| Survey of Chek Jawa (22 Aug 01) |
| Chek
Jawa: What's So Special? by joseph lai Chek Jawa, located on the easternmost tip of Pulau Ubin, is a unique coastal haven, comprising six major habitats. These are coastal forest, sandy beach, mangrove, lagoon, rubble-strewn, coral flat and a tiny island, all packed within a small area of about one square kilometre. The shallow low-tide lagoon, consisting of fine sands, supports a rich marine flora, estimated at 28 species of seaweeds and 7 species of seagrasses. The red algae, Congracilaria babae, was recorded for the first time in Singapore. All four native species of Halophila (seagrass) can be found, including the rare and tiny Halophila beccarrii. The seagrass bed is extensive and supports an astonishing diversity of marine fauna not commonly found elsewhere in Singapore. These include various species of Carpet Anemones, Sea Stars, Sand Dollars and Sea Cucumbers. Three exciting fishes have also been discovered by staff of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research - a new record of a Threadfin Shad, a rarely collected Spotted Pipefish, and probably an undescribed new species of a Blue-spotted Goby. Rare and multi-colored sponges abound on the degrading coral flat. This living collection is indeed a potentially valuable asset for our bio-medical research communities in Singapore. Toxins derived from sponges are considered as having potential for AIDS and cancer research throughout the world. A species of otter has recorded at Chek Jawa by the National Parks staff managing Pulau Ubin, while Pied Hornbills and the native Red Jungle Fowls are commonly sighted by visitors in the coastal forest. Many rare coastal trees, such as the previously extinct Seashore Nutmeg (Knema globularia) and Seashore Mangosteen (Garcinia hombroniana), grow on the sandy beach. A recently recorded species in Singapore, Pouteria linggensis (Chiku Family), has also been found in Chek Jawa. A two-day guided visit at Chek Jawa October saw what may possibly be a record turnout for a public education walk in Singapore. Conservative estimates suggest that there were 250 people on Friday and 630 on Saturday. Chek Jawa has indeed won the hearts of many. For some, it is a giant touch pool, a playground, and a poet’s corner. For others, Chek Jawa is a natural wonder with huge potential for education and research. There is also the recreation and tourism potential. It is a pity that such a wonder of nature may soon be lost. If there is any way in which Chek Jawa can be conserved for the enjoyment of future generations of Singaporeans, then every attempt should be made to explore this possibility. We may be judged harshly by future generations of Singaporeans if we fail to do so. |