Two pivotal roles
of the Park are Conservation and Research. In recognition of the area
as an important wetland site in Singapore, efforts are being made to maximise
the carrying capacity of the reserve for birds and other wildlife. Carrying
capacity refers to the number of birds the mudflats can support based
on the food available. In addition, it is hoped that judicious research
and management efforts made will contribute to ornithological and biological
knowledge regionally and internationally.
One
ongoing long-term project, a joint study with the National Institute of
Education (Nanyang Technological University), involves studying the carrying
capacity of the mudflats of the Park. Changes in the levels of their food
source, benthic (seabottom-dwelling) organisms found in the mudflats are
being studied in relation to time and space. The feeding habits of the
waders, in particular, the Common Redshank are also being monitored. Mud
at different areas is sampled on a monthly basis to determine the number
and type of benthic organisms in the ponds. Certain parameters are varied,
such as vegetation cover and the frequency with which the ponds are flushed
with sea water.
Any correlation between the number of waders feeding on the mudflats and
the number of benthic organisms present will enable us to better manage
the ponds so as to maximise productivity of the mudflats, in order to
attract more birds to stay at Sungei Buloh.
A preliminary mapping study is also being done to identify the different
habitats needed by the birds (waders and otherwise) for feeding, roosting
and nesting, so as to better manage the Park to suit the birds' needs.
Basic
inventory of the flora and fauna of the Park is being taken. Plant specimens
collected are pressed and identified. A set of the more common specimens
is kept at the Resource Room for educational purposes. With the information
collected, a map of Park vegetation is being constructed. Collection and
identification of the Park fauna is also in progress. A reference collection
is being developed, with special emphasis on arthropods (animals with
hard, external skeleton and jointed limbs), fishes, amphibians and reptiles.
The collection and listing of fauna is a joint study conducted with the
Zoological Reference Collection (National University of Singapore).
The
rate of colonisation and regeneration of mangroves at Pulau Buloh and
the Visitor Centre is being studied. All mangrove trees at two study plots
will be tagged and mapped. Their growth, death and regeneration will be
monitored on a long-term basis. This project is being carried out together
with a research team from the National Institute of Education (Nanyang
Technological University). The results of these studies would determine
the future direction that park management policies take, hence the importance
of understanding the Park, its varied inhabitants and habitats. If you
would like to contribute to these efforts as a volunteer attached to the
Scientific Department, call the Scientific Officer for more details.
Site
Studies 
One
ongoing long-term project, a joint study with the National Institute of
Education (Nanyang Technological University), involves studying the carrying
capacity of the mudflats of the Park. Changes in the levels of their food
source, benthic (seabottom-dwelling) organisms found in the mudflats are
being studied in relation to time and space. The feeding habits of the
waders, in particular, the Common Redshank are also being monitored. Mud
at different areas is sampled on a monthly basis to determine the number
and type of benthic organisms in the ponds. Certain parameters are varied,
such as vegetation cover and the frequency with which the ponds are flushed
with sea water. 
Basic
inventory of the flora and fauna of the Park is being taken. Plant specimens
collected are pressed and identified. A set of the more common specimens
is kept at the Resource Room for educational purposes. With the information
collected, a map of Park vegetation is being constructed. Collection and
identification of the Park fauna is also in progress. A reference collection
is being developed, with special emphasis on arthropods (animals with
hard, external skeleton and jointed limbs), fishes, amphibians and reptiles.
The collection and listing of fauna is a joint study conducted with the
Zoological Reference Collection (National University of Singapore). 
The
rate of colonisation and regeneration of mangroves at Pulau Buloh and
the Visitor Centre is being studied. All mangrove trees at two study plots
will be tagged and mapped. Their growth, death and regeneration will be
monitored on a long-term basis. This project is being carried out together
with a research team from the National Institute of Education (Nanyang
Technological University). The results of these studies would determine
the future direction that park management policies take, hence the importance
of understanding the Park, its varied inhabitants and habitats. If you
would like to contribute to these efforts as a volunteer attached to the
Scientific Department, call the Scientific Officer for more details.