Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has been use as a storehouse of water. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and a few other nature reserves bounded 4 reservoirs - namely MacRitchie Reservoir, Lower Peirce Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir. When it is raining, rainwater seeps into the ground and is then channelled to nearby reservoirs. In this way, the nature reserves act as water catchment for the reservoirs. In addition, the nature reserves also ensure the quality of water in the reservoirs.
Besides being a nature reserve, nature trails has been built in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to allow visitors to enjoy and admire the beautiful scenery of the nature reserve. There are four trails to discover and the difficulty of these trails ranges. There is also a mountain bike trail for those who wants to get around on wheels.
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has also undergoes urban development. An ugly communications building dominates the summit and recent, thoughtless condominium development at the park's boundary has meant an increase in recreational visitors.
Impacts of the way we use Bukit Timah on the biodiversity living there:
With the recent urban development, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve experience several problems. One of them is soil erosion. With more condominiums being build, trees are being cleared to give way for these developments. As there are no more roots to bind the soil together, soil are being washed away by rain. This also causes animals' habitats to be destroyed forcing them to move into new territories.
Nature trails that are built also affects the surrounding environment. In the process of building them, trees have to be cleared. This causes soil erosion as there is no more roots present to hold the soil together. Serious erosion along some of the forest trails has been reported.
When trees are being cleared to allow the construction of buildings and trails, it reduces biomass as the amount of leaf litter being produced decreases. This causes the soil to become infertile and this affects the nutrient cycle. With lesser number of trees present herbivores will find it difficult to find food and shelter. The well being of carnivores which depends on the herbivores as their primary food supply is also threatened.
Do you think we are treating the Nature Reserve in an appropriate manner? How do you think the nature reserve should be used?
I think we are treating the Nature Reserve in an inappropriate manner. Even though we called it a nature reserves buildings etc are being build near it or in it. Nature reserves should be protected. I think we should use the nature reserve as a water catchment area as well as a place for activities such as ecotourism to be carried out. Ecotourism activities should be carried with minimum clearing of the forests. Activities such as kayaking can be introduced. Through ecotourism activities, the government can generate income while protecting the forest. This method is called sustainable management. The government should also limit the area it uses for human activities. This allow the remaining area of the forest to regenerate.
Despite the negative effects of recent urban development in the area, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve still stands as a microcosm of this amazing diversity. However, we still must protect it. This is one of the few primary forest left in Singapore. Thus we have to protect it before its too late.
Good morning, thanks for sharing. I would love to know how this work has held up/worked over time. Can you please send me any info you can and/or i can call to discuss. thanks.
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