Discover Sustainability: Connecting with Nature

Connecting with Nature

New!* Protecting Birds in Singapore New!* Sea Turtle Rescue

Animal Conservation Series:
Protecting Birds in Singapore

Suitable for 4 to 6 years old

From the ever-present Mynah to the colourful Kingfisher, birds are a common sight in this garden city we call home. But did you know they do a lot more for the environment than just adding life and colour to our surroundings? Find out more about the role birds play in our ecosystem, the dangers they face, and how we can do our part to keep them safe.

LET'S LEARN!

Name the different parts of a bird.
Point in the picture the different parts of the bird based on the words below.


Why are Birds Important?

Birds have a big role in the ecosystem.

  • They help to pollinate plants when they eat nectar from flowers. This allows plants to bear fruits.
  • When birds eat fruits, they help to spread seeds through their droppings.
  • They also help to manage pests as some birds eat insects.

LET'S THINK!

Dangers in the City

Here are some dangers that are affecting the bird population and behaviour in the wild.

How can we help?
A little help goes a long way. Here are some ways we can help protect the birds.

LET'S PLAY!

Birdwatching

Where to Birdwatch?
You can spot the common birds in your neighbourhood but if you’d like to see other types of birds, you can visit these places.

  • Punggol Waterway Park
  • Kranji Marshes
  • Southern Ridges
  • Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Guidelines
Remember that you are visiting these birds in their homes.

When birdwatching,

  1. Watch the birds quietly.
  2. Stand at a distance.
  3. Feeding is disallowed.
  4. Leave nature as it is.
Did You Know?

You can join the Garden Bird Watch, a biannual event organised by NParks.

LET'S CRAFT!

DIY Binoculars

  • Step 1:
    Attach the toilet paper rolls with glue or tape
  • Step 2:
    Wrap the toilet paper rolls together with a piece of recycling paper
  • Step 3:
    Decorate your binoculars with decorative materials such as recycled coloured paper or coloured pencils
  • Step 4:
    Punch holes on the sides of the binoculars and attach the twine

    • LET'S READ!

    A Garden to Save the Birds
    Author: Wendy McClure & Beatriz Mayumi (Illustrator)
    Publisher: Chicago, Illinois : Albert Whitman & Company, 2021

    Counting Birds: The Idea That Helped Save Our Feathered Friends (Young Naturalist)
    Author: Heidi E.Y. Stemple & Clover Robin (Illustrator)
    Publisher: Lake Forest, CA : Seagrass Press, 2018.

    The Lost Little Bird
    Author: David McPhail
    Publisher: New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2021.

    All book covers are copyright of the respective publishing companies.

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    Animal Conservation Series:
    Sea Turtle Rescue

    Suitable for 4 to 6 years old

    As an island nation, Singapore has to be extra conscious about the creatures who call the oceans their home.

    Sea turtles may look tough with their strong shells, but in reality they face many dangers from humans and the environment.

    Discover some simple steps that we can take to keep our sea friends safe and learn how you can make your very own (paper plate) sea turtle!

    LET'S SING!

    I'm a Little Turtle

    LET'S LEARN!

    Where do Sea Turtles live?

    • In the desert
    • In the sea
    • In the forest

    Answer:
    In the sea

    Which body part below belongs to a Sea Turtle?

    • Legs
    • Tentacles
    • Flippers

    Answer:
    Flippers

    What is the extinction risk of Sea Turtles?

    • Endangered
    • Extinct
    • Neither, there are plenty of sea turtles!

    Answer:
    Endangered

    More about Sea Turtles
    Why are Sea Turtles important?

    Sea Turtles help to maintain healthy marine ecosystems - that includes seagrass, corals, shrimp, lobster and tuna.

    Sea Turtles contribute to culture and tourism when people travel to learn more about different places and marine life.

    Dangers to Sea Turtles

    Overharvesting
    Sea Turtles and their eggs are harvested for food and medicine. Some people sell parts of turtles for money.

    Pollution
    Trash in the sea and on beaches might trap turtles, or they might mistake plastic for food and choke on them.

    Bycatch
    Turtles get caught in fishing nets when they surface to breathe.

    Habitat Loss
    Sea Turtles lose their homes when humans use the sea and beaches for their own activities. Climate change also affects Sea Turtles' lives.

    How Can We Help?

    Use Less Plastic
    Use reusable bags, straws and bottles. Recycle plastic where possible.

    Hang on to Helium Balloons
    Helium balloons harm Sea Turtles when they fall and cause pollution.

    Buy Eco-Friendly Products
    Buy environmentally-friendly products and help to protect the home of Sea Turtles!

    LET'S CREATE!

    Paper Plate Sea Turtle

    Materials required:

    1. Paper plate
    2. Green acrylic paint
    3. Green paper
    4. Colour pencils/markers
    5. Scissors and glue
    6. Turtle template (to print)

    • Use acrylic paint to paint the bottom side of a paper plate green.
    • Print and colour the template (above) then cut out the parts of the Turtle, along with the shaded flaps.
    • Glue the shaded side of the flaps to the unpainted side of the plate to form your turtle.
    • Cut out rounded squares from construction or origami paper.
    • Glue them onto the painted side of the plate to decorate the shell.

    LET'S READ!

    Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling's Journey
    Author: Stephen R. Swinburne
    Publisher: Minneapolis : Millbrook Press, [2020]

    Grace the Green Sea Turtle (Reptile Adventures)
    Author: Rebecca Johnson
    Publisher: New York : Windmill Books, an imprint of Rosen Publishing, 2018.

    On Kiki's Reef
    Author: Carol L. Malnor & Trina L. Hunner (Illustrator)
    Publisher: Nevada City, CA : Dawn Publications, [2014]

    All book covers are copyright of the respective publishing companies.

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