide us through the uneven surfaces and our way, the journey was pretty much a walk in the park compared to Santubong. This does not include the one time we had to inch our way through a foot-wide ledge in order to continue on on the (at least) 13km trail. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1najfOJNI/AAAAAAAABDc/TUbpWFpu75I/s1600-h/IMG_68921.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6892" border="0" alt="IMG_6892" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nbe5uCwI/AAAAAAAABDg/4P5brdSfyOw/IMG_6892_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1ncTsXSiI/AAAAAAAABDk/UJPrcVUzbu8/s1600-h/IMG_689711.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6897-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6897-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkWrJcbPwnjZMIUqUJFf1WkUKoFNT3Ifk1qUkJQWG4S-qFyptw-zwrwmddvFLCP1CvsDwstSr2Ep2M5zWqBNhDN2wCDqoMHMSEjvTAfXcb5wh1EMKnsZpYpjC_95YCjptf34dO4XWbTbH/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> Asterisk markings were found engraved on the black-brown sandstones. I ain’t sure what caused this but I will try to send an email to my Geog professor to find out more.  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1neBo4ueI/AAAAAAAABDs/FnHJYtCk-AA/s1600-h/IMG_6901112.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6901-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6901-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nfNY7FBI/AAAAAAAABDw/vjTCX4seG9Q/IMG_69011_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />Other than wasteland habitats, there were also swamps and muddy mangrove areas. Pools like the one above were quite a sight. Turned a reddish-bronze due to the leachate of tannic acid from fallen leaves, the colour combination of it with the emerald <em>Dipteris</em> <em>lobbiana </em>and the turquoise skies looked almost surreal as it shimmered just beneath my mud-caked sole. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nfxj5XPI/AAAAAAAABD0/aBL-xHZQF0s/s1600-h/IMG_69242.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6924" border="0" alt="IMG_6924" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1ng2zrYMI/AAAAAAAABD4/923X7djLjwg/IMG_6924_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nhooxj9I/AAAAAAAABD8/_rDVF4g7osY/s1600-h/IMG_69262.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6926" border="0" alt="IMG_6926" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1niZ5O0HI/AAAAAAAABEA/Ho9BZXoWZkY/IMG_6926_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />While traipsing through the tropical rainforest area, my first bump-in with a terrestrial crab took place! And as one of the guys picked it up, we then saw tiny lil’ babies scuttling frantically beneath the belly of the female crab. I am not sure if a mummy crab harbouring her babies beneath her is an usual occurrence since the identity of the crab was a mystery to yours truly and her 4 seniors. </p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1njKW4REI/AAAAAAAABEE/vvzTvHerVj0/s1600-h/IMG_69304.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6930" border="0" alt="IMG_6930" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1njxhHFII/AAAAAAAABEI/KZNDd7eENm0/IMG_6930_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a>__</span></span></em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nk20ftfI/AAAAAAAABEM/z4A4M1V8MOU/s1600-h/IMG_696914.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6969" border="0" alt="IMG_6969" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nmQNi9EI/AAAAAAAABEQ/82sV-j-LwNI/IMG_6969_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> Easily distinguished from other 3 species of its genus (<em>Johannesteijsmannia</em>) with its narrow leaf form, the <em>Johannesteijsmannia lanceolata</em> palm or the Slender Joey is the rarest amongst all. The genus name of the palm is derived from the 19th century Dutch botanist Johannes Teijsmann, hence its peculiarity (not to mention, a real tongue-twister too). =)</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> The foremost waterfall of the Tajor Falls, before it pooled and broke into smaller cascades like the one above (the first picture of the entry).</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ryyDcj6-oTHF9lMMvsNVVkHMzGkgr7FuCF1qk8_ScPQVUintsvaD1iVFheCpKww4tGaE8cqO-Yc1xSft8LaZ9eJjQjA-E1pJ_nDHlHAvl0rC1sQDJ0j_aHdIFdPRwlYtb40otVGuAi2a/s1600-h/IMG_70425.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7042" border="0" alt="IMG_7042" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1nodVq-sI/AAAAAAAABEc/EGPnBbRGc-M/IMG_7042_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sh1npDOPaQI/AAAAAAAABEg/m_AFZN1k5O4/s1600-h/IMG_705215.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7052" border="0" alt="IMG_7052" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncJ2sLut_UwWYNayzvyYddlEyRAwc8Rp4GZIkpfukWbolcyaOcsTFPy4bqNQBbicb-1O0pJGM0Cq258iLzkSVthBJr_4XsCpjCcLGGuV45ApwsQTKTtWIc2GMooMBeJEakfUPhlXwuzj0/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a>  <br />Lying on her back, Princess Santubong is a magnificent sight against the sunset backdrop. I will be back again, hopefully, in the not-so-far future. :)  </p> <p align="justify">Once again, a big thanks to Alvin, Kai-Xin, Wee Foong and Alex for their patience and quick lessons in a crash course in ecology. Just around the corner is never just around the corner for them. :)</p> <p align="justify">Reference: <br /><font size="1">1. </font><a title="http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Sus_barbatus.html" href="http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Sus_barbatus.html"><font size="1">http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Sus_barbatus.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2.</font><a title="http://books.google.com.sg/books?id=_fy2DmBFACUC&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=urine+licking+female+male+animal&source=bl&ots=D9xIsZjOeu&sig=-YULcav1py3Sp8R7g9i33dHpcyo&hl=en&ei=VB4dSpe8HNKAkQWs0_iFDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5" href="http://books.google.com.sg/books?id=_fy2DmBFACUC&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=urine+licking+female+male+animal&source=bl&ots=D9xIsZjOeu&sig=-YULcav1py3Sp8R7g9i33dHpcyo&hl=en&ei=VB4dSpe8HNKAkQWs0_iFDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5"><font size="1">http://books.google.com.sg/books?id=_fy2DmBFACUC&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=urine+licking+female+male+animal&source=bl&ots=D9xIsZjOeu&sig=-YULcav1py3Sp8R7g9i33dHpcyo&hl=en&ei=VB4dSpe8HNKAkQWs0_iFDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=3861&type=4&root=246&parent=246&cat=248" href="http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=3861&type=4&root=246&parent=246&cat=248"><font size="1">http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=3861&type=4&root=246&parent=246&cat=248</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><a title="http://www.orchidspng.com/Dendrobium.html" href="http://www.orchidspng.com/Dendrobium.html"><font size="1">http://www.orchidspng.com/Dendrobium.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">5. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coelogyne" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coelogyne"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coelogyne</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">6. </font><a title="http://www.orchidspng.com/Coelogyne.html" href="http://www.orchidspng.com/Coelogyne.html"><font size="1">http://www.orchidspng.com/Coelogyne.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">7. </font><a title="http://www.orchidspng.com/Bulbophyllum.html" href="http://www.orchidspng.com/Bulbophyllum.html"><font size="1">http://www.orchidspng.com/Bulbophyllum.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">8. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbophyllum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbophyllum"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbophyllum</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">9. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbophyllum_beccarii" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbophyllum_beccarii"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbophyllum_beccarii</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">10. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrochilum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrochilum"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrochilum</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">11. </font><a title="http://www.orchidspng.com/Dendrochilum.html" href="http://www.orchidspng.com/Dendrochilum.html"><font size="1">http://www.orchidspng.com/Dendrochilum.html</font></a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-14980419416505094902009-05-23T03:01:00.001+08:002009-05-23T04:34:34.892+08:00017. I ♥ SPM: Bako Welcomes You! (Part 1)<p align="justify"><em>Bumi yang tiada rimba <br />Seumpama hamba <br />Dia dicemar manusia <br />Yang jahil ketawa…</em> </p> <p align="center">(<em>Hijau</em>, Zainal Abidin, 1998)</p> <p align="justify"><u>Translation: <br /></u><em>An Earth that's barren <br />Is as good as being enslaved <br />She's been besmirched by Man <br />Whose laughter reflects his naivete.</em></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="3">(11th – 18th May 2009)</font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb0g8AuSPI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/xnkfDcn2tRY/s1600-h/IMG_6687-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6687-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6687-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8Fx2Yr6fB7345pUx53a30oTClb1x3TBr31mWnUHCWfvURCu5dX6o8c3g-cucMsvFLyanI9alZxn-MNmKlItf0XxDIv9zk_TN-yDaJyuAAWz8guoqkajaRiCjzv1E0qdOoe86ZFFrHTEH/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></em> <br />With my jeans rolled up to my thighs and the seawater lapping my legs, I was finally at Bako National Park. Even with the sun beating down our backs, the sand balls made by Sand Bubblers that crunched and swished about my toes were warm to the touch. Though I had to squint and peer through half-opened eyelids beneath the blazing afternoon sun, I was simply bursting with joy inside. Though I must say, it was quite evident with the grins that kept sneaking up unsuspectingly. Thoroughly enjoying gusts after gusts of  the smashing wind that accompanied us during the 45-minute bus ride on the Petra Jaya Bus No. 6 to Kampung Bako (Bako Village), we then hopped onto Boat 21 to continue the last 25-minute journey down the Sarawak River towards the National Park. But before we headed down to the National Parks Boat Ticketing Counter to charter a boat, it was time to get our groceries settled. </p> <p align="justify"><em><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb0mb3eMoI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/vqMLb5_vjy8/s1600-h/IMG_665611.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6656-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6656-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb0nLyl-fI/AAAAAAAAA9c/xaNblegZuZk/IMG_66561_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></em><em><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb0qh2ymeI/AAAAAAAAA9g/9p9yykkjI7o/s1600-h/IMG_666112.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6661-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6661-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHrWOtWWY4b8UuLC5PwJlmnWkE6Dsk3c_1PbpqZIaAsoD5dP8nf9Go2bBJjPSblq9OPAOeHXX3mFWFqrCUu-BWu00wSS0zOiR_rx6PvzVaWdgMHflqZz185U8hsDzqSXDjWpANJuJ29iA/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span></span></em> <br />Of course while the adults (yours truly was the youngest amongst the 5-member team.. lol) cracked their heads on the provisions needed to sustain our meals for the next 3 days during any trekking activities, I was left to wander a bit. Taking care not to stray too far, I ventured near a wooden jetty where signs warning tourists of crocodiles were sighted. Of course, lucky me (or maybe it should be otherwise), no such reptile made its presence felt.</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(left):</strong> What scampered and skittered about were various forms of <em>Uca</em> sp. It ain’t nothing like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1865081&l=350ce35a83&id=590130718">Orange Fiddler Crab (<em>Uca vocans</em>)</a> or the others that can spotted in Singapore shores (or maybe it’s just to my untrained eyes only). However, while walking on the boardwalk, we managed to catch sight of an electric blue fiddler crab, which share really great resemblance to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1856003&l=bb5799ce31&id=590130718"><em>Uca tetragonon</em></a> I saw at the Sultan Shoal Island. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Besides fiddlers, there were also various multi-hued crabs that sported similar-sized pincers. It could be female fiddlers for all I know. The greyish-orange crab at the bottom-right of the picture behaved somewhat like a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1600922&l=9011dba329&id=590130718">Sand Bubbler</a>. You know how a Sand Bubbler scrapes up sand grains with their pincers, brings them to their mouthparts, sifts out any tiny food particles before clipping off and discarding the rounded balls of sand? Well, that particular crab was observed holding a ball of sand to its mouthpart. I didn’t see it being clipped off though. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb0toUOWnI/AAAAAAAAA9o/G01AshV8DNA/s1600-h/IMG_668015.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6680-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6680-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-GscfU-0EcyAr4v5jLTzAeo6lWT3memPUGwELgJHUv1peT4-NiEG1yyx8obVdZcUIOY9lZA_Eb9QJUUmwSRNV6uikpSskc1n5QPMjFEDLbLCd-m8MRhXzUvz-avTeOh3xvSmcQ7YPPWa/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb0w7nKb8I/AAAAAAAAA9w/FDrtRI6WsRg/s1600-h/IMG_66822.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6682" border="0" alt="IMG_6682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbIbbjWb-QF1qCA3FZ-n3PskIDCpLETnX4YjJAL0jren0deU9AdxMFuGRbl-Ze0JiytOqx3z6EsUltN2znVMgufW0IFC6WWubXPmGiT9sbW3iU1SHIQbFPDVpY2s7tD4OdrUWMyvEIPws/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span></span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> On our 25-minute cruise down the Sarawak River, we passed by kelong(s) made out of Nibong (<i>Oncosperma tigillarium</i>). Stripped of the black spines of the Nibong palm, the stems are then used as to build the posts for fishing stakes and in a kelong construction. A kelong is basically a wooden structure that’s erected upon migratory routes or feeding ground of fishes. I am not sure how it works, but early fishermen from SEA made this to catch shrimp and fish for a living. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Moving further downstream, Teruna (our boatman) pointed out the mangroves that were flourishing on our right. Apparently, the homogenous-looking stretch of mangroves were natural in origin. Being told that no human intervention was involved was indeed a hard pill for us to swallow since the uniformity spans a large area. It takes approximately 2 day just to traverse through the swathe and back. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb01E9H3nI/AAAAAAAAA94/ehim4GFX7C0/s1600-h/IMG_669214.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6692-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6692-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb028WU0KI/AAAAAAAAA98/Y9hF4aMmcaA/IMG_66921_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />While waiting for our check-in, it was time for some tentative exploration through the greens of Bako. Moss like the above was abundant and made verdant carpets on (nearly) every surface possible. Light-greens and silver proliferated on some parts of the rock walls while certain velvety ones turned some parts of the forest trails to lush, emerald Persian-like carpets. Looking closely at the moss above, you will notice some stalk-like features sticking out. </p> <p align="justify">These are sporophytes of the moss that consist of the 1) foot, 2) seta and 3) capsule. A sporophyte is literally a ‘spore-plant’ or the spore-producing form of plants. The <strong>foot</strong> attaches the <strong>seta</strong> (the stalk) to the green form below. In the <strong>capsule</strong>, the spores are produced and then released when the time is right. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb04QwYSwI/AAAAAAAAA-A/gaTm-PX731I/s1600-h/IMG_75654.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7565" border="0" alt="IMG_7565" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb05e3uv-I/AAAAAAAAA-I/AzbL1SNKFW4/IMG_7565_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb07z0QnfI/AAAAAAAAA-M/xubREHCcjNc/s1600-h/IMG_75664.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7566" border="0" alt="IMG_7566" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb08-KEWyI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/BW8_JW7hjRE/IMG_7566_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span> <br />One moss which can be found at slightly higher altitudes (usually damp/wet) of the Santubong is the Sphagnum moss. What you see in the pictures above are actually many Sphagnum packed closely together. This is so that each small Sphagnum can provide support for each other’s tiny stem. The result is a colourful patchwork of various shades ranging from red, pink and orange with some mottled green in between. </p> <p align="justify">Besides looking pretty, Sphagnum moss also are also rather useful. In fact, gardeners add Sphagnum to seed raising and potting mix, its natural antibiotic activity reduces risk of fungal infections [3]. Also, it’s used by orchids’ enthusiasts around the world to grow the blooms. Exporters also use the moss as substrate as they are able to hold water during shipment besides providing a clean medium (this is where its germicide properties come in) [4]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1Ad0h4EI/AAAAAAAAA-U/OoVTntL_j24/s1600-h/IMG_670312.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6703-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6703-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1BUMrVlI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/6iNcEVmZSAQ/IMG_67031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1DNjKjKI/AAAAAAAAA-c/7n7uF6jU6Q8/s1600-h/IMG_670612.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6706-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6706-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1EHAvfJI/AAAAAAAAA-g/TF-B6MLrAFY/IMG_67061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a></span> <br />While exploring the Telok Paku trail, Kai-Xin spotted a Lantern bug amongst the forest litter. Albeit dead, its bright coloration seemingly indicated otherwise. But taking a closer look at it now, the insect seems to be coated in some white threads or sorts. It was probably undergoing some fungus decomposing process as we looked.  The long beak sticking out of its head is called a <strong>rostrum</strong>. Being a herbivore, it uses the beak to suck nectar out of flowers and juices of fruits. Cool eh, it’s just like a ready-made straw that can be used when the need calls. :) In spite of their name, they do not emit any light but instead, it’s due to their bright and contrasting colours. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1GYtMx9I/AAAAAAAAA-k/hVObH7sxhuc/s1600-h/IMG_673812.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6738-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6738-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1HDjKfUI/AAAAAAAAA-o/xMxuxCMcKoo/IMG_67381_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1LEVEhYI/AAAAAAAAA-s/WjZLlQ9VYAQ/s1600-h/IMG_674012.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6740-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6740-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1MMUA5vI/AAAAAAAAA-w/ZYQna7y2qO8/IMG_67401_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span> <br />Apparently, the area around the headquarters at Teluk Assam is great for spotting wildlife such as the Silvered Leaf Monkey(<em>Trachypithecus cristatus</em>). The colour of its coat is dark gray with the tips being a shade paler, hence producing a silvered effect. </p> <p align="justify">High up above the chalets, we could see a bunch of them taking small leaps from tree to tree. Sometimes grooming and sometimes munching on leaves, these guys weren’t the least interested in the humans that had their necks craned to pay rapt attention to their every move. Apparently, every male-led group can range from 9-15 individuals, which comprises of a single adult male, a few adult females and juveniles. Living the lone wolf life is usually the way for males before they find a group of their own [1]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl7xUOSk7TZwmfUT7DY4TOU8Q2KZ3MWe07qWlPPRGybdd78bVMcGP_SvixQ0DhEGw-Iq-coBSH6CUq9vEsyO1TB6-J0yPpCjRqnaOTm1IZhhM4Z_RRqNc9PrhyphenhyphenEuNXuTDQXtoPRKCpHVX/s1600-h/IMG_674915.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6749-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6749-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1QlOLYrI/AAAAAAAAA-4/cuGjExKJl00/IMG_67491_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />Of course, what is Bako National Park without its lead star right? Though the long, pendulous-nosed male couldn’t be spotted, just catching sight of a pot-bellied female Proboscis (<em>Nasalis larvartus</em>) sitting high up amongst the foliage, was already a sight to behold. If you are wondering about the function of the pendulous nose, think no further for its all about sex this way onwards. In fact, the bigger the nose, the sexier the male. Hence, it’s only those of the XY that are endowed with this feature. Think along the lines of guys sporting a red Ferrari and the ladies that go gaga over that. And what’s more, with his red ‘Ferrari’, the harem of the adult male can be guaranteed to consist an approximate of 7  females. </p> <p align="justify">Here’s an interesting fact. It seems that these monkeys are also fondly known as the Monyet Belanda to the locals (aka the ‘Dutchman Monkey’) since colonial times. Why? That’s because the local communities felt that the European traders/colonialists and Proboscis share certain resemblance. Both were hairy, big-nosed and pot-bellied! =) (Note the past tense used.. lol) [2]</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1U3JU2wI/AAAAAAAAA-8/tMyhjhECd9w/s1600-h/IMG_70475.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7047" border="0" alt="IMG_7047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1WR62ZDI/AAAAAAAAA_A/0wTrK86TvlM/IMG_7047_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1ZHetInI/AAAAAAAAA_E/mowxwpupi9Y/s1600-h/IMG_705012.