Singapore forests Flashcards
What did Singapore look like in the past?
-It was an island with lush green vegetation before the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles
-Most areas were covered with Primary Tropical Forest
-There were also pockets of Mangrove Forests along the coastline
-Besides the various species of plants, several animals were also part of the forest including tigers
What is so special about Singapore’s Green View Index
-It is the highest based on a list of 17 nations
-Singapore Green View Index is 29.3%
What is Green View Index?
-measures the percentage of tree canopy coverage of locations
What are the reasons whereas why Singapore lost so much of its forests?
-Agriculture
-Aquaculture
-Growing Population
-Transport needs
How does agriculture made Singapore lost forests?
-Rise in Gambler and Pepper plantations
-Farmers clear forests for Gambier plantations
Why was there a rise in Gambler and pepper plantations?
-Due to increasing demand for dyeing and tanning industries
-Lack of gambier plantations
How many Gambier and pepper plantations were there in the 1840’s?
Around 400
Why did farmers clear forests for Gambier plantations?
-Gambier plantation survival rate of about (idk have to ask)%
-After which the soil as exhausted and infertile so farmers went on to clear new land
How does aquaculture made Singapore lose forests?
-Large prawn farms build along coastal areas - mainly Mangrove Forests
-mangrove habitats were destroyed to make 1-2 hectares of shallow ponds
-Embankments are created along the ponds
-Sluice gates allow for water allow for water exchange between the ponds and the other areas of the mangrove forest
-Prawn ponds are often treated with medication
How does growing population lose forests?
-Singapore population increased from 1.6 million in 1960 to 5.7 million in 2019
-Conversion of forested of forested areas to residential areas, offices, industries and entertainment outlets
-Singapore has a high rate of urban development
How does Transport needs lose forests?
-Transport network have been continuously developed in Singapore
-About 12% of land in Singapore is comprised of road networks
to increase connectivity as more MRT lines are also developed.
What are the impacts of Deforestation in Singapore?
Urban warming
Loss of Biodiversity
Loss of Coastal Protection
How does Urban warming impact Singapore?
-Trees provide shade and absorb incoming radiation from the sun during transpiration which cools surrounding areas
-The change of urban landscape from trees to concrete increases heat absorption which creates a warmer urban environment
How does loss of biodiversity impact Singapore?
