 WETlandsa publication of Sungei Buloh Nature Park |
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7 No 3 Dec 2000 Traditional uses of mangroves Reflections of a Rhizophora Seedling Pink-necked Green Pigeon BotanicalReveries about the common names of plants Cymbly Great rediscovery of an extinct Cymbidium at the Park Rediscovered Palm at the Park: Nibong Deborah Yeo shares her volunteer experience The value of trees by Julian Nick's encounter with Smooth Otters at the Park About the signboards at the Park Up & Coming Boardwalks and Tower Hide |
 Being
a volunteer at Sungei Buloh Nature Park certainly has its rewards—clean
air, friendly staff and waived entrance fees! During August and September
this year I was most handsomely rewarded for my time spent assisting Mr.
S.M.A. Rashid, postgraduate student of Natural Sciences (Biology) NTU, working
for his Ph.D. on the "Population ecology and management of water monitors
at Sungei Buloh". My reward was an encounter with the Smooth Otters which now seem to love Sungei Buloh so much. Let me recount the story.. It was just after 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday 22nd August. Rashid was taking his morning coffee and preparing for the day's activities. So I strolled onto the Main Bridge hoping to see, perhaps, some kingfishers or snakes or something unusual. Now normally when I see a dark shape swimming across the ponds or inlets of Sungei Buloh I would immediately assume it to be one of Rashid's scaly friends on the look out for dead things to eat. Imagine my surprise to see not one, but four shapes moving swiftly downstream from the headwaters of Sungei Buloh Besar. I attempted to conceal myself on the bridge, but the otters were well aware of my presence and seemed quite comfortable with me. To my delight I saw the entire family climb out onto the mudbank near the Visitor Centre, and then proceed to grub around in the mud looking, I assume, for crustaceans or shellfish. I was able to take a few photos before they re-entered the water, and then, fully submerged swam right under the bridge. It was quite a sight to see their effortless swimming take them quickly downstream. I gathered my camera and bag, and hastily made my way to the small boardwalk at the mouth of Sungei Buloh Besar, totally forgetting about Rashid and his lizards! From there I watched as the family caught fish, large and small; they were most adept at this—at one point all four were chewing on fish heads simultaneously. I then made my way to the platform that looks out to Pulau Buloh. There I bumped into Charles, a Park Ranger, doing his rounds. We spent some convivial moments watching the otters as they moved up past the boardwalk. Charles went about his duties, but I proceeded further, concealing myself behind a tree a short distance upstream. At this point the otters appeared full up, and were now exploring tree roots and diving into pools. As they moved past me, one of the parents could smell my presence (do I really smell that much!), but could not see me. As the parent stopped to investigate, I was able to take the closest photos ever of these most treasured inhabitants of the park. So that was my reward. I shall always remember that morning; crouching in the mangroves and being treated to such a special encounter with four charming, handsome otters. |
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© Sungei Buloh Nature Park |