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7050" border="0" alt="IMG_7050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1Z1x1P9I/AAAAAAAAA_I/0XdE1_gflT4/IMG_7050_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a> </span> <br />The Long-Tailed Macaque (<em>Macaca fascicularis</em>) was also a familiar face at the Bako National Park. Cited to be ‘possibly the most fearless monkeys on earth’, we were warned that the macaques can get quite aggressive. They have been known to raid dustbins and kitchens in the rest houses, or scamper into the canteen to steal food or an unguarded bag [5]. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Left):</strong> Anyway, what caught my attention wasn’t the monkey itself but the dinner that was cusped in his palms (Click on the picture for a larger image). Squatting on its legs, it bit into its dinner as if it was a luscious piece of chicken (and not a lethal-looking scorpion) in its grasp. From what I could gather, it probably snatched the scorpion up real quick, snapped off the poison bulb at the end of the tail before having a bite of the now-defenceless animal.</p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6756" border="0" alt="IMG_6756" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1bTGHxdI/AAAAAAAAA_M/9Bl5jKKPe_s/IMG_6756_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></span> <br />This vandyke brown (that’s the name of the brown paint that I used to have during my secondary years… brings back memories, it does) surface interspersed with white patches are actually what’s left after the the alga that covered the sandstone has died and dried up. The white patches are actually sand, which source originates (yeah, you guessed it) from the sandstone terrain. As a result, the top soil are mainly thin, sandy soils and lacking in nutrients. This thus explains the presence of cliff vegetation, <em>kerangas</em> or heath forest and grasslands. </p> <p align="justify">In Dayak language, <em>kerangas</em> bears the meaning 'poor soils'. however, this does not mean that biodiversity would be any less. In fact, the plants which thrive on these infertile sandy soils are interesting flora ranging from <strong><u>s</u></strong>undews to <strong><u>p</u></strong>itcher plants to the <strong><u>m</u></strong>yrmecophytes (aka ant plants). In short, <strong>SPM</strong>! </p> <p align="justify"><strong><u><font size="8">S</font><font size="4">undews</font></u></strong> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1c7hkysI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/OR9Dqtzaaqs/s1600-h/IMG_679314.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6793-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6793-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1dYXO_QI/AAAAAAAAA_U/zKKXtPeDoNI/IMG_67931_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="316" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1fRF67WI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/AkrM2k4oj6w/s1600-h/IMG_688314.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6883-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6883-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCFWNxU_Yb1L_I_opxbEU7pQZ-YlSE4QGRe7wxurZ5RSdndiChUzismcCnMYGJYUcZWiE72orqhrytMk_1aCRTlz9kvKkMITzxx6llH44Libs7VCjuNye0O5z_1IFiwfNhr6g370GtfAU/?imgmax=800" width="419" height="316" /></a> <br />The Spoon-leaved Sundew (<em>Drosera spatulata</em>) is one sundew that can be found aplenty on the white, quartz sand. Rosette in form, its spoon-shaped leaves earned the sundew its specific epithet – <em>spatulata</em> (Latin for spatula-shaped). In case you are wondering what in the world could be so fascinating about this small, weak-looking plant, think again. In spite of its fragile-looking exterior and its frail pink bloom, the sundew is actually carnivorous. Yes, they eat meat – insects to be exact. </p> <p align="justify">Like the Venus flytrap, the sundew relies on its <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/photo.php?pid=1726516&id=582013809">sticky glandular hairs</a> on its leaves to trap insects. but unlike the Venus, its movements are much slower and it does not fold to trap its prey. Instead, the edges of its leaf will roll up slowly and the numerous hairs will enclose any insect that has fallen for its nectar. Because their glandular leaf hair glistens like dew under the sun, ‘sundew’ is thus, quite an appropriate description. They usually are quite common on sandy banks and soils poor in organic nitrogen and phosphorous [6]. </p> <p align="justify"><strong><u><font size="8">P</font><font size="4">itchers</font></u></strong> <br />Next up on the list of carnivorous flora is the pitcher-shaped <em>Nepenthes</em> sp., which are also sometimes known as Monkey Cups since monkeys have been observed to drink rainwater from these plants. A quick check-up on the word Nepenthes yielded its literal Latin meaning “without grief”. In Greek mythology, Nepenthe is a drug that eased all sorrows with forgetfulness. Linnaeus described the Pitchers as plants, which once seen, could make any botanist forget his ailments in his surprise.  <br />          “… <em>If this is not Helen's (Helen of Troy) Nepenthes, it certainly will be for all botanists. What botanist would not be filled with admiration if, after a long journey, he should find this wonderful plant. In his astonishment past ills would be forgotten when beholding this admirable work of the Creator!..</em>.” [7] <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1iyo8JJI/AAAAAAAAA_g/iRSe1e8zDcE/s1600-h/IMG_670814.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6708-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6708-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1j6ELtiI/AAAAAAAAA_k/W7pbXjL5KyM/IMG_67081_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NTcKoYczYghknFw0Q2MVyfklZzc1DuYLEdLWD0BJtSj-2y_B81gLz1hYdxqeKKlDkofo_X4z-Dt5GVkAdJ7rIyD_rmKh7ouK3weDNl4VL_xbb13DJSZ8gKRriqfSJAKH_IFN0gg2OBj7/s1600-h/IMG_676317.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6763-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6763-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExyypmx7tM6R7-R7gAKht5X18WoTZS2PVOPnOF4qhm2FCw3KcqvQpNI9aQWMBe18rsC7ynpFuTLZZN32GkkdOsACgBu38GPTamJJLmr4XCxAazothwlYasKzSSZ1z8eWIE6kMCFmSHT3J/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> The Hairy Pitcher-Plant (<em>Nepenthes hirsuta</em>) – Latin: <em>hirsuta</em> "hairy or bristly" – is characterised by a dense, brown hairy covering, which is more prominent on the stems and underside of the leaf. It also tends to  grow in the shadier vegetation of the rainforest floor, where little sunlight is directly received [8].</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> The Slender Pitcher-Plant, (<em>Nepenthes gracilis</em>) – Latin: <em>gracilis</em> "slender" – is relatively simple with a very thin peristome (the rim edge of the pitcher) and posseses no unusual exterior features. One easy distinguishing characteristic of these species is that they have a similar thin, scrambling vine structure that transforms into the upright pitcher feature [9]. </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1oDodtyI/AAAAAAAAA_w/rOCGe4J0g7k/s1600-h/IMG_671214.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6712-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6712-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1o0P_PeI/AAAAAAAAA_0/tBrkjiCEHyM/IMG_67121_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span></span><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1q9IO02I/AAAAAAAAA_4/HIYEca4xTVU/s1600-h/IMG_71144.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7114" border="0" alt="IMG_7114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVN1Ss7M8ECq4aFX2jp-Nsc1qaKR0QSBkwN4efZrSZF8C8RpAQqfsSBSDT2FXkDjeooVAXhKHpgP5lZCOhARCAqiXVE2uL1Wyj7Oy_Yo-e3Kg-sLcUj34gNggDEyzC8omy6x4UVDG4hxW/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a></span> <br />On the <strong>left</strong> is the White-Collared Pitcher-Plant (<em>Nepenthes albomarginata</em>) with a red peristome while on the <strong>right</strong>, the Pitcher has a green peristome. The specific epithet <i>albomarginata</i>, formed from the Latin words <i>albus</i> (white) and <i>marginatus</i> (margin), refers to the white band of fine outgrowths (aka trichomes) that is just beneath the peristome. </p> <p align="justify"></span>Apparently, the white rim is believed to attract termites, which are the main prey of this species. Rim’s hairs that are missing from these pitchers tend to be the ones that have already caught their prey. This happens when the termites graze on the rim and incidentally fall into their doom. Once the hair are all gone, the pitcher is no more attractive to the termites. But no worries, since the pitcher is already filled with food [10]. :) Here’s a thought though, do the hairs grow back after being picked out by the termites?  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1t5iMJFI/AAAAAAAABAA/F5lF5jsiKms/s1600-h/IMG_678314.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6783-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6783-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1u7uacUI/AAAAAAAABAE/6Q6HHhaez9w/IMG_67831_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1wC-fyYI/AAAAAAAABAI/6d9iGt1o1cQ/s1600-h/IMG_678614.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6786-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6786-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb1w5PmllI/AAAAAAAABAM/xgHeYFZu3Pc/IMG_67861_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> Here’s an example of the lower pitcher of the Raffles' Pitcher-Plant (<em>Nepenthes rafflesiana</em>). The lower pitcher is usually bulbous and has well-developed fringed wings. Lower pitchers are pitchers found growing on the ground while the upper pitchers usually dangle above the ground. Unlike the round and squat version of the lower pitchers, the upper pitchers are tapered towards the base. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> “<em>Itsy, bitsy spider went up the pitcher rim, down came the rain and washed the spider down</em>…” Not that it happened that way, but it could have. =)  Interestingly, the carnivorous nature of <i>Nepenthes</i> is supposedly due to inhabitation of nutrient-poor soils. Since the method of nutrient absorption via the root is insufficient in these soils, the plants have evolved other ways to obtain nutrients. Hence, the roots of <i>Nepenthes</i> and a majority of other carnivorous plants are usually slight and fragile; thus care must be taken when repotting [11].</span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb11YaSBTI/AAAAAAAABAQ/gL4pGfzRsGk/s1600-h/IMG_680115.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6801-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6801-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb13emL3HI/AAAAAAAABAU/3wLBlx_H28Q/IMG_68011_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"> </span></span> <br />The Flask-Shaped Pitcher-Plant (<em>Nepenthes ampullaria</em>) – Latin: <i>ampulla</i> "flask" – is a unique Pitcher indeed. It has largely moved away from carnivory and now gets a major portion of its nutrients from digesting leaf matter that falls to the forest floor. Hence, it is partially detritivorous. As a result of its adaptation to leaf-litter trapping, it has evolved a few special traits: - <br /><strong>1)</strong> The pitcher lid (unlike its counterparts from different species) is small and reflexed, such that the leaf litter can fall directly into the pitcher. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>2)</strong> Playing an important role in prey capture in other species of Pitchers, the nectar glands in the <em>N. ampullaria</em> is very rare and in some situations, completely missing from the pitcher lid. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>3)</strong> For the genus Nepenthes, a plant that consists of subsurface runners and offshoots is unusual. The <em>N. ampullaria</em> often forms a ‘carpet’ of pitchers covering the soil, which subsequently serves to maximise the interception area of falling leaf litter [12].</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb158hwQJI/AAAAAAAABAc/misY1MJDGCo/s1600-h/IMG_70404.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7040" border="0" alt="IMG_7040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb161A61pI/AAAAAAAABAg/KjZ2QNdVLxk/IMG_7040_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb18yOVlEI/AAAAAAAABAk/iYcg4X2QkxU/s1600-h/IMG_71224.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_7122" border="0" alt="IMG_7122" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb19xpeVqI/AAAAAAAABAo/lARo9e83u8g/IMG_7122_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span> <br />Fool that I was, i actually forgot to take a picture of the Nepenthes sp. that yielded these pretty inflorescence. But if my memory serves me right, the blooms belong to the Raffles’ Pitcher Plant (<em>N. rafflesiana</em>). </p> <p align="justify"><strong><u><font size="8">M</font><font size="4">yrmecophytes</font></u></strong> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2A2FOagI/AAAAAAAABAs/7BWYxncIvv8/s1600-h/IMG_67665.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6766" border="0" alt="IMG_6766" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2CNJXrqI/AAAAAAAABAw/0dp4xRt0hYU/IMG_6766_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2EG4l9DI/AAAAAAAABA0/Tzb6uTnGvlo/s1600-h/IMG_679911.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6799" border="0" alt="IMG_6799" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2FB_D1TI/AAAAAAAABA4/AFH8W7ijzjw/IMG_6799_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> <br />Myrmecophytes or ant plants are plants that live in association with a colony of ants and possess specialized organs in which the ants live. These plants come in various forms and sizes, from elongated ones like the <em>Lecanopteris</em> sp. to the more bulbous ones like the <em>Myrmecodia</em> sp. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> The Ant-fern (<em>Lecanopteris sinuosa</em>)  is frequently found on dead trees often at roadsides in the lowlands [13]. In the wild, they form hollow rhizomes that are inhabited by ants. But in cultivation, they easily grow without the 6-legged insects [14]. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2IHryD4I/AAAAAAAABA8/4MZ1BKURSjQ/s1600-h/IMG_678015.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6780-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6780-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2KEJ14NI/AAAAAAAABBA/qTDhX0r65Aw/IMG_67801_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />The picture above shows a cross-section of what’s inside the myrmecophyte – <em>Myrmecodia tuberosa. </em>The generic epithet <em>myrmecodia </em>is derived from Greek <i>myrmekodes</i> meaning ant-like or full of ants. Since <em>Myrmecodia</em> tubers are often found growing in a dangle downwards on bare branches without significant amounts of substrate, and thus depend upon symbiosis for most nutrition. The plants store food and water in a greyish brown caudex (-> thickened stem) that swells and grows spines over time. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONNvgWZY8NIH2qZHtvBInPZz_dz7vG1Sg5MGNNQvNuXa1YfF21mQ9RPHAzFSWpja3xbWHzegeix-ZvM436Pgp3wmwTXiUVq9uhCG7-4y7m2mkYkdDaI1arQDPoPGvvQ0NQSB4rO2AokNP/s1600-h/IMG_677814.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6778-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6778-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2NyRseWI/AAAAAAAABBI/gw2J5X6Qxao/IMG_67781_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2QrNh_FI/AAAAAAAABBQ/sJV0ilXS5XQ/s1600-h/IMG_678114.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6781-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6781-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2RgyYPeI/AAAAAAAABBU/QcU_QvzJfhE/IMG_67811_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="423" /></a> </span> <br /><strong>(Left):</strong> The <em>Myrmecodia tuberosa</em> forms a symbiotic relationship with ants. The plants provide habitats for ant colonies high up into the forest canopy. Not only does this protect them from the elements, the ants are also safe from predators because of the spines. Likewise, the ants provide defence for the plant and prevent tissue damage besides supplying nutrients to the plants by leaving wastes within the tunnels inside the caudex. Special glands lining the tunnels then absorb is as nutrients for the plant. This allows the plants to effectively gather nutrients from a much larger area than the roots ever could cover [15].</span></p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Right):</strong> Another ant-plant that was found growing on the trees in the heath forest was the <em>Hydnophytum formicarum.</em> Unlike <em>Myrmecodia tuberosa</em>, <em>H. formicarum</em> has a smooth caudex. Besides that, the latter has multiple stems with small leaves growing from the top while the former usually has only a single stem produced from a spiky tuber with a tuft of long leaves at the tip [16]. </p> <p align="justify">In short, plants like the sundews, pitchers and the ant-plants need all the help (or more aptly, the food) they can get to survive through the lack of nutrients which are typical of a heath forest ecosystem. If there’s a will, there’s a way indeed!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2VXuqrRI/AAAAAAAABBY/y4XB1TTKKSc/s1600-h/IMG_6816%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6816" border="0" alt="IMG_6816" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFZSqj1vzjHXDp6M2w4KMi7d7tqXHA_VFyGwMnCma_hhpBvk5KDmS_el6o6FSsle9BlmPNKOU7rQN6KrfgzUikVxvPrtA1v7jNUDo3Z81ZuRlBPtUVTUnEqDIi5s4o00WF7Ud6j4kta-n/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a> <br />By 6 in the evening, we finally reached the boardwalk where we first started out. The sunset by this area of withered mangrove trees made this a pretty picture indeed. </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-erPhYDufbRjYPMoryk03jG1yzEntt7YB-JxGHi8pMIfbwYb8c8TiB_nULF8jLOx_-mgc5WDXZYEvKnIm8UH2AiF4ewlA-_tu5YDboOpL3IlIbhl7dxYtFp5N3W1TgAXyjfZe7zXgUfb/s1600-h/IMG_68235.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6823" border="0" alt="IMG_6823" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Shb2bor5VWI/AAAAAAAABBk/5olMOLm_eoQ/IMG_6823_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="499" /></a></span></p> <p align="justify">* Here’s my deepest gratitude to Alvin, Kai-Xin, Wee Foong and Alex for lending me a helping hand in the identification of plants, insects, reptiles and birds species. Without them, it will be just a pretty pink flower or a small blue bird. Thank you! :)</p> <p align="justify"><u>Reference:</u> <br /><font size="1">1. </font><a title="http://www.theprimata.com/trachypithecus_cristatus.html" href="http://www.theprimata.com/trachypithecus_cristatus.html"><font size="1">http://www.theprimata.com/trachypithecus_cristatus.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">2. </font><a title="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/5257/gdc5.html" href="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/5257/gdc5.html"><font size="1">http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/5257/gdc5.html</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">3. </font><a title="http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/education/sphagnum%20moss.pdf" href="http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/education/sphagnum%20moss.pdf"><font size="1">http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/education/sphagnum%20moss.pdf</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">4. </font><a title="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61899.asp" href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61899.asp"><font size="1">http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61899.asp</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">5. </font><a title="http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-bako.asp#jump1" href="http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-bako.asp#jump1"><font size="1">http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-bako.asp#jump1</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">6. </font><a title="http://www.botany.org/carnivorous_plants/drosera.php" href="http://www.botany.org/carnivorous_plants/drosera.php"><font size="1">http://www.botany.org/carnivorous_plants/drosera.php</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">7. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes#cite_note-1" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes#cite_note-1"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes#cite_note-1</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">8. </font><a title="http://www.captiveexotics.info/index.php?pr=Nepenthes_hirsuta" href="http://www.captiveexotics.info/index.php?pr=Nepenthes_hirsuta"><font size="1">http://www.captiveexotics.info/index.php?pr=Nepenthes_hirsuta</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">9. </font><a title="http://www.captiveexotics.info/index.php?pr=Nepenthes_gracilis" href="http://www.captiveexotics.info/index.php?pr=Nepenthes_gracilis"><font size="1">http://www.captiveexotics.info/index.php?pr=Nepenthes_gracilis</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">10. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_albomarginata" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_albomarginata"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_albomarginata</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">11. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_rafflesiana" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_rafflesiana"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_rafflesiana</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">12. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_ampullaria" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_ampullaria"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes_ampullaria</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">13. </font><a title="http://www.wistuba.com/01b0219327001eb3c/01b021935014ab61b/022eb89a880b9d70d/index.php" href="http://www.wistuba.com/01b0219327001eb3c/01b021935014ab61b/022eb89a880b9d70d/index.php"><font size="1">http://www.wistuba.com/01b0219327001eb3c/01b021935014ab61b/022eb89a880b9d70d/index.php</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">14. </font><a title="http://www.heliamphora.de/shop/022eb899e1063af01/500153948809baf04/5001539487125da26/50015394871260653.php" href="http://www.heliamphora.de/shop/022eb899e1063af01/500153948809baf04/5001539487125da26/50015394871260653.php"><font size="1">http://www.heliamphora.de/shop/022eb899e1063af01/500153948809baf04/5001539487125da26/50015394871260653.php</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">15. </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecodia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecodia"><font size="1">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecodia</font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">16. </font><a title="http://www.greenculturesg.com/articles/antplantlove/gcs290105.htm" href="http://www.greenculturesg.com/articles/antplantlove/gcs290105.htm"><font size="1">http://www.greenculturesg.com/articles/antplantlove/gcs290105.htm</font></a></p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-79378346537276908502009-05-10T02:40:00.001+08:002009-05-10T02:47:38.308+08:00016. Wee Winged Beasties of Block C<p align="justify">My room, C215 was never a desolate place. In the mornings, a yellow-vented bulbul or the pink-necks would stop by a visit before going on their own merry way. Sometimes (if Lady Luck happens to be lolling about on my bed), I will get to see a female Asian Koel (or at least I think it’s one). Once dusk sets in, a couple of Yellow-Crested Cockatoos would mark its arrival with a distinct ‘caw-caw’ as they fly beyond the tallest points of the Prince Georges Park Residence. Of course, these winged creatures aren’t just limited to the feathered kinds. Often, my room would be a stop-over for creatures like termites, cockroaches (these usually don’t live long to see daylight if it’s an adult I spot) and the ochre-coloured beetles. However, I get to bump into some of the more wee, unique beasties once in a while. </p> <p align="justify">Take this gorgeous, green insect which happened to be hovering on my door one fine afternoon (18th March 2009 to be exact). I know it was a sizzling Wednesday afternoon as I remembered preparing for my Biodiversity lessons at 4. