The Butterfly and Insect Group is a Special Interest Group (SIG) of Nature Society Singapore.
Singapore is home to 300+ butterfly species. These species face several threats like forest loss, pollution and pesticide use, and many species are threatened to extinction.
The decline of butterfly species has a significant impact on the reproduction of trees and shrubs. As part of nature’s food chain, their absence not only affects wildlife but also poses risks to the overall health of our environment. To protect these species, our Butterfly & Insect Group (BIG) strives to promote understanding and appreciation of butterflies.
We organise events where we explore the beauty of these delicate creates and document their presence in Singapore and the surrounding regions. Look out for our upcoming events!
The Butterfly Trail at Orchard is a strategic partnership project between National Parks Board
(NParks), Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and the organizers, Nature Society (Singapore) (NSS)
Initiated by NSS, The Butterfly Trail at Orchard is being created as a sustainable ecological initiative for Singapore. This community-led project aims to illustrate Singapore’s focus on urban biodiversity: to ensure we have a balance of cityscape and nature and to protect this as part of the lifestyle for future generations. The trail also aims to serve as a local citizen science program to improve our knowledge of ecology. As an anchor for nature education through butterfly walks and as a stimulus to interest residents and visitors alike in horticulture, nature and the environment, the Trail will add to the existing attractions of Orchard area. The 4km Butterfly Trail route will start from Singapore Botanic Gardens, wander through the Orchard Corridor, through the grounds of SMU and conclude at Fort Canning Park. NSS and NParks experts are hoping to attract some 50 species of butterflies to the Trail.
About twenty species of butterflies which include the Chocolate Pansy, Leopard, Plain Tiger, Short Banded Sailor, and the rare Green Baron were spotted recently during two baseline NSS surveys of the trail route. Regular monitoring of sites over time will help evaluate the effect of planting different host plants and nectar plants and will allow for modifications where necessary.
Most visitors to Singapore are unaware of just how gorgeous and varied nature is along Orchard Road. An encounter with a delicate butterfly, a beautiful tropical blossom, colourful birds or even a phalanx of voracious caterpillars feeding on their preferred food plant can make a visit to Orchard Road more than just memorable, but magical. We hope that this Trail will ensure that more such encounters with Nature’s magic will be possible for visitors to Singapore and for residents for years and years to come.
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A Participant's Perspective
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