Winner of National Book Development Council of Singapore Award, 1994
Reviewed by Evelyn Eng-Lim (Nature Watch Vol I No 1 49)
Excerpts
The author takes us on a pictorial journey of the natural habitats in Singapore. Many of its photographs will stop
you in your tracks. I was enthralled by the one of a Copper-cheeked Frog sitting on a leaf, oblivious to the tiny mosquito on its back. Another shows the uniquely-shaped Lantern Fly with a Giant Forest Ant on its posterior end, sucking expelled sugars and other substances. Such curious symbiotic relationships are all captured in glossy prints. Well-researched descriptive text accompanies the photographs in the book, making it a boon for those who lead nature trips or give awareness talks. There are many interesting facts to draw from to impress, amuse and excite one's listeners.
The fascinating sojourn covers a diversity of habitats, ranging from the primary forest of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the threatened grasslands of Tuas and Punggol, the marshes of Poyan and Kranji, and the man-made parks in urban Singapore. Much natural beauty still exists in Singapore. The closing chapter is a plea to all Singaporeans to protect and conserve what little we have before it is too late! The book's 132 pages showcase 220 dazzling photographs of Singapore's flora and fauna. About half of these photographs were painstakingly selected from the author's own treasure trove and the rest from well-known photographers in the Nature Society (Singapore). Their love of nature speaks eloquently through their photography.
Ours To Protect is not only for the wildlife enthusiast but also for the uninitiated, who will find himself naturally drawn to the amazing colours and intricacies of Nature. Every Singaporean should have a copy of this book.
Book is currently out of print
Published by Nature Society (Singapore)