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Y4fiFOQBO6Ui3KKahyDjRepzernhr8SUHCdGXB16IO8DQRhmBaqNFK-1i6Kmo0YzXM9z9-9XtLdDFwlGWGh1ocyL9Sfn1Bd1oy-uk6ygBUmIJZ8S_Cl1V5gnXvHaoQg7i1ER-JlDaa1/s1600-h/IMG_5448-2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5448-2" border="0" alt="IMG_5448-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaY4Vzu2B8r77KSzl-iQb1eqUVFFW2_zeVnkoieNA1jzFbyWcoYonpcChBCnOQnOwhywPlRaloTxYaz0u9kVw-ud8sasOpTH3fyiM750BFFXcTv-i09o_2QflG5VubBwDhww_24uV-G1Z/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="241" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN1ZxM-rI/AAAAAAAAA8A/Lsmu5qV7f1I/s1600-h/IMG_5457-1%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5457-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5457-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQ7AG63thHV_5uTq9MKrjhWkQ5iQMnc6X10eQxFSzDxmx9l6jltuiF20jEGYOa0YTBorDKmuYXiu7FLWMn3AjbuzqvTAkyUjpH5ffPLpTnd-eqTTI-zEmn1buUG1EBdEAEtaGBqZpuMZa/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> With 2 long tails (twice as long – or maybe even longer – as its body) streaming at one end, it didn’t even so much as twitch a wing when I swung the door. Though it might look horizontal in the above picture, it was perched quite stably on the vertical surface of my KitKat-coloured door. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> If you look carefully, you’ll notice that its tail had alternate markings on it. Its only visible when seen from a certain angle as the sun rays usually rob it off its ‘limelight’. Cool eh?  :)</p> <p align="justify">Another visitor that had made a stop on my door was this lovely, silver-dusted moth. This occurred the night before my final exams – the 3rd of May to be exact. With 2 papers (one in the morn and another in the afternoon), an internal battle was waged within – to shoot or not to shoot. In the end, no prizes for guessing which side won. >_>  <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN3E6WgRI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Ys1h6naRXBE/s1600-h/IMG_6554-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6554-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6554-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN3lUp7zI/AAAAAAAAA8M/MdASQZGpGM0/IMG_6554-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN4fQpoWI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/731RYxsTwvc/s1600-h/IMG_6526-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6526-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6526-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN5TMkM8I/AAAAAAAAA8U/N01Vj5DnGk0/IMG_6526-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> </span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> A top view of the moth. This insect was another brave one. No sir, not even a budge from its original position even when the door hit against the edge. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> A lateral (side) view of the moth. Notice its hairy feelers? This is my first clear recollection of a moth that possessed such hairy feelers. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8AP2XfY7ejE28VUGIwdi_bTY-M2nxpv2Xla-VV8NdzZllXqcaL-ZdL06JVVa6AKRq5jAz5GVVXzCK_p6MJc_OtEBBIcGp_9x1SfSeX_5W0cPnD2dkWMw0rkGvjo3jR3j0u7VQKX5RmHN/s1600-h/IMG_6525-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6525-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6525-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkxM8dbbeUGajeaFddr72E3L-8i1cH6UMv3DaxssVNx3I7nJy9xWcronZmMzu6OeiPOiFAw6DpJ92Z3a8GREYDM3auHWiwkTnkXq2hhEBf4Uwb3QzDxHsnPRybCuzXJHaVSoZ_ptEV6Zf/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN77VsyqI/AAAAAAAAA8g/WFZVPNFuuZ8/s1600-h/IMG_6531-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6531-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6531-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN82ffe0I/AAAAAAAAA8k/uXWcwFIarHU/IMG_6531-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> This is as close as I could get to the moth before it started feeling jittery and decided to climb further up the door. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> A front view of the moth. It was really too bad when I found its limp, lifeless body on the floor the very next day. Sigh, I probably should have captured it and then release it into the night when my eyes first chanced upon it. But as the Malay proverb goes, <em>nasi sudah jadi bubur</em> (the rice has turned into porridge, what’s done cannot be undone). </p> <p align="justify">Of course, it’s not only my door that becomes centre stage for the arrival of these 6-legged beasties. Some even have the guts to traipsed over my homework without even giving the fluttering sheet (which it was on) a second thought. Why, even my pencil that was scribbling madly over the surface didn’t even faze it. This ant-lookalike creature certainly has guts. Here’s a closer look on the little Hercules.  <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN9l5H8iI/AAAAAAAAA8o/3F8QE0oxRm0/s1600-h/IMG_6066-1%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6066-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6066-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN-vZEFFI/AAAAAAAAA8s/VZ3kVvdnDH0/IMG_6066-1_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" height="496" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Interesting as it may be, the toilets were even better. Sometimes, mornings to the loo are greeted with tens of bodies of bees (if I am not mistaken). Nonetheless, the best encounter I have had so far was my bump-in with this violet-orange moth (it was enough for me to go running off to my room, grab my camera and come back to the toilet in less than 2 minutes. Lucky for me, there weren’t any occupants in the cubicles or I would have been hauled to the nearest psychiatrist before I can say ‘Moth’.. ^^) <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXN_s4BGQI/AAAAAAAAA8w/7vxTTnJiiNk/s1600-h/IMG_6324-1%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6324-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6324-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXOACMiC6I/AAAAAAAAA80/fFPGmrmWeIs/IMG_6324-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="242" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXOBL3sH2I/AAAAAAAAA84/CM014cL9h54/s1600-h/IMG_6335-1%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6335-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6335-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXOB4g31ZI/AAAAAAAAA88/1sn_k29P2eo/IMG_6335-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="242" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> Unlike the previous moth, the feelers for this one were relatively bare. I do wonder if insects are able to distinguish the flashing of the red light which a camera in focus emits. It was as still as a statue while I paparazzi-ed away with my Powershot. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Here’s a shot of its backside which hid folds of tiger-patterned wings. On its wings were a motley hue of browns, acid-green patches and white slivers(4 to be exact). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXOC9M3IFI/AAAAAAAAA9A/Txnd6Amh5B4/s1600-h/IMG_6341-1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6341-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6341-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXOD5c1--I/AAAAAAAAA9E/iBsnavLPmSc/IMG_6341-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="420" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SgXOE5GuNLI/AAAAAAAAA9I/A3hvWuAidHU/s1600-h/IMG_6347-1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_6347-1" border="0" alt="IMG_6347-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvDQlAaHM2i5EhFQUfZra0q2j6t4xaLfwjadPDYZczEWjiPMKa1IbGK10AyBmpg1D4L31x6ddmWd-w3L_3dIU1Qb51KhB_qnn8fw6JuIftT6fvtE4kxqXNA0b62bEJc25HfAV5cjfIXWU/?imgmax=800" width="316" height="420" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> A view from the top. Taking a clear shot of this was the most difficult of all as it required steady hands to offset the slower shutter speed. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> A right-side view of the moth, which I feel shows off its violet shades pretty nicely. Unlike the previous one, this guy here has a long, up-curled proboscis. A nectar-feeder I assume? </p> <p align="justify">If I miss my room here in King Edward 7 Hall, (weird as it might sound) this above will definitely be one of the reasons why. :) (I know, I know… I should be off at Dreamland now. .__.)</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-45628124858620406132009-04-12T04:34:00.001+08:002009-04-12T13:25:39.672+08:00015. Them Mozzies Were Worth It Aft’ All (11th April – Part 2)<p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-XXgxd1I/AAAAAAAAA3c/QZ5DGWQyGbk/s1600-h/IMG_0060%20-%20Copy%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0060 - Copy" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="521" alt="IMG_0060 - Copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-X058ffI/AAAAAAAAA3g/_Dl_uM-a3Ls/IMG_0060%20-%20Copy_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" align="left" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">About 40 minutes after the tide reached 0.3m in height, only did Hen and I reached the far end of the coral reef edge. If it was at normal sea level, I wouldn’t have the guts to even travel half the distance lest I get swept away by the strong current. But with the waves lapping at our shins, we stopped and gazed out towards the east. The sun was just peeking through the curtained-skies and boy, it was definitely a jaw-dropping fantastic day! With the Singapore Straits just behind us, we slowly trudged our way back towards the meeting point while reminiscing about the past couple hours of the fun, the cool and the embarrassing. =)</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-Yu4z1kI/AAAAAAAAA3k/uDrO_D_zyW8/s1600-h/IMG_995815.jpg"><img title="IMG_9958-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9958-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-Zducx0I/AAAAAAAAA3o/KzydhcWJaR0/IMG_99581_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> <br />The Dog-Faced Water Snake (<em>Cerberus rynchops</em>) was one of the first creatures (besides the pesky mosquitoes) to cross our paths as we treaded our way through the mangroves. Mildly venomous, this reptile feeds on fish although the big ones can feed on eels, mudskippers, catfish etc. It’s <a href="http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/verts/water_snake.htm">noted</a> that the dog-faced water snakes are not aggressive in water (usually lethargic and docile). However, on land, their first response to threats is to flee, which was what did this lil’ creature here did as its comfy spot was getting too crowded by the minute. </p> <p align="justify">And after getting feasted by mosquitoes left and right, up and down; Hen and I finally reached our designated spot where we will be conducting our survey. It wasn’t 5 minutes before we heard Ron give out a cry of surprise. And guess what, it was none other than the elusive mud lobster <strong>(below)</strong>!! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M84sh9CLm1_HgUSQJRDmZn6Q1OPwFOriSGch6RxoWbP36As0XShOaYbRZ3ge8sVy7cDoOmGVYIPb8sQ4qAxi-lCtr1RDdNFA7GARDHkJR726Ks1aYxLbNsOJQIAn2hz0O3jUMYHWVLez/s1600-h/IMG_9966-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9966-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9966-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-alGbWcI/AAAAAAAAA3w/9xKFmixv4P8/IMG_9966-1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /> <br /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-bKQ7hPI/AAAAAAAAA30/8YryKeG4We8/s1600-h/IMG_9975-1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9975-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="440" alt="IMG_9975-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-bj-Y_rI/AAAAAAAAA34/6_4vl_Bjcq8/IMG_9975-1_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It was my first time – even for the experienced guide himself – seeing this creature (the whole of it) in Singapore! The mud lobsters (<em>Thalassina anomala</em>) are rarely seen as they live within underground burrows, which are dug extensively beneath mangrove habitats. Their existence are usually indicated by volcano-shaped <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMQlZ7sOI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/30B_JUNxws8/s1600-h/IMG_6001%5B1%5D.jpg">mounds</a> that result from their digging (and I was writing about this just the other day too!). Sometimes, it emerges from its burrow at night (as shown by the picture). Its digging oxygenates the soil profile below while its mound provides a place to live for creatures such as ants, crabs and snakes. </p> <p align="justify">This crustacean here was approximately 25-30 cm in length. Wicked stance!</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-cJMqTvI/AAAAAAAAA7M/Fo1e46tx77M/s1600-h/IMG_9979-1%5B17%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9979-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="464" alt="IMG_9979-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-c4IlEiI/AAAAAAAAA7U/ZZQU08dipxI/IMG_9979-1_thumb%5B17%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" align="left" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-dmZ08qI/AAAAAAAAA4E/KijkJrVn4OI/s1600-h/Algae%202%5B14%5D.jpg"><img title="Algae 2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="220" alt="Algae 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-d4T7zMI/AAAAAAAAA4I/_Ivb1xdILWw/Algae%202_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-euKEc4I/AAAAAAAAA4M/yKeNJW8EFAI/s1600-h/Algae%203%5B11%5D.jpg"><img title="Algae 3" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="220" alt="Algae 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-fNKG5nI/AAAAAAAAA4U/tXFsRlpyfns/Algae%203_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" border="0" /></a></span> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(left):</strong> After seconds of contemplation, we decided to note this organism down as an ascidian (Greek for ‘little body). Ascidians are distantly related to chordates (or those possessing a back bone) as they have – during the larval stage – 1) a tail, 2) a dorsal nerve cord, 3) a dorsal stiffening structure (aka the notochord), and 4) pharyngeal gill clefts. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(top right):</strong> The main focus of the picture was the algae that lies in the middle of the picture. Since we were running low on time (compared to the large tract of area that we had to survey), Hen and I just named this plant-like organism ‘Algae 2’ and as we planned to sort all of them out after we reached the Visitors’ Center. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(bottom right):</strong> At a closer look, ‘Algae 3’ resembles the seasonal Strap Brown Seaweed (<em>Dictyota</em> sp.) rather closely in shape. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(bottom):</strong> And just as I was feeling for the holdfast which bound the algae to the fan shell (top right), I suddenly felt something slimy. Immediately jerking my hand away lest it was a snake (or something venomous), I went through the thicket of algae once more after having my chopsticks in hand. And at closer look, we saw it was a little fish. But the curious thing was the fish didn’t even do so much as flick its fin as it felt my touch. Generally, a fish will flee in 2 shakes of a duck’s tail if a shadow do so much as just  pass above it. Thinking that it was dead, we tried to get a reaction from it once more. Since it seemed rather lethargic and that organisms like fish can be collected for further verification, all I ended up with later in my container, was water. >_> Sigh..</p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-ftSDQoI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/bEL2K73LBtg/s1600-h/IMG_001515.jpg"><img title="IMG_0015-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_0015-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-ges9A0I/AAAAAAAAA4c/MLouvhHzr1Y/IMG_00151_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> </span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-hAp967I/AAAAAAAAA4g/kchOD4BfWr8/s1600-h/Algae43.jpg"><img title="Algae 4" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="Algae 4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ9qtS2W9IYYZdBZ70VRJFDOIUd3mNdTMTDTUozMlTe6YL7H6TrS0x0vAix_3-pOiWQ-6Uc7l3qZjviEfMojsAQ1Q7TH2Jv9BZeEepBLSqQhW3ro4mS0b4ZAK3fL1_M2fS6R9SIG_Wd9H/?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-iCsgj_I/AAAAAAAAA4o/hI3cg5oyoYY/s1600-h/IMG_000113.jpg"><img title="IMG_0001-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_0001-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiypol574g1onLKQ6tk6sKcCs06Q2jf5dbOikuIARaxhn2axUkNbsVucO3VUjIclE6caSfOFevsN88z9QF2HgBASHz7WxXbPM7AxAQotImuTU-IHeT9gm7U2TuvTWP9O_DgHNhhLkt-OZm/?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a> </span></span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> ‘Algae 4’ which looked similarly to ‘Algae 2’. Again, a specimen was collected for further identification later on. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Discovered by Hen, ‘Algae 5’ looked rather pretty with its bronze-reddish hue. We assumed it to be the red <em>Gracilaria</em> sp., but we couldn’t be too sure. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-jN497gI/AAAAAAAAA4w/BKSpg_n0W2U/s1600-h/IMG_00053.jpg"><img title="IMG_0005" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_0005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-jdes45I/AAAAAAAAA40/_gCo5Na7nBc/IMG_0005_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO-vpSA-1nOqmbJtBvXL-pNyTlHLX8h8hkIPPjCDMtGgSKbZe2kejRcsrsBmQOY0a0k-_4_IG6wJkOe4RhJUQtv3qR0aFOOGURyEep-YQkBMuhtbiy3-EA27L8mldFNgGt57TkQFbemvV/s1600-h/IMG_00083.jpg"><img title="IMG_0008" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_0008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-kVL4-2I/AAAAAAAAA48/sRQ9QMTY_BU/IMG_0008_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a> </span></span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> Looking at this picture now, I am uncertain which number this alga was classified under. >_< It’s fortunate that Hen remembered to collect specimens for the identification of algae. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Calcareous green algae is one alga that is easily recognisable. This alga (<em>Halimeda</em> sp.) is one of the green algae that deposits calcium carbonate internally. It may be green when it’s alive, the skeleton that it leaves behind is behind is white once it dies off. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-lMXvk1I/AAAAAAAAA5A/gJ_gRI-3pyg/s1600-h/IMG_002510.jpg"><img title="IMG_0025" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_0025" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-lXG5WrI/AAAAAAAAA5E/wllEA1F2Wm4/IMG_0025_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-mGEaUcI/AAAAAAAAA5I/oxeIWMGc4Jg/s1600-h/IMG_002213.jpg"><img title="IMG_0022-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="241" alt="IMG_0022-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-mpw4wxI/AAAAAAAAA5M/vaFwrqZ8aog/IMG_00221_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a> </span></span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> Lying in the middle of this picture of 2 species of algae, one is the mermaid’s fan (<em>Padina</em> sp.) (top right) while the other is probably the <em>Bryopsis </em>sp. (the pale green strands that lie in the middle of the picture). </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> In the midst of the Tape seagrass (<i>Enhalus acoroides</i>) meadow, Hen picked out a bivalve that was encrusted with drills (<em>Thais </em>sp.) all around. In the picture, only a couple of drills can be seen as the rest have fallen into the plastic, which will also be containing this bivalve soon enough. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-nTbwRfI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/qy8amJDtxTo/s1600-h/IMG_0010-1%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0010-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="464" alt="IMG_0010-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-npOywhI/AAAAAAAAA5U/_560aOu6x6A/IMG_0010-1_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" align="left" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-oRHJxNI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/Vvli2PGKHEc/s1600-h/IMG_0027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0027" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="220" alt="IMG_0027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-o-gCR5I/AAAAAAAAA5c/6VkPh2NuGDw/IMG_0027_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" border="0" /></a></span></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-pgIQaOI/AAAAAAAAA5g/R50eJlpO9mU/s1600-h/IMG_0029%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0029" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="220" alt="IMG_0029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-qNPTFrI/AAAAAAAAA5k/a4oceDyoa5s/IMG_0029_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" border="0" /></a> </span></span></p> <p align="justify"><strong>(left):</strong> Then, swimming as freely as you please about in the seagrass meadow was a snapping shrimp (<em>Alpheus</em> sp.). It wasn’t easy to catch a picture of it as it was weaving rather nimbly through blades of tape seagrass before disappearing from our sight entirely (after a short stopover at Hen’s left foot.. lol). These shrimps are skilful diggers that can dig deep (and often complex) burrows. Their poor eyesight are compensated by well-developed sensory feelers for touch and smell.  </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(top right & bottom right):</strong> Sponge 1 and Sponge 2, looked relatively familiar but which names still remain elusive like the mud lobster. As soon as the new sponge guidebook comes out later this year, I am so going to get it. This helpless feel does not become me. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-qqLherI/AAAAAAAAA5o/6Scb3q-moVg/s1600-h/IMG_999213.jpg"><img title="IMG_9992-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_9992-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvei3Ey_0PvdAlko-ONhKQ6SJ7zamuydavd1LA1iQXyM1ichDI3DM3uL5eQcmjc9oDVM9wa4CIHdy1XWrQS2dJb5jEozUEIND1-D9zPXHYTbagczOW6DlWVK5IB_CpUnWGQjrNqRJDYj3/?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-sCWJ4qI/AAAAAAAAA5w/GgLECCCkOcc/s1600-h/IMG_002013.jpg"><img title="IMG_0020-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_0020-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-smX6L1I/AAAAAAAAA50/LWtlcdJXqWw/IMG_00201_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a> </span></span></span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> If it wasn’t for a black-lipped conch (<em>Strombus urceus</em>), I wouldn’t have knelt down and the rock star or the Crown Sea Star (<em>Asterina coronata</em>) would have went unnoticed. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Hen found the second one of the day by sheer chance. =) Who would have thought that there would be a star stuck to the bottom of an ascidia-encrusted T-shaped shell (or something like it)? Lucky~~</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-tA2WsXI/AAAAAAAAA54/DEnWYuqZei4/s1600-h/IMG_9995125.jpg"><img title="IMG_9995-1 (2)" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9995-1 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-t7ZPqnI/AAAAAAAAA58/6mu_ISUm6GM/IMG_999512_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> </span></span></span> <br />Turning it over, underneath (in grooves) the  arms are somewhat long slender tube feet that end in suckers. And as one might have guessed, the tube feet are used for locomotion (or walking, but in my opinion, sliding would be a better word) ^^. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></span></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-uiuhvDI/AAAAAAAAA6A/yXmDMbuLJL8/s1600-h/IMG_003213.jpg"><img title="IMG_0032-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_0032-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-u-ojbCI/AAAAAAAAA6E/XWjaJXxgDJM/IMG_00321_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-vnJnHXI/AAAAAAAAA6I/S3QpOGoL8FY/s1600-h/IMG_003413.jpg"><img title="IMG_0034-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_0034-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-wJBqaaI/AAAAAAAAA6M/Kl4a48KfQ1s/IMG_00341_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" border="0" /></a></span></span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> Other sea stars such as the common sea star (<em>Archaster typicus</em>) was seen pseudo-mating (fake sex, in other words). When these stars are about to mate, the smaller male stacks above the female in order to stake a claim on her. Possessive aren’t we? But anyway, this act itself does not mean that their sexual organs are in contact with each other, hence pseudo-mating. Instead, external fertilisation takes place as the eggs and the sperm are released at the same time. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> I have no clue what this might be, but Hen and I assumed that it might be an anemone. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-xNolIAI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/0Tuddwx1VaU/s1600-h/IMG_003515.jpg"><img title="IMG_0035-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_0035-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-xu9NgSI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/T2uMQZKIAuk/IMG_00351_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> </span> <br /><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span><strong>(Top):</strong> Taking a closer look at the bottom of the green-lined ‘bell’, in the midst of the tentacles are 4 large brown specks. The tentacles itself made us catch our breath; it wouldn’t be surprising if this was indeed an anemone. Sea anemones are often called flowers of the seas as their long, flashy, radially-arranged tentacles look rather similar to flower petals.</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(Bottom):</strong> Traversing along the sea-grass meadow once more, I went further in front to continue our hunt. And what a bountiful find the next creature was!!! Sprawled and interlaced among the blades of the seagrass was a rather fat Banded file snake (<em>Acrochordus granulatus</em>). Nocturnal and harmless to humans, these creatures are usually seen in the late evening or early morning. </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-yS9JKoI/AAAAAAAAA6c/qZvdgBTjZXg/s1600-h/IMG_0037-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0037-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_0037-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-zF8Y0KI/AAAAAAAAA6g/fBs6daUk3JY/IMG_0037-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> </span> <br /><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span>Seeing this snake, I immediately called (okay, I might have screamed a little >.<) out to Hen, who then subsequently called a rather excited Ron by phone. Not knowing whether it was harmless or otherwise, my mind had only 1 intent and that was taking pictures of the reptile (hmm.. thinking about it, I should have waited for the coordinators first and get their advice. Noted!). Later, Mindy (with gloves and all) came, saw and conquered~~ :) (she handled the snake rather expertly before placing it on a sandy mound).</p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-0gTz0rI/AAAAAAAAA6k/qiupPjI7gL4/s1600-h/IMG_0042-1%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0042-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="250" alt="IMG_0042-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-1DmfzHI/AAAAAAAAA6o/g0J__lQN9_I/IMG_0042-1_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" border="0" /></a></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-1q0FfaI/AAAAAAAAA6s/3xrjlzi5zMA/s1600-h/IMG_0051-1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0051-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="250" alt="IMG_0051-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHejS0TF3tXbEh7a-jgwfwtAQf3U4dxz_YkRTU2HxnXZ04UBB_zrisoxhGkYCU4QrrSmtYH41rqR1eZLlINf2zK3XUtLGXXaKxteSBv9qvcjWtpFS3diXJ-8wyOlnhGt2pHA_M31JvYGu/?imgmax=800" width="330" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> The banded file snake can achieve a length to about 1m or more. It is banded with black or brown bands on white or beige. On the underside along the centre of the belly lies a prominent fold.  The loose skin is covered with small rough scales; this file-like skin then helps it to grip slippery prey, like small fishes (its main diet). Also, we noticed that the snake did several peristalsis movements along 2/3 of its body (probably digesting its prey?). </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> As can be seen, the snake has rather tiny eyes that’s accompanied by a rather small mouth. However, those nostril-like holes seem rather big don’t they? :)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5cepFf8f0jatC7aRbe5BgO-_cUZ48KeFFTWd_XUYQjseCFa15AooGFcpuVyH6khZaqh3QH7YINjD6_qg8W7hH7jbRtOecTj-3DshiJSCyLgnvYrzM10rXmtKEhfx691TjYyzK-w8pjTv/s1600-h/IMG_0052-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0052-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="521" alt="IMG_0052-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeD-3FXhqrI/AAAAAAAAA64/n86IaEiwxak/IMG_0052-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">All too soon, the skies herald the arrival of the morning sun by gradually turning to a rose-peach hue; revealing baby blue clouds that glimmered over the horizon. It was 15 minutes before we had to return to the meeting point. As quickly and as efficient as possible, Hen and I went on to finish the rest of the tract. Although we came out from the Hunting-Seeking session with countless ‘kiss’ marks from the mosquitoes, it was worth it (and more)! Farewell banded snake and (hopefully), I’ll be able to see you again in July (fingers crossed ^^x). </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">** Again, my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to AY for his camera. You rock, senpai! </p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-90209024880483366372009-04-12T00:13:00.001+08:002009-04-12T09:41:06.676+08:00014. Ethereal beauty vs Ear-splitting brawn (10th April – Part 1)<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBR0J6Y0I/AAAAAAAAAwM/d5bWkyTyBDs/s1600-h/IMG_98241.jpg"><img title="IMG_9824-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_9824-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBSazI6xI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/mnfJRqjfoNA/IMG_98241_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="justify">THIS was the day which many of us were eagerly awaiting for. Our arrival at Marina South Pier were enthusiastically ‘greeted’ by a sheet of pelting rain. But then again, I wouldn’t trade the storm that day for any tropical sunshine on the equator. =) Although I was immediately speared with numerous water droplets as I edged towards the side of the sheltered area, there wasn’t any rush for me to turn back for cover. I stood rooted as I took in the roiling of the waves and the distant rumbling of thunder. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf9ylN9zLzu31RIRz1VPy0KU_oeNmta6aQxHbsl84zc1poX4XzKEjjfh2xar_VrgpGe3GYD2Vzp53Erj2YpOwDNI-JvEUqszm2AW3kpcfT_f5ij3xz5D_pKQJdwyF0aMxR2ImNgJnwbnO/s1600-h/IMG_983112.jpg"><img title="IMG_9831-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9831-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBTYYGrbI/AAAAAAAAAwY/XZ25h3GKudk/IMG_98311_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> <br />Being one of the busiest ports in the world, ships were still sailing aplenty in the rocky waters towards the south of Singapore. With the heavy downpour and chilling, greyish doomsday-like atmosphere, (with a little imagination, of course), this picture <strong>(above)</strong> could have been something out of ‘The Pirates of The Caribbean’. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBT6GRnyI/AAAAAAAAAwc/zeIHASUzt2g/s1600-h/IMG_984621.jpg"><img title="IMG_9846-2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_9846-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBUE1ufkI/AAAAAAAAAwg/bNOmWFpu9t4/IMG_98462_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBUnN31pI/AAAAAAAAAwk/pRXRvqa2d9I/s1600-h/IMG_985111.jpg"><img title="IMG_9851-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_9851-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCY9fZNJw-wDPLDPOwGn-hy-4AS6WfHzrZfGg-ygGyGrc817ATpbdQ9JNNE_VuZvZg4i-TkCXqpZl-yXa3Y_rXYYkvSbSqCElkwUOpu6mBKXk95ZbFf5DiYeL0yJiahnty6iTw2cqqleu/?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a> <br />After a while, it’s back to Earth for me. After a session of OJT in the do’s and don’ts of ‘Bridge’ (courtesy of Mindy ^^), I could follow the game somewhat without getting lost in the initial bidding session or being driven to confusion by ‘partners’ and ‘trumps’. It was good fun while the boat headed down its usual 45-minute route (probably longer, due to the weather) to Semakau Island. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBVj6FhSI/AAAAAAAAAws/n9BBQnd4QfI/s1600-h/IMG_985713.jpg"><img title="IMG_9857-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="242" alt="IMG_9857-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBWAwXIVI/AAAAAAAAAww/HQ_t9mOhsWU/IMG_98571_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBWhxNALI/AAAAAAAAAw0/EyBFwKbtn6E/s1600-h/IMG_986014.jpg"><img title="IMG_9860-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="243" alt="IMG_9860-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBW8GFU4I/AAAAAAAAAw4/q-J_yq7gAvA/IMG_98601_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" border="0" /></a> <br />Compared to all my previous trips to Semakau Island, this one was one of the most special because since when doesn’t staying overnight (especially at a place where not many has done so before) not give you the thrills right? Since the tide was at its lowest (0.3m) at 6:07 am in the morning, we all had to set out early just so that the ‘Hunting & Seeking’ session 1 can be carried out with relatively little delay. Tide and time wait for no man indeed. </p> <p align="justify">With a reminder to be back at the Visitors’ Centre by 8 in the evening  <strong>(left)</strong>, we were given permission to explore the island as soon as the rain abated. Thanks to Sam and his plastic bags of ration (including a whole honey glazed chicken, several cans of mushroom soup, bread and tea-brewed eggs) plus Hen’s packet of bread sticks, our bellies were satisfied before we headed down the usual tarred route <strong>(right)</strong> that led towards the mangrove and intertidal areas. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBYJqPWLI/AAAAAAAAA28/zQaEJe8UI8s/s1600-h/IMG_9899-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9899-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="417" alt="IMG_9899-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBYqwxNBI/AAAAAAAAA3A/2nTocOR7xRk/IMG_9899-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" border="0" /></a>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBaSH4Z5I/AAAAAAAAA3M/8uF8TGkywGg/s1600-h/IMG_9893-1%5B18%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9893-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="417" alt="IMG_9893-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps3qwJgbRGY443j7HBAVDstFNBEL3VYiv_4w-8BgCI_YnUQYp9koHLQ59jFYt_XOftAdcki1leZiTPubIvmPXobY0j-OuIU4JUvawJXEJ1uQ5xfB6E8faQEZ2dShZMOkDqRRvP2Bd4q8B/?imgmax=800" width="317" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> Not only was the air refreshingly cool after the long rainy session, it was also free of mosquitoes and sandflies (though it was near 6 when we set out) ^^v. Taking in the slightly-salty breeze, the six of us set out on the 3.5km trail. Admiring the sea-view and glittering industry-dotted horizon on our right, our walk was mostly peppered with smiles and (rather =__=””) jokes.  However even so, Hen and I still had time to play paparazzi to the lovely wildflowers that flourished along the roadside. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Though not as striking as the purple blooms that grew next to it, this humble yellow blossom still makes a sweet picture. It was too bad that a slight whisper from the evening wind was enough to send it whipping into merry excitement.   </p> <p align="justify"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBZLEA_dI/AAAAAAAAA1s/dFizxB6yZHI/s1600-h/IMG_9890-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9890-2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9890-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBZ8du_FI/AAAAAAAAA1w/aXK6mntCVCI/IMG_9890-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> <br />Laced with pearly raindrops, these tiny purple inflorescence  ( =a cluster of flowers) captured many of our hearts and commanded the camera’s attention. </p> <p align="justify"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBdB6D2pI/AAAAAAAAA2I/wgi-9W_lrP0/s1600-h/IMG_9904-1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9904-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9904-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBdjRd2GI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/HMmrF0U3Q7c/IMG_9904-1_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> <br />Shimmering like Swarovski crystals, the droplets turned these subtle pretty-in-pink into an electrostatic attraction. </p> <p align="justify"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsQ3N-uNIScYjtoTF55N04ODWACBUbMDV0sR_eTmNPdOH0xN75yFS-gHG0qqI-WCN7_2lk-U1xL3esW7XMz245Ck3u8pwVcEAjdYaSg7WzBQJ-FOGGZh_olrNYyF2OtW5bwMSfge3HZyO/s1600-h/IMG_9915-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9915-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9915-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyrlIBvH2mq77szs4IjsIuUbHCUY1XWn3uzdYS02AKL47VM2ETr13bYIwYwkRPiKejgd3aPV_WlARG-Dy6a3GWz-GAW-3JrCeZsSiqxVarKqrtUE7bk-4oL5CzHZQVwt_tRc5DlBu9b2b/?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> <br />Hanging by the thread, this droplet was all ready to plunge into the verdant sea beneath. By the time we had snapped to our heart’s content, it was then only we realised the sky had taken a shade of dusky grey-blue. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SeDBfR-91YI/AAAAAAAAA2o/fk3_U1GSqW4/s1600-h/IMG_9955-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9955-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_9955-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT_Mmtm6enFMahF81n3Or6yXz5XyMG_l5bQ0y-3wAGd2-5E4WWr4CUvHryGLCMIBVlBI4D80eBngoavEgHvFX5z6mA4q6PNGWV0xxU5s6Vgexj8JpOBf_fm3WvJBWYjL8efmqLMtbCTAm/?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a> <br />A view of the Semakau Landfill from afar with the Visitors’ Centre situated on its far right. Time for the de-briefing session on what’s expected of during the ‘Hunting & Seeking’ session! </p> <p align="justify">** Gosh, this reminds me I better lick my intertidal knowledge into shape during the hols. </p> <p align="justify">** Also, my heartfelt gratitude to AY for lending me his SX100 IS. =) I would have never been able to take all the above snapshots if it wasn’t for your camera. あなたわ最高,はロリ-くん!!</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-89663011876705624392009-04-08T15:04:00.001+08:002009-04-08T15:09:11.559+08:00013. Banking on Awareness (5th April 2009)<p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0cgHX00pztt7CNe9ovByicik8FXX3BBZU1SXJdrN55wxBhItke8yZJQ3mD6Un4MEFkZtXrV4oHZAxtctdPPu7KVR1rWpBqDxPYdllM7sTAiVvx1C49oGClOgGeLy0labBz2iSs84xRh0/s1600-h/IMG_6006-1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6006-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="521" alt="IMG_6006-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxL3UitT6I/AAAAAAAAAto/Rhl-_OtqxV4/IMG_6006-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" align="left" border="0" /></a></span></span>  <br />Even though rubbish was strewn adjacent to it, this view and its surrounding ambience had me holding my breath. Welcome to St. John’s Island (in my opinion, this is one place where Kuching would be a better alias instead). Of course, this doesn’t greet you immediately when you first set foot on the island. In fact, not unless you are willing to brave slippery slopes and muddy banks can you savour this hideaway with its near-pristine waters. With approximately 35 employees from the Deutche Bank in tow, we all set off to the island to carry out a coastal-cum-mangrove cleanup. Indeed, whoever’s been to the island would agree that this location (especially the small area of mangroves) was sorely in need of a spring-cleaning.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxL4i_lm6I/AAAAAAAAAts/bzxnZpELthM/s1600-h/IMG_59314.jpg"><img title="IMG_5931" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5931" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxL5KzxZ5I/AAAAAAAAAtw/kHDxe9UhZR4/IMG_5931_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-f3IP7blGW3_4ga4oX_8WgJ-C_vC7mjsErUNiVbqUTd-uVTlEE5rP5mjbgDtpgVWR7tZ82_nINtOlz_Q2rmtgYSFAlkEXxnzgxv3OSnA5tKaoK2JR_zMGBivmYX-PgEUo28UBwweVy9q/s1600-h/IMG_59382.jpg"><img title="IMG_5938" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5938" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxL7CyLGoI/AAAAAAAAAt4/pFOEh9gBD8E/IMG_5938_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a>  <br />Proudly sporting their bright blue logos (which apparently means a growth that is steadily regulated), the near 40 people were separated into 3 groups. With LK as the lead guide of the group, I was assistant with my responsibilities ranging from being a photographer to seeker (of certain fruits of plants etc). But mainly, I was there to gain some know-hows of being a guide. <strong><font color="#ff0000">Lesson 1: The type of audience matters.</font></strong> To be an engaging guide, one has to change the mannerism, language and content according to the kind of listeners. After kicking off with introduction, LK explained the itinerary of the day before going a little into the history of the place. Apparently, this island used to be a former quarantine station for leprosy cases and a penal settlement for political prisoners and ringleaders of secret societies. Cool eh? </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWFr-w9dd8e4jBP24rJQUSALMgOBM2tqFaTbHRQZKFurjv7HlkVoujlSpYYDrNJGZTfe6B1KvHcfs5J1JYfHwpSRsECqwPOqMVARkyCdPX6sNtd4cThrlx_jP-EDGIyvJX8NbWLpMGdJv/s1600-h/IMG_59592.jpg"><img title="IMG_5959" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5959" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxL9QR9baI/AAAAAAAAAuA/NUwEQIw5Mgw/IMG_5959_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7vAVGzmOTWGxgnoft0Z-9AlJ4EIyqwDakjt3DeuNTzs-YO5LaI4CDB2R_fmjJsUc_OVb-1XTr0ecW-S_eV0yyt_ULfwJcC6iZvPlt0AXlK9N8j2gqivVJsa3E3Tm7QKiEyZM8W4w4ud3/s1600-h/IMG_59602.jpg"><img title="IMG_5960" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5960" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxL_PmAiEI/AAAAAAAAAuM/Kh5XJpatQJ4/IMG_5960_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />After making sure everyone has put on the proper required shoe wear, it was time for the short guided tour. The first plants LK touched on was the pong pong tree (<em>Cerbera odollam</em>) which flank the roads situated near the coast before proceeding to a few mangrove tales. <strong><font color="#ff0000">Lesson 2: Never drown your audience in a pool of scientific facts.</font></strong> Scaring them defeats the purpose of a guided walk. Instead, share with them stories or information which they can relate to in their daily lives. Unless you have a group of ecological students/scientists that come for an education tour, it’s best to leave out the scientific names. Common names would do just as well. In fact, the public might relate better to these and would hence, be more interested in the walk. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMAKsLJZI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0fCkzy5-Xvo/s1600-h/IMG_596514.jpg"><img title="IMG_5965-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_5965-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDwrJ_yExDNFU2iUCCgNAoMRH_8n4SJsh_BIGjtVKZvI_ywkYxdiyX2bIZYCg1MjCL68xInuTGkI9UPr5RuMZWOFguN3dwJEZPMmMr4ztwG7-beuAQCgJjz8f4aULVAglxcdtOJZW5rhT/?imgmax=800" width="216" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMCUtea3I/AAAAAAAAAuY/99K23xTHwNc/s1600-h/IMG_59663.jpg"><img title="IMG_5966" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_5966" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMDd4E1gI/AAAAAAAAAuc/5UzXsuHhq-Y/IMG_5966_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a> <br />The Chinaman’s Hat or the limpet <strong>(left)</strong> got quite a few oohs and ahhs from the audience. <strong><font color="#ff0000">Lesson 3: Elaborate on the readily-seen features. </font></strong>Visuals and images sink in more quickly then words. In fact, if it’s possible, talk about some quirky facts that are associated with the clear-to-see features. Like the limpet, it’s stuck so hard to the substrate that it’s near impossible to pry them off with just bare hands. </p> <p align="justify">We were all pretty amazed (yours truly excluded cause she was trying hard to find a pong pong fruit while snapping shots of the group.. lol) when LK explained that the hole dug by the ghost crab (<i>Ocypode</i> sp.) <strong>(right)</strong> tunnels down four feet at a 45° angle. Animals and plants and such are important and make wonderful tales, however, the natural features of the landscape (eg strand line etc) are also excellent fodder for guides to focus on. