Map layers describing the provision of key urban ecosystem services in Singapore, and supporting methods file documenting the processes used to create these layers. These datasets have been produced through the Natural Capital Singapore research project.
The only Caryota species native to Singapore, C. mitis is an important ecological resource for a diversity of fauna. However, little is known about the autecology of this charismatic, commonly cultivated palm. This is the first study that focuses on the autecology of C. mitis in Singapore, investigating the following ecological attributes: (1) their population demography; (2) differences in densities of C. mitis individuals between forest edges and interiors, and different vegetation types in secondary forests of Singapore; (3) fruit set; and (4) resource utilization for food and shelter by fauna in Singapore. Our results demonstrate that C. mitis thrives under disturbance, with significantly more individuals found in highly disturbed vegetation type, and more juveniles to adults along forest edges compared to the interior. Fruit set of C. mitis was estimated to be 31.88%, with each infructescence producing on average 805 fruits (n= 15). Eighteen species of insects over four orders (Hymenoptera; Coleoptera; Lepidoptera; and Hemiptera) were observed to utilize C. mitis for either food or shelter, and camera trapping (n = 562 trap nights) revealed five vertebrate taxa foraging on the fruits – pink-necked green pigeon (Treron vernans), oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), common palm civet (Paradoxurus musangus), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fasicularis) and plantain squirrel (Calloscirurus notatus). The ecological importance of C. mitis in maintaining food resources in the highly fragmented landscape of Singapore has important implications in reforestation and rehabilitation efforts in the region, considering their potential to thrive in disturbed habitats and along forest edges.
Data used in Figures 2, 3, and 4 of the publication; Drillet Z#, Fung TK#, Leong RAT, Sachidhanandam U, Edwards PJ, Richards DR (2020). Urban vegetation types are not perceived equally in the provision of ecosystem services and disservices. Sustainability 12: 2076. #Indicates equal contribution.
Available open access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/5/2076
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as viable tools for sustainable urban water management. This article explores the implementation of NbS in two distinct cities, Singapore and Lisbon, to demonstrate that NbS can work in very different contexts and spark new thoughts on the urban–nature relationship and to identify commonalities that drive and enable the implementation of NbS in different context. Literature review-based research was conducted to examine the types of NbS implemented, the common drivers, the governance model, and the plural functionalities of the solutions. The research shows that, despite the differences, the two cities shared common drivers (including water supply, flood control, and resident demand for green space) and goals, such as improving water quality and overall quality of life, through the deployment of NbS. With rapid urban expansion, water use increase, and the impacts of climate change, NbS can be effective tools to deliver integrated benefits and improve the liveability of cities.
The only Caryota species native to Singapore, C. mitis is an important ecological resource for a diversity of fauna. However, little is known about the autecology of this charismatic, commonly cultivated palm. This is the first study that focuses on the autecology of C. mitis in Singapore, investigating the following ecological attributes: (1) their population demography; (2) differences in densities of C. mitis individuals between forest edges and interiors, and different vegetation types in secondary forests of Singapore; (3) fruit set; and (4) resource utilization for food and shelter by fauna in Singapore. Our results demonstrate that C. mitis thrives under disturbance, with significantly more individuals found in highly disturbed vegetation type, and more juveniles to adults along forest edges compared to the interior. Fruit set of C. mitis was estimated to be 31.88%, with each infructescence producing on average 805 fruits (n= 15). Eighteen species of insects over four orders (Hymenoptera; Coleoptera; Lepidoptera; and Hemiptera) were observed to utilize C. mitis for either food or shelter, and camera trapping (n = 562 trap nights) revealed five vertebrate taxa foraging on the fruits – pink-necked green pigeon (Treron vernans), oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), common palm civet (Paradoxurus musangus), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fasicularis) and plantain squirrel (Calloscirurus notatus). The ecological importance of C. mitis in maintaining food resources in the highly fragmented landscape of Singapore has important implications in reforestation and rehabilitation efforts in the region, considering their potential to thrive in disturbed habitats and along forest edges.
Urban residents can benefit from spending time in outdoor spaces and engaging with nature-related activities. Such engagement can improve health and well-being, support community cohesion, and improve environmentally-friendly behaviours. However, engagement with nature may not be equal amongst different members of society. We investigated individual variation in engagement with nature in Singapore, a high-density city in tropical Southeast Asia. Through a survey of 1000 residents, we analysed relationships between demographic factors such as age, income, and sex, and the frequency of visitation to different ecosystem types, and the frequency of engagement with different nature-related activities. Parks and neighbourhood open spaces were among the most commonly-visited outdoor spaces, with nature reserves and other natural areas being visited less frequently. Common activities included sitting outdoors, art and photography, and running, while hiking and nature recreation were less frequent. In contrast with previous studies, we found relatively small differences among different groups of the population in their preferred types of outdoor activities. Older people, those with lower incomes, and without degrees were less likely to visit most types of outdoor space and engage with most types of nature-related activities. In the case of nature reserves, the distance from the visitor's home had a significantly negative influence on the frequency of visitation. These findings demonstrate that the benefits of engagement with nature are not equally enjoyed by all demographic groups, and that some groups lack engagement across the board. Strategies to increase nature engagement in tropical cities could include increasing the local availability and accessibility of different types of outdoor space, and education and public outreach programmes to encourage participation.
Urban vegetation is important in providing ecosystem services to people. Different urban vegetation types provide contrasting suites of ecosystem services and disservices. Understanding public perceptions of the ecosystem services and disservices can therefore play an important role in shaping the planning and management of urban areas. We conducted an online survey (n = 1000) to understand how residents in the tropical city of Singapore perceived urban vegetation and the associated ecosystem services and disservices. The questionnaire was designed to explore whether different urban vegetation types (grass, shrubs, trees, trees over shrubs, and secondary forest) were perceived as equal in providing benefits. Respondents considered ecosystem services provided by urban vegetation to be more important than disservices. Among ecosystem services, regulating services were most highly rated, with more than 80% of the respondents appreciating urban vegetation for providing shade and improving air quality. Respondents recognized that different vegetation types provided different ecosystem services. For example, secondary forest was most commonly associated with education and wildlife, while trees were strongly associated with cooling and air quality. We conclude that in developing plans and designs for urban vegetation and ecosystem services, it is important to understand the perceptions, priorities, and concerns of residents.
'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' transform='translate(288.889 -214.211)'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' transform='translate(108 342.749)'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' transform='translate(469.189 342.749)'/%3e%3c/svg%3e)
'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' transform='rotate(144 450 300)'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' transform='rotate(216 450 300)'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' transform='rotate(288 450 300)'/%3e%3c/svg%3e)
'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23d' x='45.714'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23e' transform='matrix(-1 0 0 1 479.792 0)'/%3e%3cg id='f' fill='%23fff'%3e%3cpath fill='%23039' d='M232.636 202.406v.005c0 2.212.85 4.227 2.212 5.69 1.365 1.466 3.245 2.377 5.302 2.377 2.067 0 3.944-.905 5.303-2.365 1.358-1.459 2.202-3.472 2.202-5.693v-10.768l-14.992-.013-.028 10.766'/%3e%3ccircle cx='236.074' cy='195.735' r='1.486'/%3e%3ccircle cx='244.392' cy='195.742' r='1.486'/%3e%3ccircle cx='240.225' cy='199.735' r='1.486'/%3e%3ccircle cx='236.074' cy='203.916' r='1.486'/%3e%3ccircle cx='244.383' cy='203.905' r='1.486'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23f' y='-26.016'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23f' x='-20.799'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23f' x='20.745'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23f' y='25.784'/%3e%3c/svg%3e)