Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore
E-mail: peterng@nus.edu.sg / heokhui@nus.edu.sg

Peter K.L. Ng Kee Lin / Tan Heok Hui

Biography

Presentation

The Singapore situation
The ornamental aquatic industry is a multi-million dollar business in Singapore. Due to Singapore's strategic position, the trade is a global one. Much of the trade that goes through Singapore is for re-export, but an estimated 30% is for local retail. Many of the species traded are from tropical and subtropical habitats in South America, Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia, and as such some species have become established in Singapore's waterways. The fact that much of Singapore's natural habitats have been altered by urbanization is not helping. Essentially, all large water bodies are artificial and almost all rivers have been closed and converted into reservoirs. These artificial lentic impoundments are, unfortunately, ideal habitats for many non-native species, as they face little or no competition from native inhabitants. Several case studies are highlighted and discussed briefly: Red-ear Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), Motoro Stingray (Potamotrygon motoro), Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus), Green Chromide (Etroplus suratensis), Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus), Red-claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata). Most of these originate from the ornamental pet trade, but others were from aquacultural sources, e.g. Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus), Toman (Channa micropeltes). The challenges posed by these alien species to the natural cosystem, human health and welfare are discussed. To mitigate the impacts of these and other alien invasive species, strong legislative action may need to be taken in an integrated manner by various government bodies, academia and NGOs. Just as important is a concerted public outreach and education program to spread the correct message to the masses.