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMEX8gC5I/AAAAAAAAAug/fPNvW3bDV38/s1600-h/IMG_59722.jpg"><img title="IMG_5972" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5972" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMFDFmYwI/AAAAAAAAAuk/VLn9Zm9EgHQ/IMG_5972_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMGvax7zI/AAAAAAAAAuo/6cJD4CUxBkY/s1600-h/IMG_59742.jpg"><img title="IMG_5974" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5974" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMHRMe67I/AAAAAAAAAus/p6LY3kpkfvs/IMG_5974_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />Everyone having fun with the Casuarina branchlet <strong>(left)</strong>. <strong><font color="#ff0000">Lesson 4: Touching can do wonders.</font></strong> And I don’t mean anything lewd with this, mind out from the gutters please.  :) Anyway, instead of just going on and on about a certain plant or animal, it’s also good to let our audience get a feel of the described organism. Even letting your group handle simple things like the aforementioned branchlet is a million times better than letting them listen to you drone on and on about the wonders of this and that. Humans, we get distracted real easy.. before long, it will be thin air one is addressing. </p> <p align="justify"><strong><font color="#ff0000">Lesson 5: Having fun is not against the law.</font></strong> In fact, it will ease the tension and let you communicate more easily with your audience <strong>(right).</strong> Of course, the assistant guide left that area with puffs of white, hairy seeds in her face. =.=”</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMIkJGD0I/AAAAAAAAAuw/gGEqAWAzJto/s1600-h/IMG_59792.jpg"><img title="IMG_5979" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5979" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMJeHx28I/AAAAAAAAAu0/CZCKNX55ysw/IMG_5979_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMLAF7buI/AAAAAAAAAu4/os09wGVAktU/s1600-h/IMG_59842.jpg"><img title="IMG_5984" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5984" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMMByBDQI/AAAAAAAAAu8/7nyVOY-rgpg/IMG_5984_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />Everyone gazes far into the sky as they tried to catch a glimpse of the distant Brahminy Kite <strong>(left)</strong>. And soon, we reached the designated area that green group was in charge of. Looks fairly clean doesn’t it? Well, seeing is <em>not</em> always believing.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMNJVe1VI/AAAAAAAAAvA/ad1qcOaf9V8/s1600-h/IMG_59922.jpg"><img title="IMG_5992" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5992" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMN7k8RMI/AAAAAAAAAvE/a_4L-R5m9hQ/IMG_5992_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMOvCotSI/AAAAAAAAAvI/zpjDJ6Y3tvc/s1600-h/IMG_59942.jpg"><img title="IMG_5994" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_5994" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMPqvfl-I/AAAAAAAAAvM/0m1j7xKRSNA/IMG_5994_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> </span> <br />The flowers of the Teruntum Merah (<em>Lumnitzera littorea</em>) <strong>(left)</strong>. It was really hard for me to leave a plant without getting at least one clear picture of it, but then duty calls. Nearby the plant had some weaver ants crawling about it. Though they can have many nests <strong>(right)</strong> on one plant, only one will contain the queen. Small but smart. </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMQlZ7sOI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/30B_JUNxws8/s1600-h/IMG_6001%5B1%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6001" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_6001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMRWjMk6I/AAAAAAAAAvU/caIz3PZkVeM/IMG_6001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span> <span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMS7awCgI/AAAAAAAAAvY/DFKdxgCTohg/s1600-h/IMG_6013%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6013" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_6013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMTmISZLI/AAAAAAAAAvc/nqi8f_TYkGQ/IMG_6013_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span> <br />Resembling a fresh mound of poop, this mud lobster mound <strong>(left)</strong> was found aplenty (new and old ones) on the muddy area which we trekked upon. These mounds are made when the mud lobster digs deep into the muddy substrate in search for food. Whatever mud that they come face-to-face with will be kicked and piled on the surface. </p> <p align="justify">And in the Eden of verdant tranquillity, a large Nipah palm (<em>Nypa fruticans</em>) <strong>(right)</strong>was found flowering and fruiting. Apparently, this plant has many uses. But I can’t seem to conjure up any, and the only use I know of it is that the jello-like substance in the seed is eaten as <em>attap chee</em>. Ooh, now that I think of it, LK also mentioned that the sap collected from the plant is also used to produce Gula Melaka. This gotta be one of my favourite trees. :P</p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMVKjiYDI/AAAAAAAAAvg/yFRDgspDoOw/s1600-h/IMG_6005-1%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6005-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_6005-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMVy14WLI/AAAAAAAAAvk/1_X6fgYCNDw/IMG_6005-1_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" border="0" /></a></span></span></span> <br />And here’s what I meant by the Eden of verdant tranquillity. Except for the rubbish marring its edges, this scene was near-perfect. </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMXGVk3aI/AAAAAAAAAvo/duviqzBw29k/s1600-h/IMG_60305.jpg"><img title="IMG_6030" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_6030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMX8NqxbI/AAAAAAAAAvs/fOxBVYw0qLw/IMG_6030_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMZ-TdpmI/AAAAAAAAAvw/0ja28XQQ2bU/s1600-h/IMG_60503.jpg"><img title="IMG_6050" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_6050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMag8P1BI/AAAAAAAAAv0/nlXz9t-9eD0/IMG_6050_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" border="0" /></a> </span></span></span> <br />And boy were there a lot of them! Split up further into 3 groups, each was given a pair of tongs, gloves and a couple of those black, massive garbage bags before they went their own way to pick up the trash strewn about. And as expected, there were a lot of plastic bags being disposed off. Other wastes include construction trash, a large polystyrene box (above), cans, cardboards etc. It was too much that those in charge stopped recording the rubbish (the data will then be added into the database of the International Coastal Cleanup) picked and focused their energy solely on the fairly arduous task.</p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMb6j68DI/AAAAAAAAAv4/TI8TIcjv0ek/s1600-h/IMG_60382.jpg"><img title="IMG_6038" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_6038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMc6Qcr0I/AAAAAAAAAwA/IPviYzoPSkg/IMG_6038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMeM6jtFI/AAAAAAAAAwE/__DmHZMvK24/s1600-h/IMG_60482.jpg"><img title="IMG_6048" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_6048" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdxMfKTJdLI/AAAAAAAAAwI/J0X2NRZmK9o/IMG_6048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> </span></span></span> <br />By the end of the day, the place was relatively cleaner compared to the 1 hour before. Although the people have been encouraged to reuse, reduce and recycle, there’s still a long way to go before Singapore can achieve its aim to be 100% litter-free. As RY says, each and everyone of us is already helping with the conservation of nature just by not littering and recycling. :) </p> <p align="justify">It was a fun day indeed despite getting all muddy and wet (the heavens opened up and poured as we were on our way back to the jetty), but little did I know I was in for a nasty revelation. >_< Get well soon, A720 IS! </p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-63923684995421194582009-04-01T16:41:00.000+08:002009-08-05T16:42:33.616+08:00012. 7’s Haven for High-fliers<p align="justify"><em><font color="#ff0000">Video uploaded! (bottom)</font></em></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6orDbAJI/AAAAAAAAAkk/DTpt09Vr8Z0/s1600-h/IMG_455818.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4558-1" border="0" alt="IMG_4558-1" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6p7M0iiI/AAAAAAAAAko/g-vP7YJx6vM/IMG_45581_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="298" /></a>  <br /></p> <strong><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></strong> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting">T</font></strong>he tall tree that stands at the entrance leading down the pathway  to King Edward 7 Hall is a haven for birds that need a rest before continuing on their flight. On the 17th February, sometime in the afternoon, I spotted this lone kingfisher perching high up on the branches. It was a losing battle, trying to take pictures at 1pm. Over-exposure was the expected outcome. Although it ain’t obvious in this picture, the colouration of the bird was really like the ones of the White-Throated Kingfisher (<em>Halcyon smyrnensis</em>).</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4563-1" border="0" alt="IMG_4563-1" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6qiLAtXI/AAAAAAAAAks/6ElDn45xvUs/IMG_45631_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="316" /></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting">O</font></strong>ne other bird that also takes advantage of the shelter and shade provided by the tree was the Dollarbird (<em>Eurystomus orientalis</em>). This is my first time seeing it within the NUS campus. It’s fairly distinguishable with its thick red bill. Dollarbirds get their name from the two white circular patches on each underwing that look like the silver dollar coins of the Americans. Looking back at the dates, it seems both these pictures were taken on the same day, but 2 hours apart from each other. Hmm…  curious. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><strong><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting">H</font></strong> ere’s another gorgeous winged-creature that was spotted sometime at 2pm on the 27th of March. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6sKsh7BI/AAAAAAAAApE/TG_4FRisk6s/s1600-h/IMG_5578-1%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5578-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5578-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6s2JnSsI/AAAAAAAAApI/hredSXhc7G4/IMG_5578-1_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="306" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWP1oyJXug7kWtzQZIVJVzxezYn10tKI3qT2uqPAwkA53UlZjatNbi4djFoEQEcQmx1HBuciCQmIp8xpIJdDkedZVCdaktNaUW6dpaHp_9GQQrORBX1Ar5sBWtpC9K23kBqQHNyvbsznB/s1600-h/IMG_5579-1%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5579-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5579-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6w-vQ3TI/AAAAAAAAApc/4bH1FY2_Kc4/IMG_5579-1_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="306" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdQGGgBmPWI/AAAAAAAAAsw/DMwKDH3SzxQ/s1600-h/IMG_5581-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5581-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5581-1" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6zdGxPWI/AAAAAAAAAs0/FMaF8r1ZyDY/IMG_5581-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">It looks like a parrot, what with its brightly-hued plumage and feathers. Actually, there were a couple of these birds, one is at the bottom left, the other on the upper right (but, it’s concealed by the branch its perching on >_<). So far, it’s definitely one of the prettiest birds that I have seen perching high-up amongst the green foliage. <strong><font color="#ff0000">Edit:</font></strong> After consulting LK, these ‘parrots’ are actually Rainbow Lorikeets (<i>Trichoglossus haematodus</i>). So called because their feathers consist almost every colour of the rainbow. And just as I thought, these pair were indeed escapees. Apparently, there’s always a big flock by the Bunoa Vista MRT (especially during the evenings). </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">  </p> <p align="justify">  </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL61qyezdI/AAAAAAAAAqU/e-BNGdPxLeY/s1600-h/IMG_4172-1%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4172-1" border="0" alt="IMG_4172-1" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL62aA9NoI/AAAAAAAAAqc/Rp0mv3tLzRc/IMG_4172-1_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="339" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL63Xmg6jI/AAAAAAAAApw/TZGLeG__SGM/s1600-h/IMG_4181-2%5B18%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4181-2" border="0" alt="IMG_4181-2" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL64aUeoVI/AAAAAAAAAp8/OBvYkat1-i0/IMG_4181-2_thumb%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="462" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting">S</font></strong>himmering green under the bright afternoon sun, I spotted the Green Crested Lizard (<em>Bronchocela cristatella</em>) for another time at my hall. This would be the second time since the beginning of the semester. It looks as if it is skipping when it makes a quick run across the tarred road.  Though it is displaced from its habitat by the non-native Changeable Lizard, it looks as if this lil’ guy might be making a comeback. </p> <p align="justify">  </p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting">S</font></strong>ometimes too, I would also spot some movement on the tree outside my window. Usually, those that come fluttering about are either the Javan Myna (<em>Acridotheres javanicus</em>) or the Yellow-Vented Bulbul (<em>Pycnonotus goiavier</em>) – in fact, I think there is one in the background of the picture, somewhere towards the left. However this time around, there was this sweet couple. <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL659fcyHI/AAAAAAAAAqk/Gkij08jESmo/s1600-h/IMG_5467-1%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_5467-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5467-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL66x7AZdI/AAAAAAAAAqs/qk-Wy0jw64I/IMG_5467-1_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="656" height="499" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL68IhZTqI/AAAAAAAAAlk/yfPYi9eVqfo/s1600-h/IMG_5477-1%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_5477-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5477-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL688DQJjI/AAAAAAAAAlo/hmQvUWq3N3w/IMG_5477-1_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="250" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL696P4p-I/AAAAAAAAAls/_Gm2RU6aZLc/s1600-h/IMG_5480-1%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_5480-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5480-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6-zCg1MI/AAAAAAAAAlw/ZrnAQv1YS-k/IMG_5480-1_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="252" /></a> <br />The male Pink-Necked Green Pigeon (<em>Treron vernans</em>) (left) seemed to be on the watch while the female was probably searching for food. Here, the male sports a vinous-pink nape and neck while the female has a grey-green crown and nape. Coincidentally, about 10 days after this picture was taken, little did I know, I will be seeing these couple again (might not be the same pair but I have my doubts). </p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting">A</font></strong>nd boy was I excited when my friend told me of a pigeon that had made a cosy nest on a tree near one of the blocks in King Edward 7 Hall. So after breakfast, I decided to head down to the special spot. Pretty soon, it seems that this female Pink-Necked Green Pigeon would be expecting some chicks.  She turned her head as a rustling somewhere towards her left grabbed her attention. My heart skipped a beat too when I saw what was making way to its direction. <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL6_zoAXPI/AAAAAAAAAl0/iqipFISj2c0/s1600-h/IMG_5843-1%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5843-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5843-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7A15PFSI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Aqzth190Kek/IMG_5843-1_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7CCLs6RI/AAAAAAAAAl8/nW3kA9SJCLY/s1600-h/IMG_5864-1%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5864-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5864-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7C-OYTUI/AAAAAAAAAmA/vyHVWmnrl08/IMG_5864-1_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a></p> <p align="justify">And it's none other than the male pigeon that has come to see his beloved. In his beak, he held a twig that will be added to their nest. With a gentle hop nearer, he passed her the twig.  (By now, I was hopping excitedly from left to right and back again as I looked for a  good position to get a snapshot of the sweet pair. :P) <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7EK22aAI/AAAAAAAAAmE/xKD6OR_1l60/s1600-h/IMG_5866-1%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5866-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5866-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7E_1P19I/AAAAAAAAAmI/jJAeN9r9Eeg/IMG_5866-1_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="250" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7G8UK-KI/AAAAAAAAAmM/zQj1huRiUWE/s1600-h/IMG_5869-1%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5869-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5869-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgpRDueL6N7-tqtx_jW-0PtFZ0S18EYu7wriiuDe3wxlZ9_ng3Yp5F91Sgc9IYpc6zMqkkAV2Lu05o_-67VGa4SFdo78Wz9Y4qgCWCoTdKSULBRGTDwY8kl6CS0UnZAL0mQfZRNmwXnmu/?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">With that done, the male pigeon took off to the skies and goes off in search for another sturdy twig. His kids deserve the best from their papa. As soon as he flew off, the female pigeon placed the twig at a spot which probably needed further fortification. Even as the wind blew, I noticed that the nest did not even budge an inch when the tree gently swayed with it. The female pigeon looked unperturbed and did not do so much as blink an eye as she waited for the arrival of her partner. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7I39qcHI/AAAAAAAAAmU/4uFSvILT1gU/s1600-h/IMG_5873-1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5873-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5873-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7J4NQAJI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Xv3uaYQExH4/IMG_5873-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7K-uBONI/AAAAAAAAAmc/wSYPd0b5s8s/s1600-h/IMG_5876-1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5876-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5876-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7Li93YFI/AAAAAAAAAmg/-tjDAhZag3A/IMG_5876-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">And soon enough, he arrived once more with another twig in beak. It was unfortunate that I could not capture a picture of both the male and female. This was the best among all pictures which had them in motion. The rest were either blurred or the female was totally covered by the leaf. >_> According to the ‘Birds of South-East Asia’, the Pink-Necked Green Pigeons usually form nests akin to flimsy platforms in trees. It certainly looks like it won’t be able to live through one storm, but we shall see. ^^ <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7NCVMTnI/AAAAAAAAArk/gobFJ4A7PtY/s1600-h/IMG_5883-1%5B17%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_5883-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5883-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkQuwD3yn0lq8GKBBorsT5ESyvuvMe-2a2YsSdQ7bkH98PZsQi-EDsUn3RRro3NYkMI6bXszIp7wqI5CtWxv7tBsogK8JliBul8ySLoktjdEGm5lpeedbTa8usKywgEk-ns3UYoV0Pu63/?imgmax=800" width="647" height="489" /></a>  </p> <p align="justify">  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7Pho93DI/AAAAAAAAAr0/pT8oEkOrO9I/s1600-h/IMG_5898-1%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5898-1" border="0" alt="IMG_5898-1" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdL7QjGLH4I/AAAAAAAAAr8/Rk0K4MvPChw/IMG_5898-1_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="317" /></a></p> <p align="justify">In the 30 minutes I spent stalking the birds from the opposite, I noticed the male pigeon flew back and forth approximately 8-10 times to fetch a twig from somewhere else. In this picture, the male waits patiently for his partner to arrange the nest before passing her the next twig. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 5px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 30px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:06ac9aef-f3a4-49c3-bcdf-ebab5b97c053" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="2585f89c-8686-47df-8c04-789bec8e4e61" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL2nK3jqd3Y&fmt=18" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdPi_rFg1zI/AAAAAAAABiI/z6KEv_FxWtk/video84bc3f27742a%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('2585f89c-8686-47df-8c04-789bec8e4e61'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"414\" height=\"345\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/lL2nK3jqd3Y&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/lL2nK3jqd3Y&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"414\" height=\"345\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="justify">During one of the rounds when then male flies back and forth with a twig in beak, I decided to take a short footage of the papa in action. Enjoy~~ :) (do bear with the slight shaking as I was trying to get into a better position) </p> <p align="justify">*In the background, you can hear also the continuous cries of the Asian Koel going “koel, koel”</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-54122200032487598192009-04-01T10:52:00.001+08:002009-04-01T10:54:51.407+08:00011. The Skies at 7<p align="justify"><strong></strong></p> <p align="justify">I have been waking up real early these past few weeks to study. Usually, I will sleep right after dinner and wake up about 1 or 2 in the morning to study. However that isn’t on a daily basis, its only when I return to hit my books and notice that nothing will get into my head. But waking up early, in my opinion, and looking out of my window just to enjoy the light morning breeze is something i really savour. At exactly 6:30am sharp, the street lights just outside my window (opposite Prince George’s Park Residence) will go out all at once. Everything becomes pitch black in a blink of an eye… but that’s when the curtains go up to reveal some of the dawn goddess’ breath-taking masterpieces.  </p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff0000" size="2"><em>WARNING: Beware of wild Imagination.</em></font> </p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="5">28th January 2009 7:32 am <br /></font></strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLWoOB7O1I/AAAAAAAAAjc/XIJjKCuM_Pg/s1600-h/IMG_357412.jpg"><img title="IMG_3574" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="222" alt="IMG_3574" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLWpX_wWjI/AAAAAAAAAjg/YubkoZmdejw/IMG_3574_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoHAdIRaqqvJwFy4Hfc2prHHy0-lCBMGCRAShFuQcYUG65pEcd6YSGN4PxbzC5BGoo8dPKRfXjL26BO-z1DFIjys4ZL19kgaewajVMyl5d8KSHjl8geYhGBzdKK3Swr8EmzBiaVquHztP/s1600-h/IMG_35757.jpg"><img title="IMG_3575" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="222" alt="IMG_3575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9QhJ7loLGCtyT_Rd8pudVr5kOvxBxFfiqVYPgtgPDunwpathBSwGgOge6G9xp_PxSyD4fVLAett6cEEjOkwofJgio1EV7nIk2hfEOYDhPslDlO6yPiEJcBqzRHf3mlNQWj20XyQZRVks/?imgmax=800" width="289" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLWt5S_S6I/AAAAAAAAAjs/FuUE8jsZ1Fk/s1600-h/IMG_357714.jpg"><img title="IMG_3577" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="442" alt="IMG_3577" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLWu85P_TI/AAAAAAAAAjw/_40MxRdbqms/IMG_3577_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0" /></a> <br />28th January marks the first time I ever tried to immortalize the fleeting moments conjured by Eos. As depicted in Greek literature, it says the goddess of dawn slowly opens the pearly gates of heaven so that Apollo could ride across the sky in his blazing chariot. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><font size="5"><strong>19th March 2009 6:55am</strong></font> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLMExyl3ZspL0Ypu65JkVWLMzLH9Y3GIR0PCnDLA7859fDLbjjM-lxNYzTs3jlV979iJvFufmU_z01EoWQtnc8U3Xbx-3MiW9AxpIheJypXShuQfy_VgTBD47a0ks8miiMExJiSBetb5p/s1600-h/IMG_54618.jpg"><img title="IMG_5461" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="442" alt="IMG_5461" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLWxaVIHrI/AAAAAAAAAj4/YFUj-pv-_WY/IMG_5461_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0" /></a>  <br />The skies were swashed with slashes of dark angry maroon when I peered out at about 7 on that particular morning. It almost looked as if it might rain in the following hours, but fortunately everything was bright and sunny. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><font size="5"><strong>27th March 2009 7:25am</strong></font> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Lyo163NcoSfZr6VHZVfhv8ASkxlQ9zWdHicqsceBtAxx_dYIJCmPMrGMkqS0woupy8XHz8reqfbbbrQvGIy2vC4twoxRuUECEE9hEY7T3td7E1_DkkFPDx5u1NxPJk8WaeHpavdtyXzL/s1600-h/IMG_571115.jpg"><img title="IMG_5711-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="442" alt="IMG_5711-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYs3T4Q0AYvVAuXiy7nuFmRB72Efv6FzgogPAShK6LfDGaStIVPb80tL4LuYyJqMxN2uhh0TUaxy3Y0GHnGAUAOS5zZkDOpveRLvUkAeXQ7CML-L2a3OhKue5-h_NBP40XDyMz_nIw4Od/?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0" /></a>  <br />On the 27th, a couple of puffy clouds made their way slowly across the sky. Eos was probably surfing the skies with her sister – the moon goddess, before resuming her duties. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><font size="5"><strong>30th March 2009 6:47am</strong></font> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLW03TwDzI/AAAAAAAAAkE/j83T1Td8I9A/s1600-h/IMG_582225.jpg"><img title="IMG_5822-2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="442" alt="IMG_5822-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLW2GdYrII/AAAAAAAAAkI/ucH-R2T4t_0/IMG_58222_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0" /></a>  <br />Tinges of pink and peach slowly seep out from the sun god’s chariot, replacing the blues and blacks in the heavens with swirls of creamy white. It’s about time I headed to the dining hall to get my breakfast too. </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><em><font size="5">*27th March 2009 9:42am</font></em> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLW3UO8tvI/AAAAAAAAAkM/2DlJKaYVMGQ/s1600-h/IMG_55763.jpg"><img title="IMG_5576" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="495" alt="IMG_5576" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLW4mZUieI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/73_1INj9Nyc/IMG_5576_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="651" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLW6JuWu3I/AAAAAAAAAkU/jLSD234LdRM/s1600-h/IMG_55742.jpg"><img title="IMG_5574" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_5574" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLW7lUNLWI/AAAAAAAAAkY/pkJkIz4p9Vo/IMG_5574_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbn_px3QmZUFf8Z1bt94mfCO5GHgc_SLAQ_wZeNFU3c4dSaHP2VRcqbXiLyDiSLmGCcoX-Lx8YoNb4OAUyjcuRNR4kSqn09trnl64Rga9qy02QmhPJX8Xfb_TU4aYsz8EA19xWXJMp6QZ/s1600-h/IMG_55753.jpg"><img title="IMG_5575" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_5575" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SdLW-KJH0nI/AAAAAAAAAkg/bO6YXU9MXPU/IMG_5575_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0" /></a> <br />It’s not 7 in the morning, but I just couldn’t resist putting it down in pixels. In the top picture (of these 3),   his chariot leaves behind trails of vanilla plumes as it sweeps out in an arc and leaves towards the west. Looks like Apollo has a streak of exquisiteness in him. :)</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-74973675377394706952009-03-12T02:59:00.002+08:002009-03-15T22:31:00.642+08:00010. Calling the shots at Rifle Range (27th Feb 2009)<p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"> <br />*<u>[CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO GET A CLEARER & BIGGER VERSION :)]</u></p> <p align="justify">To be more precise, this trip also involved traipsing through the the secondary forest of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve before we made our way to Rifle Range Road. However, compared to the previous entries, this one is relatively short as I will be putting more focus on certain creatures. (Who knows when I might get the chance to get within close proximity with these guys in the future right? <strong>;)</strong> ) Besides that, I also managed to make acquaintance with a certain animal that I previously got to know via my textbook, ‘The Natural Heritage of Singapore'. And it’s none other than this creature below. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI-PLpw3sbni_GaPdV0tYJMxllQ2ltTAy8F_Dbo-qzarVqTboo94hQFOa8Az6-dOR0Wk3qTbE8bQKy7Zj7cNtQnlq53j8OCvwavO9BKWTZ2XD96BREJ5-RwQlA2ocaNi1wdUHx301n2zo/s1600-h/IMG_517312.jpg"><img title="IMG_5173-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5173-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysk6Ud8OYtPkfdAgspQ6yaZFDl8ul1UXjXVndlPRtxFv5lUd6sE37oY-Pjqy9Yjnn_XuoikVitV-ytQbkX0sZ5leN0fO9pO5y3lyGAaneM52zB54ioxE-pxoobHGWkIpK5MW_S-nNio57/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="237" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrMKRXY8I/AAAAAAAAAhE/p9foVnvWPA0/s1600-h/IMG_517412.jpg"><img title="IMG_5174-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5174-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrNd9OBpI/AAAAAAAAAhI/PhNUO6CMDOE/IMG_51741_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="237" /></a> <br />A sudden noise towards our left swiftly sent our heads swivelling towards that direction, and what greeted us amongst the fairly dense thicket of green vegetation was a flighty Slender squirrel (<em>Sundasciurus tenuis</em>) <strong>[6]</strong>. Smaller and less common compared to the <a href="http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/verts/squirrel.htm">Plantain Squirrel (<em>Callosciurus notatus</em>)</a>, this slender-tailed squirrel can still be seen at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve <strong>[7]</strong>. Interestingly, its scientific name (in my opinion) is somewhat of an oxymoron. =)</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" align="justify"><span style="font-size:100%;">The term –<em>sciurus </em>originates from the Latin “<em>sciurus </em>"<em> </em>(from Greek “<em>skiouros</em>” : skiā, <i>shadow</i> + ourā, <em>tail</em>) because the tail is supposedly large enough to provide shade for the rest of the animal <strong>[8]</strong>. On the other hand, its specific epithet – <em>tenuis</em> means thin/slender in Latin. Don’t the terms somewhat contradict each other? According to <a href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/slender_squirrel.htm">Ecology Asia</a>, the head-body length is appoximately13-16cm while its tail measures to about 12-13cm. Nevertheless, I can pretty much tell that the tail is not going to be much of a help if this squirrel ever gets caught in the rain.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> >_<</span></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrOHt9FSI/AAAAAAAAAhM/Hoakl0OlqgA/s1600-h/IMG_518114.jpg"><img title="IMG_5181-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5181-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrPEX0r9I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/I3LMpj8p_mo/IMG_51811_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="219" height="316" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">_</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrQGCIm8I/AAAAAAAAAhU/zKmdIkktRhM/s1600-h/IMG_518614.jpg"><img title="IMG_5186-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5186-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrRPWeRGI/AAAAAAAAAhY/9ApA-8Wd1y4/IMG_51861_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="420" height="316" /></a> <br />The picture on the <strong>right</strong> depicts a female Grasshawk dragonfly (<i>Neurothemis fluctuans</i>) <strong>[5]</strong> perching on the top of a blade of grass. However, I am not so sure about the one of the <strong>left</strong>. In fact, this picture was taken at different times, so a similar coloration between both dragonflies doesn’t necessarily mean its from the same species. On the other hand, I just might be thinking too much. But to identify a dragonfly, a snapshot of just the front view would mean peanuts – though it might look artistically appeasing – without a snapshot of its top view. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrSZjdNQI/AAAAAAAAAhc/QRkbj60UbbU/s1600-h/IMG_518312.jpg"><img title="IMG_5183-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5183-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrS_OJSxI/AAAAAAAAAhg/q4v4_Pex7AA/IMG_51831_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrUf-OrDI/AAAAAAAAAhk/eXu_5x0c8JE/s1600-h/IMG_517812.jpg"><img title="IMG_5178-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5178-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrVRFE4HI/AAAAAAAAAho/sMzNrazRD-M/IMG_51781_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="237" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> A hornet, which buzzing iridescent wings caught my attention as it hovered over a frond. There were actually quite a number of these around. Pretty, but their sting packs quite a punch. So, try not to get too close, if possible. =)</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> The Archduke (<em>Lexias pardalis dirteana</em>) is one of the few butterflies (besides the Malay Viscount and the Horsefield’s Baron), which name shares a similarity to the British nobility <strong>[1]</strong>. The reason boggles me too. I am a little uncertain about its identity, but based on its black wings with a distinctive blue margin (and some spots), it’s could possibly be an Archduke (Nymphalidae) <strong>[3]</strong>. One unique characteristic of the beauties from the Nymphalidae family is that their forelegs are undeveloped and cannot be used for walking. So instead of walking on 6, they can only depend on 4. Either way, they are still rather hard to capture when on the wing. >__> Who says only fishing cultivates patience eh?</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT3axFYcSE0BWNmXggrETbauYlVDgUWJhHmejTxdWuZdAjCX3G1U3jxcMWZGOybZipAAZ1M_CYYK-PQmzKQ0LaPAjMHZCdjXI-gLFfWiPlzIA3jEBIRWVmjw_Bgyv9M76v0wVGewEfHki/s1600-h/IMG_522812.jpg"><img title="IMG_5228-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5228-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrXLjNHEI/AAAAAAAAAhw/fHv9HIIDbxw/IMG_52281_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrYCbIRDI/AAAAAAAAAh0/qCQDQbNrJ68/s1600-h/IMG_522612.jpg"><img title="IMG_5226-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5226-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrY_JGMHI/AAAAAAAAAh4/g31W6m9Tk7E/IMG_52261_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />At one of the rest areas in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, a Common Bluebottle (<em>Graphium sarpedon luctatius</em>) <strong>[2]</strong> was seen fluttering on some moist parts along the concrete paths. The ones that are seen are generally males, as they are usually observed to gather in large numbers at moist spots, <em><u>especially</u></em> if it’s tainted with urine <strong>[1]</strong>. O_o Anyway, this butterfly belongs to the family Papilionidae that consists some of the most gorgeous species in the world. In fact, Papilionidae is Latin (<em>papilion</em>) for butterfly! I guess their forms are taken as a general basis on how most butterflies should look like. :)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrapFyTSI/AAAAAAAAAh8/EAQ6Ihg1foc/s1600-h/IMG_519112.jpg"><img title="IMG_5191-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5191-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrbrwneOI/AAAAAAAAAiA/Wc5q5JZ6Krk/IMG_51911_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1x8udHrNBooh8cCIJrW0xdLF3qz9-QBmbhEpZ6pZ9xvK3vCBV2LwZa1YTM3gtoWGigI9ZkuA3nUiriDaOs5gXdCnsa6Sk8qoQ9GoOln728i4jaoJVjzcF_j77rMfHwdaWZyYdgUmDCyX/s1600-h/IMG_519312.jpg"><img title="IMG_5193-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5193-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhreJy9AVI/AAAAAAAAAiI/6fQq-2n0h-8/IMG_51931_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />It must have been a hot day indeed for there was another butterfly seen hovering around the aforementioned moist spots. (Actually, there was someone washing a vehicle nearby, hence the pool of water in the <strong>left</strong> picture.) </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrfb06i9I/AAAAAAAAAiM/J5Se8s4LUXA/s1600-h/IMG_521112.jpg"><img title="IMG_5211-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5211-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrgJIK9AI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/KZ34WxiGwZY/IMG_52111_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="237" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrhbCPLyI/AAAAAAAAAiU/VA8cZB3ffLE/s1600-h/IMG_520812.jpg"><img title="IMG_5208-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5208-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhriE_G1DI/AAAAAAAAAiY/Fkuqf-63Lbs/IMG_52081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />With its slender proboscis unfurled, the male Cruiser (<em>Vindula dejone erotella</em>)<strong> [1]</strong> was all ready to drink till its little-heart content. Slightly larger than the females, the more common males are easily distinguished by its orange-brown hue and wavy black lines along the termen (= wing margin). Like the Common Bluebottle, the males from these species are also frequently found feeding at damp seepages and urine-tainted soil <strong>[9]</strong>. Seeing the word ‘male’ and ‘urine’ occurring twice in a row, was enough to pique my interest. And by the time I finished reading an <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_110/ai_76550327">article</a> pertaining to this peculiarity, I was grinning from cheek to cheek. </p> <p align="justify">It seems that, besides the sugar from nectar, butterflies (like all other creatures) need other nutrients like salts, nitrogen, amino acids and other chemicals for survival and as sex attractants. But other than sugars, plants offer little else of what’s needed by a butterfly. You will be surprised to find out that its buffet can range from a menu of rotting fruits to animals’ excretion! And just like us, butterflies have also evolved the practice of providing ‘wedding gifts’. During sex, males transfer a spermatophore (= a packet of nutrients, salts, and sperm that can weigh as much as half its own weight) to the female, which may depend on the packet as necessary provision for her eggs. Her time and efforts can then be used to find suitable host plants for her eggs. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFtc_iO8IjSAivMzzXUZ_Bny15cnLaGXx9OlowIvaZHZt4T4JpqQM6j2evfCBbHwdRPLbzAKxWjxP8uqtdsU80prJ3DbrgvZiypv9RV1nYwXfaRsMVKxUxufNFWnOoWNePzMSK1wc8Xkf/s1600-h/IMG_52242.jpg"><img title="IMG_5224" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5224" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrkENxE-I/AAAAAAAAAig/m5LlNcjolKs/IMG_5224_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrlTRWPVI/AAAAAAAAAik/Bdi0f69cCGc/s1600-h/IMG_521912.jpg"><img title="IMG_5219-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5219-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrmMBx8NI/AAAAAAAAAio/DXFG8gZQ-Ow/IMG_52191_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />And that’s partly why males – like both the Common Bluebottle and the Cruiser – constitute the vast majority of butterflies clustering at salty or urine-soaked ground. Not only is it easy to find by its strong odour; to an unmated male butterfly, these veritable cocktail of nitrogenous waste, amino acids, salts and excreted sugars are the equivalent of haute cuisine. And if a puddle gets a four-star rating, faeces are twice that much, and carrion even more <strong>[10]</strong>. Though these pretty boys might look delicate, they sure can rough it out for their other half. Come hell and high waters indeed! =)</p> <p align="justify">Just like the Archduke, the Cruiser also belongs to the Nymphalidae family. And as stated, the species from these particular family depend on 4 legs to walk instead of the usual 6. The picture <strong>(right)</strong> of the 4-legged butterfly didn’t strike me as odd before, but after learning this fact did I go “oooooh…”… haha. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrnGcOb4I/AAAAAAAAAis/bNbfr87z1A0/s1600-h/IMG_523312.jpg"><img title="IMG_5233-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5233-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrn7YjKeI/AAAAAAAAAiw/x-i2cqvgu-U/IMG_52331_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrpEoY5iI/AAAAAAAAAi0/YPoq0Zn8gwY/s1600-h/IMG_523412.jpg"><img title="IMG_5234-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5234-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrqUwkyyI/AAAAAAAAAi4/2MgqCjQ-_2I/IMG_52341_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> And the surprises don’t just stop there, for entwined around one of the pillars of the rest area was a Twin-barred Tree Snake (<em>Chrysopelea pelias</em>) <strong>[4]</strong>. According to <a href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/twin-barred_tree-snake.htm">Ecology Asia</a>, this rare reptile of a quiet temperament is mildly venomous. Like the Paradise Tree Snake (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1720411&l=4e214&id=590130718">here</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1720404&l=3991f&id=590130718">here</a>), this species is able to glide considerable distances by inverting its ventral (= lower) surface and launching itself from the tree tops. And of course, with the discovery of its presence, the snake was pretty soon in the spotlight of joggers and tourists alike. