Biodiversity for beginners

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is a word you might hear often, but what does it really mean? Biodiversity is short for “biological diversity”. It refers to the incredible range of living things and their natural environments. This includes not only the species you see in parks and gardens, but also those hidden in rainforests, wetlands, and even our urban spaces.

Why is biodiversity important?

Biodiversity is essential to life as we know it. Every species, no matter how big or small, plays a role in keeping our natural world healthy and balanced. For example, bees pollinate flowers, helping plants grow and produce food, while birds and insects control pests. These natural processes are called “ecosystem services,” and they benefit us in many ways.

Ecosystem services are critical functions provided by biodiverse, well-functioning ecosystems. These include processes such as water purification, air quality regulation, soil fertility, pollination of crops, and climate moderation. For example, wetlands filter pollutants from water, forests absorb carbon dioxide and help regulate temperature, and diverse plant and animal communities support agricultural productivity.

Biodiversity enhances the resilience and stability of ecosystems, ensuring they can continue delivering these essential services even in the face of environmental changes or disturbances.

Understanding the biodiversity of Singapore

In Singapore, a small but vibrant island nation, our biodiversity is surprisingly rich as we are located within a biodiversity hotspot!

Despite our urban landscape, Singapore is home to thousands of different species, ranging from colourful birds and butterflies to corals and marine invertebrates that fill our oceans.

Our City in Nature is home to over 1,814 native vascular plants, 68 terrestrial mammals, 429 birds, 367 butterflies, 126 dragonflies and damselflies, 36 freshwater fish, 108 reptiles, 275 hard corals and 12 seagrasses!

How can we help to conserve biodiversity?

Protecting biodiversity starts with small steps. We can start by appreciating, contributing and engaging with Biodiversity!

Appreciate

Learn how to observe the natural world around you. Appreciating it is the first step in connecting with nature!

By exploring our parks, nature reserves, and even urban green spaces, you can discover the unique plants and animals that call our city home. When you learn more about local species, you become aware of their roles in our ecosystem and the challenges they face.

For example, you can...

• Go for nature rambles and guided walks

• Read widely, whether websites or books

• Attend talks and workshops

• Observe wildlife responsibly by keeping a respectful distance

• Allow animals to forage naturally by not feeding wildlife

Contribute

Take on a more active approach in biodiversity conservation whether by adopting more environmentally friendly habits, or contributing to local knowledge by helping out in citizen science initiatives.

For example, you can...

• Join in citizen science initiatives to help monitor biodiversity

• Volunteer for habitat rehabilitation, enhancement or mitigation efforts e.g. planting trees for reforestation efforts

Engage

Ready to share about our biodiversity and conservation? Organise outreach activities to inspire others!

For example, you can...

• Organise a Nature Day for your community or peers

• Become a volunteer Nature Guide

Take the next step in your biodiversity adventure!

Deepen your knowledge on biodiversity through these species checklists and databases, guides and publications and learning resources.

Species checklists and databases

Learn more about species checklists and databases in Singapore and why they are important in monitoring our unique biodiversity.

Biodiversity resource library

Whether you are a educator or learner, there is something here to spark curiosity and build knowledge about Singapore's incredible biodiversity.