"Mangrove studies in Kranji Mangroves"
by UROPS students of the Dept of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore

Friday, 4th June 2004: 3.00pm – 4.00pm
DBS Seminar Room 4
Blk S2, Level 2 , Department of Biological Sciences
The National University of Singapore
Science Drive 4

Visitors may park at Carpark 10
See map

Also on

Saturday 12th June 2004: 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve
Visitor Centre Theatrette
Talk will be followed by a short field trip.

Host: N. Sivasothi (RMBR)

About the talk
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[1] "Population and distribution of Mangrove prawns at the Kranji Nature Trail estuaries, Western Johor Straits"
Six species of prawns are known to be the residents of mangroves in Buloh-Kranji mangroves: the mangrove snapping shrimps, Alpheus euphrosyne and A. microrhynchus, and the mangrove shrimps, Caridina propinqua, Potamalpheops tigger, P. johnsoni and Athanas polymorphus. This study was focused on the distribution of the mangrove snapping shrimps (Alpheus spp.)

In Singapore mangroves, the snapping sound generated by their enlarged claws is commonly heard but rarely seen. Various sub-habitats within the mangroves were sampled and use of audio cues as a means of detection was attempted. A. euphrosyne, was found in large numbers in very specific sub-habitats. Incidental encounters of the rarer species of P. tigger, P. johnsoni and A. polymorphus were in larger numbers and greater frequency previously encountered, suggesting a sub-habitat near to or overlapping with the snapping shrimps. C. propinqua populations on other hand, are found near to back mangroves, and associated with freshwater.

[2] "Population and distribution of Horseshoe Crab Carcinoscopius rotundicauda at the Kranji Nature Trail estuaries, Western Johor Straits".
The distribution of C. rotundicauda was examined and the possible relationships between sub-habitat preference and size class. Sampling was conducted over in five main sites and seven different sub-habitats – small pools, shallow streamlets, streams, edge of streams, on mud and half or fully buried in mud.

A total of 162 horseshoe crabs were recorded and adults and juveniles are concentrated in different areas. Juveniles can be found in high numbers on shallow streamlets linked to the main drainage while adults were discovered in small numbers along streams. Fully buried horseshoe crabs found at the edge of the study site suggests the possibility of high numbers in mudflats. This study will be continued to better assess the population and the seasonality, if any, of C. rotundicauda.

ALL ARE WELCOME!  

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