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Being the 3rd snake of the day, the Oriental whip snake (<em>Ahaetulla prasina</em>) is a rather common sight compared to the Twin-barred above. Mildly venomous and docile (but this doesn’t mean it can be handled as like), the Oriental whip snake is usually found in forested and rural areas. Compared to its fluorescent green adult, the young are brownish in colour. Interestingly, they are born alive <strong>[11]</strong>. (Another snake I know of that has such an adaptation is the venomous Amphibious sea-snake (<em>Laticauda colubrina</em>). <strong>[6]</strong>)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrrjirl_I/AAAAAAAAAi8/x1gtdQtLg8Q/s1600-h/IMG_52352.jpg"><img title="IMG_5235" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5235" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrspli03I/AAAAAAAAAjA/jDp9TtH0zYw/IMG_5235_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrt_lDEQI/AAAAAAAAAjE/_7-ISwSALqA/s1600-h/IMG_52422.jpg"><img title="IMG_5242" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5242" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrus0gbKI/AAAAAAAAAjI/ntqpvTzdlHY/IMG_5242_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />Slim and elegant, the Oriental is often superbly-camouflaged amongst bright green foliage. In fact, I was really lucky to be able to spot it amidst the sunlight-stricken leaves. The snake has also been observed to be mostly encountered when it is sunning itself on the secondary growth along the forest edge <strong>[11]</strong>. AY has wondered whether there’s a connection between the snake and the plant it was seen on. </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJq7KbVH1fZNRJYJJf-JXI9RIk3LktgP5xngUxSjotqLevYy5bnt0labSH5tJuWvu6WOWzUody_2NRbdxPeKys7S_6YZJvucRctmT6vvlPN8FgZqkORLw_XyEFwlMHo5vIehgaccOhzZ2a/s1600-h/IMG_52454.jpg"><img title="IMG_5245" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5245" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbhrwLT3BwI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/YbnZNH96nkI/IMG_5245_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="317" height="397" /></a> __</span> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrw7YyXBI/AAAAAAAAAjU/SV4lVn-MAIc/s1600-h/IMG_524714.jpg"><img title="IMG_5247-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_5247-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/Sbhrxl60mMI/AAAAAAAAAjY/n_U0Tzc7Hgo/IMG_52471_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="317" height="397" /></a> <br />To distinguish an Oriental whip snake is fairly easy. Besides its eye-catching emerald hue, there is also a thin yellow line running along the sides of the body. This snake was pretty much of a cam-whore (lol..). Why? Well, it was as if it knew we were done with its previous pose and gladly obliged us with another before staying as still as a statue for another celebrity treatment! The picture on the <strong>right</strong> has got to be one of the best snapshots I have of the Oriental! Demure’s the word, yes? ^-^</p> <p align="justify"><strong><u>Reference: <br /></u></strong>1. A Guide to Common Butterflies of Singapore</p> <p align="justify">2. <a title="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/papilionidae/sarpedon.html" href="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/papilionidae/sarpedon.html">http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/papilionidae/sarpedon.html</a></p> <p align="justify">3. <a title="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/nymphalidae/nymphalinae/archduke.htm" href="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/nymphalidae/nymphalinae/archduke.htm">http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/nymphalidae/nymphalinae/archduke.htm</a></p> <p align="justify">4. <a title="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/twin-barred_tree-snake.htm" href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/twin-barred_tree-snake.htm">http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/twin-barred_tree-snake.htm</a></p> <p align="justify">5. <a title="http://www.greenunity.net/odonata/species_details.asp?genusX=Neurothemis&speciesX=fluctuans" href="http://www.greenunity.net/odonata/species_details.asp?genusX=Neurothemis&speciesX=fluctuans">http://www.greenunity.net/odonata/species_details.asp?genusX=Neurothemis&speciesX=fluctuans</a></p> <p align="justify">6. Tan et. al (2006). The Natural Heritage of Singapore. </p> <p align="justify">7. <a title="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/slender_squirrel.htm" href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/slender_squirrel.htm">http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/slender_squirrel.htm</a></p> <p align="justify">8. <a title="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Squirrel" href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Squirrel">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Squirrel</a></p> <p align="justify">9. <a title="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/nymphalidae/nymphalinae/cruiser.htm" href="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/nymphalidae/nymphalinae/cruiser.htm">http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/nymphalidae/nymphalinae/cruiser.htm</a></p> <p align="justify">10. <a title="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_110/ai_76550327" href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_110/ai_76550327">http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_110/ai_76550327</a></p> <p align="justify">11. <a title="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/oriental_whip-snake.htm" href="http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/oriental_whip-snake.htm">http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/oriental_whip-snake.htm</a></p>b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-11418329782917085112009-03-11T00:32:00.001+08:002009-03-15T22:28:25.869+08:00009. Black Beauty of Mandai Road (15th Feb 2009)<p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">*<u>[CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO GET A CLEARER & BIGGER VERSION :)]</u></p> <p align="justify">Who would have thought that walking 5.6km (or at least) could be rather pleasant and almost free from perspiration? (Well at least till the sun climbed to the top of our heads). Even though it was just pretty much a stroll along the car-whizzing road, there were still plenty of creatures which made me “ooh” and “aah” with awe every 10 seconds or so (okay, maybe not that frequent.. but you get my point ^^). Birds greeted us overhead as AY and I began our first steps down the still-isolated road. (Well, rarely anyone wakes up at an ungodly hour like 6 on a Sunday- not most of us anyway- but I digress.)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaGcCDo8CI/AAAAAAAAAX8/F0pFct1yixc/s1600-h/IMG_4378-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4378-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4378-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaGdIncXuI/AAAAAAAAAYE/wEqP-mDLFOM/IMG_4378-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6siaqNNJRX0PT7wiehX867vKo1GhjvQeW4QohT6Mug2eL27YMLc72iEx5xUJOThevB2nHlXAa6JlRzzWxjuv_Za73KkWef-wu9jr3vvEc1vcPX-ZVkvaGGRICqgntZElfidE3rRGpeSOT/s1600-h/IMG_4393-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4393-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4393-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaGlRaAmAI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/7dSN7WkfPiE/IMG_4393-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> Some of the more prominent plants spotted was the Koster’s curse (<em>Clidemia hirta</em>), which opposite leaves are covered with soft hairs. It feels exactly like touching a shaved head (of course, not the ones that are totally <em>botak </em>[= ). Just that on a leaf, it feels kind of weird. Generally, the hairs on its leaves are important for defence against herbivory besides offering protection from the cold, heat and drought. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Apart from the Koster’s curse, the Sarsaparilla vine (<em>Smilax setosa</em>) is also rather hairy, or as it’s more aptly termed, prickly. If you run your fingers down the “hairy”stem, the long prickles bend to the touch, unlike the thorny structures of a bougainvillea. Even so, let’s not all go charging into thick thickets of smilax, for they can still scratch. As you scrutinize the vine more closely, you can actually see a well-camouflaged row of yellow thorns running down the length. Now that’s probably going to hurt some. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaGsSOd19I/AAAAAAAAAYc/5PDu---wClc/s1600-h/IMG_4394-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4394-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4394-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaGtZoIxoI/AAAAAAAAAYk/GpVarEohk4M/IMG_4394-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">_</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaGzfGoHdI/AAAAAAAAAYs/xd-SL9h9RmY/s1600-h/IMG_4390-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4390-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4390-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaG0eg0mpI/AAAAAAAAAY0/OzMQUA6eQ6c/IMG_4390-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> The smilax’s stipular tendrils are used for attaching to support structures (such as the branches, twigs or stems of a tree). As you can see, its tendrils are rather big in terms of diameter. Taking the prickly stem into deduction, it can be said that the plant has been growing for quite some time now to reach such a size. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> And just as I was admiring the wicked (or radical, awesome-looking even) stem, AY and I spotted this spider just right in front, which identity still remains a mystery to me after browsing through “A Guide to Common Singapore Spiders” by Joseph K.H Koh. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaG604FExI/AAAAAAAAAY8/9HRQWx5jQeY/s1600-h/IMG_4381-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4381-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4381-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaG78alWYI/AAAAAAAAAZE/O-JKmNSqA20/IMG_4381-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaG9hdKD9I/AAAAAAAAAZM/8cFkB4l4JTY/s1600-h/IMG_4381-2.jpg"><img title="IMG_4381-2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="236" alt="IMG_4381-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaG-g3s61I/AAAAAAAAAZU/qhMi6GpiP5s/IMG_4381-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />This picture might be familiar to some of you as I have used it in one of the previous entries. However, what’s interesting about this picture is the interaction between the flower of the sendudok (<em>Melastoma malabathricum</em>) & a wasp which identity eludes me. Not that I have not seen bees buzzing around flowers, but to get a shot of one in clear action is a first for me. According to my practical notes, the flowers of the plant is usually buzz-pollinated by carpenter bees (<em>Xylocopa</em> sp.). Buzz pollination occurs when bees curl their bodies over the stamens (male) and emit vibrations that cause the pollen to shoot out from the anthers (= top part of the stamen) onto the underside of the bee <strong>[10]</strong>. This insect is evidently not the bee mentioned, but it’s in the described position.. hmmm.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhu1tg1GBNZJerg8KhxqLJKDsYUdp5e0cNTabb0kDAdrH14vWeUjMY6vdi0A1MP0JdgAKn6lC-xGbYc506RtWkWdcxxap8eEvQLOAs1y8TeErO1Nsk1El7Cyj0ipxZF_dtCJ7RqeqHvaz/s1600-h/IMG_4402-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4402-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4402-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHHbzNx0I/AAAAAAAAAZk/maEQWOSpy1o/IMG_4402-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOoIwqHEQozeqbZ3dclCHQnaja58itNwouXmLnkKySrer9X6quJlrcEfCAj2GHw4raBzZAbW1cTff-me2VTFtz4Ex7RpRx6ycM1Dj3ss4UZcQt_iwfvJKTw9xNfpqd-vlqcw4xfIEwwv2/s1600-h/IMG_4403-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4403-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4403-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHPt5epdI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/riwZ74zmnfk/IMG_4403-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />A plant which leaves and flowers ring no bells in my head. <strong><span style="color: #ff0000">(edit)</span></strong> But after a reminder from AY (thanks btw ^^), I ‘realised’ this was the rough <em>Trema </em>(<em>Trema tomentosa</em>). One of the plant’s characteristics is its central trunk with horizontal branches bearing hairy leaves. In fact, its specific epithet <em>tomentosa </em>originates from the Latin <em>tomentum </em>(= cushion stuffing of wool, hair, etc). The soils here must be pretty good if the land is inhabited by <em>Trema</em> species, as these plants prefer land similar to primary forest (read: undegraded). However, that’s not the only interesting thing about the plant, perching on one of its leaves was…</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHRwTjBqI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/RLR4GdoDiYU/s1600-h/IMG_4400-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4400-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4400-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHSnCv9iI/AAAAAAAAAaI/dBT0wcpCQsc/IMG_4400-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">_</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHa9Ve-JI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/x3HtU563uFo/s1600-h/IMG_4408-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4408-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4408-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHcdqWM2I/AAAAAAAAAaY/9vAEUlU0oTE/IMG_4408-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a> <br />.. a leaf-like, pink-eyed Katydid (<em>Phaneroptera sp.</em>) from the subfamily of False Katydids (Phaneropterinae). (= Despite its misleading name, the false katydid is a true katydid. This is due to the rapid “tic-tic-tic-tic” sound which the male makes by rubbing one wing against the other. This noise is unlike the more traditional katydid call of “katy-did, katy-did.” <strong>[7]</strong> In Panama, it is thought that such short, high-frequency calls make the insects’ detection more difficult for bats <strong>[8]</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHjMMTBrI/AAAAAAAAAak/RRk1Uzlc_jg/s1600-h/IMG_4452-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4452-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4452-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHkozQKeI/AAAAAAAAAas/SIFV0Sg4SGk/IMG_4452-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">_</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDUCKHvrqqpCHnllDYa1Q74y3ucqmSHCo7ECLfKstPU5aX94hRUX8MilLsrRJaroRi6cYeBiU64zksSY-6W6aT4Zba8ld1gDy-Ov_aDzHQc_nTFb22ebdxavGYmkRhsV2Nc8SGYY374rt/s1600-h/IMG_4451-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4451-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4451-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHm5TCbJI/AAAAAAAAAa4/p3O2qsU0o6U/IMG_4451-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" border="0" /></a> <br />And on a <em>Macaranga</em> sp., there were a lot of ants crawling about the fruits stemming from the branches. There was one ant that caught my attention. Curiously, it was holding in its grasp another ant, assumed dead, as it seemed pretty lifeless even if it was carted about like baggage. >_></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHuhZm8ZI/AAAAAAAAAbE/uIrO6BwRunE/s1600-h/IMG_4431-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4431-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4431-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHvsK8VWI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Z5Rn2q08dQw/IMG_4431-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaHzcHhFpI/AAAAAAAAAbU/FK3ty0R9NQw/s1600-h/IMG_4453-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4453-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4453-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaH0Fndi5I/AAAAAAAAAbg/K6A0ACyTMPM/IMG_4453-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> An aposematic stink bug nymph (Tessaratomidae) <strong>[6]</strong>, possibly an <i>Eusthenes</i> Laporte which common name actually deem it as harmless despite its fiery coloration. From the Greek <i>apo-</i> (= away), plus <i>sematic</i>, (= warning, from the Greek <em>sema </em>or sign), <b>aposematic coloration</b> aka <strong>warning coloration </strong>refer to colors/patterns advertising unpalatability/toxicity to predators by organisms without the dangerous characteristics <strong>[9]</strong>. A humbug indeed. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Another bright creature spotted was none other than the Pear-Shaped Leucauge (<i>Opadometa fastigata</i>). Active in daytime, this species of <em>Leucauge</em> differ from its counterparts of the same genus in Singapore in terms of its pear-shaped abdomen and its unique fourth leg. In addition to the two rows of curved hairs (characteristic of <i>Leucauge</i>), that particular leg also has a thick brush of spines which are not present in a majority of other species of <i>Leucauge</i>. <strong>[3]</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaH7sK_jII/AAAAAAAAAbo/EOqghMLLTt0/s1600-h/IMG_4442-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4442-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4442-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaH8p-K2LI/AAAAAAAAAbw/p7aVQ9-URHU/IMG_4442-1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyatywrczaSSdza4BIUHBHgnY-rsRAOHB96sEiPJx6dmCtrxtrAWVluN94SAAk_VLpaHSDWqbGDXgY-1NWAMvMy5xsrC8kxPdk-j0R7HtZM2q-wBT2XrGoefDql1NHHS1Z7Xjsh2mWdhh/s1600-h/IMG_4490-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4490-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4490-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom3gMMASLsC6NuFVzMJXoo5N7YMV9OQ8-S-TbCNqlCbPVRtfAAkpTPY7SCp9eVoDchuwlPHTuYmmeO15hlQImSwiA_WlmjfPij0tsAebCKChKEi_KDjQC4wQbnh7jbnV0cocvpG9uxuIN/?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> <font color="#ff0000"><strong>(edit)</strong></font> Since it was resting on a leaf with widespread wings, I instantly assumed this rather rare Chestnut Angle (<em>Odontoptilum angulata angulata</em>) to be a moth. In fact, it’s a habit of this butterfly to bask with horizontally-held wings <strong>[11]</strong>. Another curious thing I noted was that the wings were horizontally-held – even when it did a 180-manoeuvre! The adults are usually found near its larval food plants such as urban bushlands where the Brown Kurrajong (<em>Commersonia bartramia</em>) grows, or about trees of the Sea Hibiscus (<em>Talipariti tiliaceum</em>) in coastal wetlands <strong>[12]</strong>. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Initially mistaken as a butterfly, this creature is actually a flatid planthopper (Flatidae) – possibly a Torpedo bug (<em>Siphanta acuta</em>) <strong>[4] & [5]</strong>. From the Latin <em>acutus </em>(= sharp), its specific epithet <em>acuta</em> probably refers to the sharply-pointed wingtips of the adult. Its common name – torpedo bug, on the other hand, describes the great leaping ability of the nymphs (= young of the insect that has yet to undergo complete metamorphosis); in fact, mature nymphs can leap as far as 60 cm. But, I am still a little uncertain about its identity though, since there are some tufts coming out of the pointed wingtips (top).</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIFU6qHEI/AAAAAAAAAcI/K7kzG3D8YGw/s1600-h/1-U085848R.jpg"><img title="1-U085848R" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="1-U085848R" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIGq_XaEI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/gA3EE_FVvAA/1-U085848R_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" border="0" /></a> <br />The Malayan (<em>Megisba malaya sikkima</em>) is definitely one of my favourite pictures for that day. Spotted by AY, this gorgeous fellow let us snap till our hearts content before flitting off. Though it might be confused with the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/lycaenidae/puspa.htm">Common Blue Hedge (<em>Acytolepis puspa lambi</em>)</a> at first glance, subsequent notice of the position of the large black spots on the underside of its hindwings easily tells it apart. Besides that, the Malayan of Singapore has short tails sticking out from its hindwings <strong>[2]</strong>. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkwcH-Z5pLqG1WYx-hWMiHojKErVmz1Wx67Z0z14BzeYQjVisA-f7o4bjkNi4VmUKNkE-7HzfmI50DN8ZyLAw7_oAB2iIldDSrGh_zmt1W2iG3f4b-AUd3k4R5XVX4q-Zi9BSQ-3qw1Lq/s1600-h/IMG_4425-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4425-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="397" alt="IMG_4425-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaILxyH17I/AAAAAAAAAck/uwFw58ljVtE/IMG_4425-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIQk-CZtI/AAAAAAAAAcs/HAMEnk1qbFQ/s1600-h/IMG_4446-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4446-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="397" alt="IMG_4446-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIRlyzLCI/AAAAAAAAAc0/4LJ1Dtoj7LQ/IMG_4446-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> With its bright, emerald hue, I don’t think I would ever get bored taking shots of the Green-crested lizard (<em>Bronchocela christatella</em>). Staring defiantly into my direction, this pose will remain one of my absolute favourites. Actually, this guy here was the 2nd green-crested lizard which we came upon on that day. The first which we bumped into, seemed to be rather skittish and leaped off at the sight of us. A sign of them means that they are at least holding out against the displacement from their habitats by the changeable lizard (<em>Calotes versicolor</em>).</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> And speak of the devil, I spotted a changeable lizard (<em>Calotes versicolor</em>) not long after I caught sight of the previous green-crested. It was also in heat to boot. Superb! During the breeding season, males develop a bright red coloration on their heads and shoulders with a black throat. Compared to the more slender green-crested, the changeable certainly looks more aggressive. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIVGB9kMI/AAAAAAAAAc4/YtviKNXUdmw/s1600-h/IMG_4464-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4464-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4464-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIWA15DNI/AAAAAAAAAdE/kNYVk4gxc28/IMG_4464-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIaEl9ICI/AAAAAAAAAdM/ZmEE-HdzwWY/s1600-h/IMG_4514-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4514-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4514-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIbIM8LqI/AAAAAAAAAdU/rHzlGM8uXiM/IMG_4514-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> The Grasshawk dragonfly (<em>Neurothemis fluctuans</em>) (male) is one common dragonfly which can be found almost anywhere. One of its prominent features is its reddish maroon wings and body. However, its wingtips remains distinctively transparent.</p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> A grey dragonfly which I highly doubt is a Common blue skimmer (<em>Orthetrum glaucum</em>). </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIfnIiFkI/AAAAAAAAAdc/jlQ9n275_Zs/s1600-h/2-U085848R.jpg"><img title="2-U085848R" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="486" alt="2-U085848R" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIgrPU1lI/AAAAAAAAAdk/L1gSc25-J_U/2-U085848R_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" border="0" /></a> <br />Again, I have my doubts that this is a female Grasshawk dragonfly (<em>Neurothemis fluctuans</em>), but that’s not my point for blowing the picture to this scale. Doesn’t this dragonfly just describe the sentence: “Smile, you are on candid camera!” perfectly? =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIqRl6LdI/AAAAAAAAAds/5fM8Zbb6SHc/s1600-h/IMG_4484%5B1%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4484" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaIsWfWigI/AAAAAAAAAd4/M4J10zPr85E/IMG_4484_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsmEUKT0QnS8GnO2YeP5DlJ9FR5K5VbtpO_0-hjMvXdOxcNiGfKWIBjKyrp_fPQhjFdwCUJRICYBdvergKsvj9BUcVYB17grPLunpkOkBdzMicpYq8z3PTT_FwaGNRBWv0ZefOcBUGtHC/s1600-h/IMG_4472-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4472-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4472-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tAfX8wPXioRsZhdJGFjVY4A5Qs7Z1qgK4BI95GXRYrcPlzsPlvbJTywOCh1ZlbR2OdGkCr7vXmZSz1lpSVYqBpFzoukNl9H6kXZ6DU1CT3Ui6aB4nxVXuE8xMP0x8VOYPH0Ase2TnEQp/?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />According to AY, this tree covered in pretty, yellow blooms is <em>Polyalthia rumphii </em>(Annonaceae). And what’s special about the plant is the bloom itself. </p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)"></span></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi-IX9C70QcbmufZu2mV10ebJfKZ2RFaC2CCRep1BpubCuO4_dyMPUudS4-iUSnN7x_5iLIeDj0-w5C4qSxEnwD4YK2GxaoQfUhkyJR9GcIpd2SpNJ_ut5ofpVxqnOAUwomDjfvlCCTis/s1600-h/IMG_4487-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4487-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4487-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9utj_ayhS-WMbOkZ-R5AQJJTTnnj96KFq9_z0f99Ju8MVapF2XbSaf4WWRATt5r4q43oFN61P2sRq76XY0ghG2VNY9TwaoZq1dmhQ9-U-cQ5s6kPe4Xc2wt5Vld4IB7vDUxWh-2p3w_Mr/?