The vegetation in the Nature Reserves of Singapore

Abstract

Singapore's native, non-coastal biota is almost entirely forest-dependent. Progressive deforestation during the nineteenth century reduced forest cover to isolated patches in a matrix of grassland. All primary forest patches outside the nature reserves were cleared but protection within the reserves has allowed the growth of secondary forest. The surviving primary forest patches are still distinct from the oldest secondary forest in their species diversity and structural complexity. The freshwater swamp forest at Nee Soon is also clearly distinct from the dryland primary forest. The highest conservation priority must be given to the primary forest remnants, which support most of the surviving flora, and to the older secondary forest. Non-forest areas within the reserves should be reforested.