Although no decision has been made yet about the construction of the Cross Island Line, many residents have been voicing their concerns about the potential impact the project may have on the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Here are some of its native inhabitants we fear might be affected by the Cross Island Line soil investigation works.
1) Lesser mousedeer (Tragulus kanchil)
This tiny guy – it can weigh as little as 2 kilograms – inspired the Malay folk tale of Sang Kancil, a shrewd critter that gets by with its guile.
Photo: Stefan Maurer
2) Harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
More common in aquarium shops than in the wild, this fish can still be found swimming in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Photo: David Haring
3) Greater slow loris (Nysticebus coucang)
Classified as ‘vulnerable’, this primate has seen its population plummet due to the illegal pet trade and habitat destruction.
Photo: Piekfrosch
4) Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica)
As one of the most heavily poached animals in the world, this species of pangolin is currently considered to be ‘critically endangered.’
Photo: Bernard DUPONT
5) Blue-rumped parrot (Psittinus cyanurus)
This diminutive, stealthy bird prefers walking – rather than flying – to gnaw at one of its favourite foods: starfruit
To find out more about the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, you can check out Love Our MacRitchie Forests, which will be conducting guided nature trails from April onwards.