Horseshoe Crab Article in Lianhe Zaobao and vodcast

The following links are the print articles, published on 16 Nov.,and vodcast, screened on 15 Nov., by the reporter from Lianhe Zaobao, Lu Caixia, of Horseshoe Crab project on 27 Oct. '07.

http://www.zaobao.com/sp/sp071116_523.html

http://www.zaobao.com/sp/sp071116_524.html

http://www.omy.sg/news/hotnews/200711/20071115_012_horseshoecrab.html

Nature Society (Singapore) Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research. Saturday 24 Nov. '07.

Over the past year and a half, the Conservation Volunteers (CV) have been conducting quarterly visits to rescue trapped Horseshoe Crab (hsc) at the Mandai mudflats. To better understand this fascinating creature and the part they play in the ecology of the mangrove habitat, we incooperated basic data collection during these visits. One of our volunteers, Ms. Lesley Cartwright-Taylor, a trained Botanist turned Pharmaceutical researcher, has been inspired to undertake a research project to study the Mangrove hsc (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) in greater detail and in a more methodical and scientific manner. She has designed a study protocol after review of published data and discussions with Marine research authorities. This has been endorsed by NSS Council and approved for financial support. The project is scheduled to last 9 months with a possibility of further extension. At present NIE trainee teachers and ISS students are committed in this research. Experienced CV and others who are keen and able to contribute and commit to this wonderful learning experience are encouraged to contact Lesley for more details at cartwrighttaylor@gmail.com. Join us at the the track extending from Kranji Loop at 2.30 pm. for favourably low tides for this R & R. Those requiring transport from Kranji MRT station at 2.15 pm, please contact Hsu Chia Chi at 93817653.

Nature Society (Singapore) Horseshoe Crab Watch 27 Oct. '07.

Please note that the Horseshoe crab Watch scheduled for Sat. 13 Oct. '07 has been postponed to Sat. 27 Oct. '07 . Meet at track extending from Kranji Road at intersection with Kranji Loop at 2.30 pm. Those who need a ride from Kranji MRT station taxi stand at 2.15 pm are requested to inform me on hp: 93817653.

I am delighted to announce that our attempts at data collection have inspired one of our members, Lesley Cartwright-Taylor, a Botanist turned Pharmacological researcher, to embark on a 9 month-long research on the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab. She has done some research and has drawn up a study protocol, which has been endorsed by the NSS council and approved for funding. A pilot project with NIE trainee teachers and ISS students was conducted at end September and the project will commence in October. She would like experienced Conservation Volunteers to be involved also. With more information and better understanding of these creatures, this research will complement and improve our rescue effort. It should also be a good learning experience.

Hope to see you at Mandai mudflats on 27 Oct. '07 for R & R---Rescue and Research!

Merry Christmas Mother Earth

Christmas is undoubtedly the most widely celebrated event in the world because of its important religious significance and its phenomenal commercial success. In Singapore, as in almost every country in the world, presents will be bought and wrapped in the hundreds of thousands and even millions. With many shopping Centres providing complimentary Christmas gift wrapping service, shoppers take advantage of this free service to gift wrap items of all sizes. The total amount of gift wrappers discarded after Christmas is horrendous and have escalated over the years. The number of trees felled and the environmental impact of this on our fragile planet is incongruous with the spirit of hope and thoughtfullness of this season.

This year, give Mother Earth a present: DON'T GIFT WRAP IT.