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78OJjrgOuf50NnLaLuRWW0HyHscuOyji1fep02V-P5M9r7cg88_BPY8BhggaksatRwusRUSqtgLCCzRGfZN2OiEtzx6d3fhD6Uz0kfku3HxbX4qO0rAzqFXqCylkYfMmpgV6j93mAwWbK/s1600-h/IMG_4475-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4475-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4475-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnxYo08mp0mtO7ynX4R_xR4_oLH2R86svscuHo36saycBXH4VLAbh4xa2-ozYUC6mRAI0HGimH6cJMB6TQX7j9j1cRg1pLV76eMtxXXY_WSvyIkKJilsIC03RetSCR9odeKIl3fDsl_wI/?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />From what AY observed, it seems 3 sepals, 3 outer petals and 3 inner petals come together to form the 'basket' structure of one bloom. Numerous stamens are noted, surrounding the pistils. The coloration and texture reminds me of an orchid bloom though.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNAuFp2vgfBtQ6E-QxAUqT6RXkpL7QQ90K8xN2Yv36UjprOcQWMc0wsDHuOKGi14wb8IHrvJ3krD-jtcUb8p7rBO5cKLlYFgXtkp7zzdNZG5Ia8f5ueBg5Kw-_EsK8WOwZ7s5WZZU33B6/s1600-h/IMG_4501-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4501-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4501-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJEE1h_PI/AAAAAAAAAe8/6A_MvEDRejs/IMG_4501-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJHfJgojI/AAAAAAAAAfE/-BYYMd6ljOM/s1600-h/IMG_4508-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4508-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4508-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJIJo-PEI/AAAAAAAAAfM/8zAFIDedrpk/IMG_4508-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />Without a doubt, the Ashanti blood (<em>Mussaenda erythrophylla</em>) has got to be one of the most gorgeous blooms I got to feast my eyes upon. Soaking up the rays of the afternoon sun, the crimson sepals of the vanilla-white flowers seem to emanate a fiery glow. The picture on the right shows the underside of the white blooms. Surprisingly, instead of being totally white like its top, the margin is framed with tiny, red hairs. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJOx-p31I/AAAAAAAAAfU/2WoKvVdCRlc/s1600-h/IMG_4520-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4520-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4520-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRri2QSA1v30-skKx3jcvsq1GEyjDUJmCVmsyJFsIVe-CTTyPF3plWzKkQsFsV4uljMYIfc-HUo_XQDKg2ipK49BCNaYMau-TqL7OYh1W08wCMEdlkzEVF5aH1IZaW0BKyaOPBkoiaUs6a/?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJUNSxVaI/AAAAAAAAAfk/auvATXtsnO8/s1600-h/IMG_4524-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4524-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4524-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJUxqxUNI/AAAAAAAAAfs/e_TFgCFCJiU/IMG_4524-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> A river scene that seemed to have leap off the pages of a Malaysian tourist guide pamphlet. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> A hyperactive Chocolate Grass Yellow (<em>Eurema sari sodalis</em>) feeding on nectar of a tiny, purple flower. This fellow here was so jittery that I should count my blessings to be able to get the shot above. (Of course, plenty of zoom was involved but still..). This species is easily recognized by a squarish patch of reddish-brown marking at the forewing apex on the underside. [1]</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJbIt8t_I/AAAAAAAAAf0/Y6JcRGlOcZE/s1600-h/IMG_4531-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4531-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4531-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJconL-LI/AAAAAAAAAgA/jM6r363IWPI/IMG_4531-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">_</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJekFIaRI/AAAAAAAAAgI/rYOLdbszhEo/s1600-h/IMG_4529-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4529-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_4529-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJfULw69I/AAAAAAAAAgM/oDuXWvxmDso/IMG_4529-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" border="0" /></a> <br />An unknown grasshopper which was spotted as we traversed across a young secondary patch to give the area a quick check-out. What’s distinctive of the grasshopper is the holes alongside its abdomen (on its wings). They aren’t just patterns, but actual holes, as I could easily see through the other side from the opposite (where I was). Awesome huh? =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJkThLBQI/AAAAAAAAAgY/pllUyb1mpxM/s1600-h/IMG_4532%5B1%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4532" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEpZNlT-8JqaHoIZsMjNh_l_oNI3GhJ3gCYBHWU3EOfdr8U9Mj2rABPYEBd4u-xLK3hjAKaZ1aOyBKO9kt65bNWpnseYMDbssIoNHwpJvGoPZz5Ox8TjwffHVdS8JWMc3Xs0Ncgax3JJW/?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153,255,153)">__</span> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJr1eB7JI/AAAAAAAAAgo/YnsVF3KgJ_c/s1600-h/IMG_4534-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4534-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="IMG_4534-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbaJs40wmnI/AAAAAAAAAgs/x7ASwLWtzfE/IMG_4534-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> <br />2 kinds of mushroom which were seen growing on the forest floor. Not sure about their identity either. </p> <p align="justify">The trip soon came to an end as my tummy decided to make its presence known. Calls from the Asian Glossy Starlings and Javan Mynas were the last thing we heard from the Mandai Road as we boarded the bus back. In all, two thumbs up!!</p> <p align="justify"><em><span style="font-size: 85%"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000">**</span></strong>Thanks AY & Anonymous for pointing out the errors! :)</span></em></p> <p align="justify"><strong><u>Reference:</u></strong> <br />1. A Guide to Common Butterflies of Singapore p.77</p> <p align="justify">2. http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/2382/lycaenidae/malaya.htm</p> <p align="justify">3. http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/spiders/text/Leucauge_fastigata.htm</p> <p align="justify">4. http://bugguide.net/node/view/12744/bgimage?from=84</p> <p align="justify">5. http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/Kbase/Crop/Type/s_acuta.htm</p> <p align="justify">6. http://flickr.com/photos/artour_a/2327598419/</p> <p align="justify">7. http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/abouttheanimals/invertebrates/insects/grasshopperskatydidscricke/falsekatydid.htm</p> <p align="justify">8. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/201027/false-katydid</p> <p align="justify">9. http://bugguide.net/node/view/116288</p> <p align="justify">10. Tan et. al (2006) The Natural Heritage of Singapore. </p> <p align="justify">11. http://www.naturemagics.com/butterfly/odontoptilum-angulata.shtm</p> <p align="justify">12. http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2008/03/life-history-of-chestnut-angle_09.html</p> b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2173030292897330358.post-18812915021651077142009-03-04T21:11:00.001+08:002009-03-15T22:32:07.785+08:00008. Of ‘Suns’ & Sparkles (8th Feb 2009) - キラキラの初めて Part 2<p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"> <br />*<u>[CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO GET A CLEARER & BIGGER VERSION :)]</u></p> <p align="justify">Of course, the adventures that later led to キラキラの初めて (kira-kira no hajimete) has yet to come. After a rather long, albeit jerky nap on the bus, it was time to continue on the journey, with this time being along the Upper Seletar Road. And along the way, we found some ‘gold’. =)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWYIf19iI/AAAAAAAAAPo/TFLxctwTVEI/s1600-h/IMG_409012.jpg"><img title="IMG_4090-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4090-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWY-iB3-I/AAAAAAAAAPs/ZoMpuClmeiI/IMG_40901_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWaCigKOI/AAAAAAAAAPw/dLO78SY1rfY/s1600-h/IMG_4104-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4104-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4104-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWa-GeeBI/AAAAAAAAAP0/n5wkUcJiZPE/IMG_4104-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> </span> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> On the leaf of a Koster’s curse (<em>Clidemia hirta</em>), AY found a shiny, golden beetle <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">(edit)</span></strong>. Did you know that there’s a difference between a bug and a beetle?<strong>*</strong> Identification would be a little hard since I did not manage to get a top and front view of the insect. Besides being all shimmery and shiny, this bug also have several spots (3 if I am not mistaken) on its back. </p> <p align="justify">*<strong>True bugs</strong> belong to the Order Hemiptera (hemi = half + ptera = wing) because of its forewings which are hardened near the base, but membranous at the ends. Its defining feature is its possession of mouthparts which have evolved into a proboscis and forms a "beak" of sorts which is capable of piercing tissues (usually plant tissues) and sucking out the liquids, usually sap. <br />On the other hand, <strong>beetles</strong> belong to the Order Coleoptera (coleo = shield + ptera = wing) because of its hardened shield-like forewing. Some examples besides the beetles are the ladybugs and weevils. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Another insect which was also found nearby. I am not too sure about its identity though. But I have a feeling that this might be a cricket. Any ideas?</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWcImrWcI/AAAAAAAAAP4/ag5gOyifFVc/s1600-h/IMG_4101%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4101" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4101" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWdP5UTcI/AAAAAAAAAP8/DFLTbP2D1MA/IMG_4101_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="420" height="316" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">_</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWeJOiZpI/AAAAAAAAAQA/6eIrVckJaR8/s1600-h/IMG_4103-1%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4103-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4103-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWfPBhCoI/AAAAAAAAAQE/0_vp9MKs7Fg/IMG_4103-1_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="219" height="316" /></a> <br />After checking up on the ‘A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia’ by Craig Robinson, the drongo that was spotted should be the Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo (<em>Dicrurus paradiseus</em>) as the species has a forked tail with long bare outer shafts (though it ain’t that visible -.- ). It cannot be the Lesser Racket-Tailed Drongo (<em>Dicrurus remifer</em>) since this species has a square tail tip instead. <strong>[1]</strong> AY, my apologies for the erroneous identification. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_PMP65Nk08AC8k8NZyXBTqinuTORV_H4mZ7ASxPkwqqSN9ZiNgw-uHTwddFP9Ep-d-t5f3Q8KSDcA7aWhvmALuBKwYyNICkVGe1npzM2mQc6UH9PbWjI2CB6lkoQZofN9ed8P1-HQLb-/s1600-h/IMG_4107%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4107" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4107" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWhIzC7qI/AAAAAAAAAQM/1NiQigtq2VU/IMG_4107_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWiI9yZJI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/0Rx9PiA_PVY/s1600-h/IMG_4110-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4110-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4110-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTDo-A_L89vaQtE2H6fymGZ8EpPt9qZKl62UAiRpUji65RLDYXoLOJEnC9eLoNQ5zoek2On7yyrAtWXvNrHvx1FvNeCUDgnXWBgo-urMKwTha8qPW0GtGQDo_9ln3YZcT3O-hYRZqk5ma/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br /><strong>(left):</strong> A snapshot of a plant with its leaves being perfectly heart-shaped! </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(right):</strong> Unlike the previous plant which just the margin being white, the entire leaf of the <em>Congea tomentosa</em> is whitish-silver. The stuff that lies in the middle is its inflorescence (= cluster of flowers), which can be described as rather tiny in size. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWkHNnEuI/AAAAAAAAAQY/hduWx7qs41w/s1600-h/IMG_4111-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4111-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4111-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWkyPDd-I/AAAAAAAAAQc/rHJ0TlidVpo/IMG_4111-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWmZkFsLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/njSKKBoVsuQ/s1600-h/IMG_4116-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4116-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4116-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWnKBzevI/AAAAAAAAAQk/YKaAgXHu-Wk/IMG_4116-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />As I sat on the ledge overlooking the reservoir, I snapped pictures of the view that flanked both my sides. With the sun hidden behind the clouds, the air turned cooler. It was simply heaven as I sat down to relax while enjoying the gentle caress of the breeze. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWoU7_3dI/AAAAAAAAAQo/x4KMta4bs0Q/s1600-h/IMG_4118-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4118-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4118-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKc9YcEbxapfZgZq55siNSHti-K75Tb8aKCkq7j5G5o8RoGHszJ9hG9HSD9DcHx5mrLzeFRaAwC82XoDIjvuy4Z4yWdq2Xr0DD7PebsWtSlRHq1hTMIBSfO2MIYtmKM3y2EuTw7FkaFK7U/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWq2fb7fI/AAAAAAAAAQw/iZF5K71ltCY/s1600-h/IMG_4119-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4119-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4119-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWrhChl1I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/UEHAuD038eY/IMG_4119-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />As much as I would like to stay on longer, it was time to head back to campus as the journey back would take quite a while. However, AY and I came to a stand-still when we heard rustling in the bushes. And the cause was none other than the changeable lizard (<em>Calotes versicolor</em>). It’s a pretty common species that can be seen in most urban areas where trees have been planted such as parks, gardens, tree-lined roads etc. However, this guy here comes from a genus that’s not native to Singapore, but is believed to have been introduced from northern Peninsular Malaysia or southern Thailand. It’s presence is believed to have caused a decrease in the numbers of the indigenous green crested lizard (<em>Bronchocela christatella</em>). <strong>[2] </strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwrqaduPBvo8PF9KrfgfMqbdNZ24BOgRytN6CM-kgGfVFgV_iLVpVm-cX8TzEvBxAaluf-SbZU4YrL5_2qYKDo1KlmYrIsWAyXpyLaCNWmtYlqIHxMBfkpVZtZ0zzwzvyJN4c4wcsLW6H/s1600-h/IMG_4136-2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4136-2" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4136-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWtpGZOhI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/NX3ViNrx0kw/IMG_4136-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="237" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWujRKlgI/AAAAAAAAARA/cC_jfHz7tmQ/s1600-h/IMG_4137-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4137-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4137-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWvg4PeaI/AAAAAAAAARE/URhcYvrktu4/IMG_4137-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />And just as were trying to locate the lizard which seemed to have escaped into the shrubs, our ears caught the loud, rising calls of the Olive-backed Sunbird (<em>Cinnyris jugularis</em>). The female (as depicted by both pictures above) possesses a downcurved bill, an all-yellow underside with an extensive white hue at its tail. <strong>[1]</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWwoexDNI/AAAAAAAAARI/MdsR_zSHgOQ/s1600-h/IMG_4147-2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4147-2" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4147-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWxiGUtcI/AAAAAAAAARM/hu8REoWsut8/IMG_4147-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWzFQfYgI/AAAAAAAAARQ/8jRVIMR-W8k/s1600-h/IMG_4148-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4148-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4148-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKWz_UdblI/AAAAAAAAARU/fijfix99R30/IMG_4148-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />With a curious look, it peered at my direction before it went on to feed on the Ixora which it was perching daintily upon. However, it wasn’t easy to catch this female in action as it was all ready to take to the skies at the slightest disturbance. But then again, she wasn’t as hard to get a snapshot of as compared to the male one. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKW1EVDTUI/AAAAAAAAARY/BcO6mwYuKbM/s1600-h/IMG_4144%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4144" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4144" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKW2PVNafI/AAAAAAAAARc/lV6crDBYDfg/IMG_4144_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKW3k9C6OI/AAAAAAAAARg/-hSYdkBeOYU/s1600-h/IMG_4152%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4152" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4152" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKW4pCNVbI/AAAAAAAAARk/ErDhOwI1eqw/IMG_4152_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />The males are more conspicuous (and let’s not forget, pretty too) as its forehead, throat and breast are an iridescent black-blue. There were altogether 3 of the sunbirds which we spotted. One was the female while the other 2 were these males (one was chubbier than the other). <strong>[1]</strong> Not only were they flighty, they also tend to stop and rest behind a cover of branches, twigs and leaves; making it rather difficult for me to capture a decent picture of them. Compared to me, AY had more luck with them. =p </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKW9DZMuFI/AAAAAAAAARo/qlHdW_5-Z-0/s1600-h/IMG_4154-1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4154-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4154-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKW-kYgkNI/AAAAAAAAARs/kcY0T5KbuyM/IMG_4154-1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="647" height="486" /></a> <br />After having our fill with the rather flighty trio, we turned and caught sight of the most splendid scenery for that afternoon. As the sun rays hit the lapping waves of the reservoir, the upper surface of the waters lit afire with the sparkle (@キラキラ) akin to diamonds and precious jewels. A priceless moment indeed~~</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKW_0ndlBI/AAAAAAAAARw/d8pK-A1YFgc/s1600-h/IMG_4161%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4161" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4161" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKXA1yu7aI/AAAAAAAAAR0/DhqGfZFHn_8/IMG_4161_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="420" height="316" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">_</span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbMOOWxGpwI/AAAAAAAAASg/lH_W3sAgXHo/s1600-h/IMG_4162-1.jpg"><img title="IMG_4162-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4162-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKXCuKFAZI/AAAAAAAAASo/sB3pBoEvVhY/IMG_4162-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="219" height="316" /></a> <br />On the receding 'beach' (due to a long week without rain), the seashore morning glory (<em>Ipomoea pes-caprae</em>) proliferated with abundance on the sandy substrate. A sun-loving plant, it’s no wonder that this plant seemed to be blooming in abundance. Their growth is quick and flat on the ground on sites closest to the seafront. This exclude other competitors as they soon cover an extensive part of the land. <strong>[2]</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrof_n0rRx0dvnZx2dfyPEZ6AN8-aRterfS72yCOW6ccGBF2jUq5R7dgXoxNY_hsR4vuHk9LKo02UZo2U-taaLldG22d3xjhs_tkSr_jnfIGSrUXy-K3KnqNscybUOcTtnCgTr6axbiiY/s1600-h/IMG_4164-1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4164-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4164-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXruzgPJnH-NpIjBlvH6XL6qj6otGkA45rm2IiipHHkPOn8ONl6Edi-V08_luDCPqj4XanBoxY0_FkibbdXib5XFb8zRLFUpDJ3jHur0gqF_NeBaulc05-jPZ0fTHQ29ro-n1KjAsdO_H/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="219" height="316" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">_</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGvLuErpk-Z4fKgGeQXyo5OEEyhbyQJxVyc2CX_Nqo3T42ei-ymbKbUIz5tF2hZIoae1puroIRaELUiQwNq4ljaqAkrrhyphenhyphenxqFvP7FedR_SeqoKiTrs49vm8OYPlRbz6wxvAyaNbpS1U-P/s1600-h/IMG_4165-1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4165-1" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4165-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKXHEAHasI/AAAAAAAAASM/utmPdpBGjiw/IMG_4165-1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="420" height="316" /></a> <br />According to AY, this plant which bears this small, purplish blossom is the <em>Elephantopus scaber</em>. It’s a weed that grows close to the ground. As can be seen (with close-up scrutinization), one can see that the stem of the plant is rather hairy. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKXIdOmKAI/AAAAAAAAASQ/9qBda6Uh-QQ/s1600-h/IMG_4166%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4166" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4166" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKXJO1RH2I/AAAAAAAAASU/n3Woezp7ExM/IMG_4166_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">__</span> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKXKEbzpzI/AAAAAAAAASY/5bikDytEJaE/s1600-h/IMG_4167%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4167" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="IMG_4167" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8H664WbRmJE/SbKXLGpM_SI/AAAAAAAAASc/TAom8ZsWfVA/IMG_4167_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="316" height="238" /></a> <br />It all seemed too soon when the trip ended. And as we walked along the dusty, grey road (left), AY and I gave the reservoir one last glance before taking the bus back to NUS. All in all, it was a fruitful day… no doubts about that. ^^v </p> <span style="font-size:78%;">** My apologies for the previous mistakes, which has been clarified and rectified. <br />Thanks LK, for the pointing out the errors! =)</span> <p align="justify"><strong><u>References:</u></strong> <br />1. ‘A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia’ by Craig Robinson </p> <p align="justify">2. Tan et al. (2006). The Natural Heritage of Singapore</p>b-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257981941772938022noreply@blogger.com0